Taekwondo Barnstaple

As Taekwondo has fairly high physical requirements, it's perhaps more suited to the younger generation in Barnstaple. That is not to say that the older generation can't take part in this activity, but just that there could be other martial arts that are more suitable for the less nimble among us. Tai Chi would be a perfect illustration.

Taekwondo is a martial art that mostly comprises high-kicking moves and manoeuvres, in particular turning/jumping kicks, head-height kicks and fast kicking strategies. It began in Seoul, in southern Korea in the 1940's, when a group of martial arts specialists established schools called "kwans", which blended various martial arts techniques.

With over 60 million people taking part in Taekwondo sessions all around the globe, this has certainly become a popular and worthwhile activity, and if you become really good at this sport you might even one day be eligible for the Olympic Games, of which it's been an integral part ever since the 2000 Sydney Games.

For many people in Barnstaple, it's the self-defence element of Taekwondo that holds the most appeal. And in these days of ever increasing violence, especially in city and town centres, it really is no surprise that this features high on people's priority lists. It is a primary element of Taekwondo that you are able to become more confident in your ability to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect others and practice self-restraint.

Your eagerly mastered Taekwondo skills will more than likely never need to be proven outside the regulated setting of an organized Taekwondo class, however knowing that you've got them will instill you with self-confidence.

Your First Barnstaple Taekwondo Class

If you have never tried Taekwondo before, you may be a little concerned as to what can be expected on your first lesson. This may vary from school to school but will typically comprise some or all of the following. A 15-20 minute warm up to loosen muscles and increase heart rate, a little technical training involving learning some blocks, stances, hand attacks and kicks, studying a few forms, an introduction to sparring which will include movement, attack timing and timing, and lastly a warm down to relax and stretch weary muscles.

The United Kingdom regulating body of the sport is British Taekwondo and if you want to join a Taekwondo club in Barnstaple, you'll also be required to register with this organization. By going to the official British Taekwondo website you'll be able to obtain details on safe practices, first aid, clubs and members, events, launching a new Taekwondo club, coaching courses, coaches and referees, safeguarding and equality, news, and a lot more Taekwondo related facts.

The Taekwondo Kicks

There are a number of different kicking movements which are used when practicing Taekwondo. The following are a selection of the best known: Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", which are used to fend off the different attacking moves, are known as Makgi. They are held in various positions and engage the hand with different areas of the arm. Certain attacks necessitate particular blocks, but "blocks" can also be changed into counter-attacks by linking retaliatory punches or kicks. The principal blocks used in Taekwondo include: Palm Block, Nine Block, Knife Hand Block, Upper Block, Low Block, Rising Block, Double Forearm Block, Single Forearm Block and Double Knife Hand Block.

Taekwondo Patterns (Forms)

Mastering the art of Taekwondo necessitates getting to grips with many techniques and one of the pivotal elements of Taekwondo is its forms (also known as Poomse or patterns). These are types of direction, technique and stance which need to be mastered in order for students to progress through the different dans (grades/belts).

Taekwondo Belts (Ranking)

The belt and ranking structure can get a bit confusing in Taekwondo as there isn't any recognised system throughout the different Taekwondo styles. Parallels do exist though, and normally there are two separate belt groups, represented as "juniors" (colours) and "seniors" (black dans). The number of rankings in the junior group varies across the disciplines but is typically between 8 and 12 belts, whilst the senior's groupings generally has 9 belts or dans.

Safety Gear

Safety gear like red or blue body armour, hand protectors, shin protectors, a groin guard, forearm guards, a gum shield and a blue or red head guard must be worn in all matches controlled by British Taekwondo. Protection from injuries is needed due to the forceful kicking which is part and parcel of this sport.

Conclusion

We can't all be like Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, and I reckon that we don't all want to be. Taekwondo is not solely about Olympic medals and National Championships. The majority of of us are happy to make new friends, meet different people and improve our levels of fitness, and that's exactly how it should be. Yet, as with many matters in life, what you get from it will hinge on what you invest in it. Good luck and enjoy!