Taekwondo Banbury

As a result of its more physical attributes, Taekwondo is maybe more suitable for the younger generation in Banbury and is particularly suited to children as it is fantastic for developing respect for others and self-discipline. Older adults may find it somewhat too strenuous unless they are especially fit and active. However, those folks who take up Taekwondo in Banbury at a young age will find that they can easily carry it on into older adulthood. The less nimble of you could think about something softer like Tai Chi.

With its beginnings in 1940's Korea, Taekwondo is certainly one of the more recently formulated of the martial arts and involves mainly high-kicking moves such as rapid kicking techniques, jumping/turning kicks and head-height kicks. It began when schools known as "kwans" were founded by a group of Korean martial arts specialists in Seoul, South Korea.

With more than sixty million individuals participating in Taekwondo classes all over the world, this has unquestionably become an extremely popular and worthwhile activity, and if you become really good at this martial art you might even one day qualify for the Olympic Games, of which it's been an integral part ever since the Sydney Games in the year 2000.

A key aspect of Taekwondo is self-defence, and undoubtedly this is one of the primary reasons that people in Banbury sign up to classes and take up the sport. There's been a troubling increase in violent behaviour over the last few years and this is especially common in city and town centres around Oxfordshire and the country as a whole. The good thing about Taekwondo though, is that it also encourages self-discipline and a deep respect for other people, not such common characteristics in Banbury these days.

Although it will give you peace of mind being aware that you have such self-defence skills tucked away inside you, the chances are that you'll never need to use them outside the regulated environment of an organised Taekwondo class.

Your First Taekwondo Lesson

If you've never had a go at Taekwondo before, you could be a little apprehensive as to what should be expected on your first lesson. This can vary from club to club but will typically consist of some or all of these. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen muscles, some technical training involving learning some blocking techniques, hand attacks, stances and kicks, studying some forms, a quick introduction to sparring which will include attack timing, timing and movement, and finally a warm down to stretch and relax tired muscles.

Any individual wanting to join a Taekwondo club in Banbury must also register with British Taekwondo which is the governing body of the sport in Britain. By exploring the British Taekwondo website you will be able to find details of news, launching a new Taekwondo club, equality and safeguarding, referees and coaching, first aid, clubs and members, coaching courses, health and safety, events, and lots more Taekwondo related facts.

Taekwondo Kicks

Some of the basic Taekwondo kicks you will master initially include: Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi). Blocks: To fend off the various hand attacks and kicks there are an equally diverse array of blocks (Makgi). Held in particular positions, they use the hand and parts of the arm. Every block can be merged with a kick or punch to establish a counter-attack, and each is meant for a certain type of attack. The primary "blocks" include: Rising Block, Single Forearm Block, Upper Block, Knife Hand Block, Low Block, Nine Block, Palm Block, Double Forearm Block and Double Knife Hand Block.

Taekwondo for Beginners

Students starting out on their Taekwondo adventure in Banbury will first of all sign up for a beginners class. Beginners classes are great, since there are no stringent demands and everything is carried out at a slow, relaxed pace. Having fun whilst learning is the key aim initially and trainees who are having fun are inclined to learn a lot quicker and digest considerably more of what they are being taught. Even Taekwondo masters started out as inexperienced novices, so take that first step and you never know where you will wind up!