Taekwondo Washington

Owing to its rather more physical aspects, Taekwondo is possibly more appropriate for the younger generation in Washington and is particularly suitable for children as it is wonderful for developing self-discipline and respect for other people. More elderly individuals may find it a bit too strenuous unless they're particularly fit and active. However, those folks who take up Taekwondo in Washington from a young age will discover they can easily continue with it into older adulthood. The less agile of you could consider participating in something gentler like Tai Chi.

Based mostly around kicking manoeuvres like head kicks, rapid kicking strategies and spinning/jumping kicks, Taekwondo was formulated from the techniques of different martial arts, by a number of Seoul martial arts experts in new schools known as "Kwans" in the 1940's and 1950's. These "Kwans" had the names Songmu Kwan, Mooduk Kwan, Chungdo Kwan, Jido Kwan and Changmu Kwan.

Now an Olympic sport, Taekwondo has over 60 million followers worldwide, and although you might not aspire to be an Olympic Games sportsman, you can still register for a Taekwondo class or club to learn what will no doubt turn out to be a fascinating and advantageous activity.

Of all the numerous benefits of learning this sport, it is the self-defence element of Taekwondo that the people of Washington find most interesting. This is not surprising when you take into account the rising levels of violence seen in city and town centres nowadays. The ability to defend yourself and at the same time respecting others and exercising self-restraint is one of the key principles of Taekwondo.

While it will give you peace of mind being aware that you have such self-defence skills in your locker, the odds are you will never need to test them outside of an actual Taekwondo class.

Your First Washington Taekwondo Class

If you elect to register for Taekwondo training in Washington, the very first thing you will need to know is what will happen on the very first class and just what will the instructor expect to see from you. Different Taekwondo masters in Washington will devise differing routines for this first introductory lesson but you can anticipate performing a 15-20 minute warm-up to get the blood circulating and loosen your muscles, learn some simple forms (Poomse), go through some technical training (hand attacks, blocking techniques, stances and kicks), do a certain amount of sparring, and finally, a warm-down.

Taekwondo also of course has got its own regulating body, and in the UK it is British Taekwondo. Everybody wishing to join a Taekwondo club in Washington have to become members of this organisation. By visiting British Taekwondo's official website you can read details about referees and coaching, news, beginning a new club, events, equality and safeguarding, coaching courses, first aid, health and safety, members and clubs, and a lot more Taekwondo related facts.

Some Taekwondo Kicks

One of the main elements of Taekwondo is kicking, listed here is a selection of the essential kicks: Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi). Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", that are used to defend against the different attacks, are known as Makgi. They are held in various positions and enlist the hands with areas of the arm. Each kind of attack calls for a specific kind of block, counter-attacks can be created by combining a block with another punch or kick. The primary Taekwondo blocks (makgi) include: Upper Block, Rising Block, Knife Hand Block, Single Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Low Block, Double Forearm Block, Nine Block and Palm Block.

Taekwondo Forms (Patterns)

Taekwondo forms (also referred to as patterns or Poomse) are characterized by particular aspects such as technique, stance and direction. From the beginning you'll be taught some of the standard forms, and in order to progress through the levels (belts) you will need to learn some more advanced ones.

Taekwondo Tournaments

Competitions and tournaments are a significant part of the overall Taekwondo legacy, and all of the various styles around the world hold tournaments and competitions where Taekwondo exponents band together to compete. Hard contact is hardly ever permitted in any of these competitive events which mostly comprise breaking, patterns (forms) and sparring. Sparring only is permitted in Olympic and World Taekwondo (WT) tournaments, whilst some hand attacks are tolerated in ITF events.