Taekwondo Belfast

Taekwondo can be quite physically demanding, which means it may be considered more suitable for the younger rather than the older generation in Belfast. Its teachings of self-discipline and respect for others make it especially good for children. It could prove too taxing for some older adults, but shouldn't be an issue for those who are already fit and active. People in Belfast who take up Taekwondo when they may be young find it simple to continue when they get older. If you consider yourself among the less agile, you could always try something like Tai Chi which is much softer.

Based primarily around high-kicking manoeuvres and moves like rapid kicking techniques, head kicks and spinning/jumping kicks, Taekwondo was created from the practices of various martial arts, by a number of Seoul martial arts experts in new schools called "Kwans" during the nineteen forties and fifties. These "Kwans" were given the names Songmu Kwan, Jido Kwan, Mooduk Kwan, Chungdo Kwan and Changmu Kwan.

Now an Olympic sport, Taekwondo has more than sixty million enthusiasts all over the world, and although you might not aspire to be an Olympic Games medalist, you can still register for a Taekwondo class or club to master what will undoubtedly turn out to be a worthwhile and interesting pastime.

A key aspect of Taekwondo is self-defence, and of course this is one of the primary reasons that people in Belfast sign up to classes and take up the sport. There's been a disconcerting escalation of violent conduct in recent years and this is particularly rife in town and city centres around Northern Ireland and Britain as a whole. The beauty of Taekwondo though, is that it also teaches self-discipline and respect for other people, not such common characteristics in Belfast these days.

There is a very good chance that your eagerly learned Taekwondo skills will never see the light of day in the outside world, but it will unquestionably give you a secure feeling knowing that they're there should you ever be in need of them.

Your First Taekwondo Lesson

If you come to a decision to register for Taekwondo training in Belfast, the very first thing you will be wondering is what will transpire on the initial lesson and what exactly will the instructor be expecting of you. Different Taekwondo masters in Belfast will develop differing routines for this initial lesson but you can expect to do a 20 minute warm-up to loosen your muscles and get the blood coursing, learn a couple of forms (Poomse), cover some practical training (stances, kicks, blocks and hand attacks), do a small amount of sparring, and lastly, a warm-down.

Any individual who joins a Taekwondo class in Belfast has to also register with British Taekwondo which is the regulating body of the sport in the British Isles. You will be able to read about launching a new Taekwondo club, coaching courses, referees and coaching, first aid, safeguarding and equality, clubs and members, news, events, safe practices, and more on British Taekwondo's website, or get the latest news reports on their Facebook or Twitter page.

Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is perhaps best known for its acrobatic kicking, here are a handful of the basic kicks you'll learn as a novice: Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi). Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", which are used to repulse the different attacking moves, are known as Makgi. Engaging the hands and areas of the arm, they're held in various positions. Each form of attack calls for a particular kind of block, counter-attacks can be created by integrating a block with another kick or punch. The principal Taekwondo "blocks" (makgi) include: Rising Block, Knife Hand Block, Upper Block, Palm Block, Single Forearm Block, Double Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Low Block and Nine Block.

Taekwondo Forms (Poomse)

Perfecting Taekwondo necessitates getting to grips with many techniques and one of the pivotal parts of Taekwondo is its forms (also called Poomse or patterns). These are sequences of stance, direction and technique which must be memorized in order for students to move through the various dans (belts/grades).

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

Matches controlled by British Taekwondo rules require various pieces of protective equipment to be worn, these include: forearm protectors, a gum shield, shin pads, a blue or red trunk guard (hogu), a red/blue head guard, a groin guard and hand protectors. This is crucial because of the powerful kicking attacks being practiced.