Taekwondo Belper

Since Taekwondo has fairly high physical requirements, it's possibly more suited to the younger generation in Belper. That isn't to say that older people can't be involved in this kind of activity, but merely that there could be alternative martial arts which are more suited to the less nimble among us. Tai Chi would be a perfect example.

Based mainly around kicking manoeuvres like jumping/spinning kicks, rapid kicking styles and head-height kicks, Taekwondo was devised from the techniques of various martial arts, by a group of Seoul martial arts specialists in new schools known as "Kwans" in the 1940's and 1950's. These "Kwans" were given the names Changmu Kwan, Chungdo Kwan, Jido Kwan, Mooduk Kwan and Songmu Kwan.

Taekwondo has become very popular in Belper and all over the world, with over 60 million participants worldwide. Becoming a member of a local Belper Taekwondo club or class is a good way to get involved in this activity which has even been a feature of the Olympic Games ever since the Sydney Games of 2000. Whilst you might not have any dreams to take part in Olympic competition, there's certainly no reason why you cannot become an expert at this thrilling martial art and have a bit of fun in the process.

In these times of ever-increasing violence, it is little surprise that individuals in areas like Belper are taking up self-defence classes such as Taekwondo to help them feel safer and more secure in their everyday life. The self-defence element is one of the key benefits of Taekwondo but it also encourages self-restraint and a respect for other individuals, which are qualities that are frequently missing in this modern age.

Such self-defence techniques may at some time prove useful in your everyday life, although it is more likely that you will only be testing them within a regulated class environment. Nevertheless it is a nice feeling knowing that you'll always be in a position to successfully defend yourself when you have to.

Your First Class

If you've booked your first lesson but haven't attempted Taekwondo before, you might be wondering what to expect. The following will give you an example, but this will vary subject to which Belper school you attend. A 15 to 20 minute warm up, some technical training such as learning some blocks, stances, kicks and hand attacks, learning some Poomse (or forms), a few tips on sparring including good timing, precise movement and the accurate targeting of attacks, and to finish off a warm down to stretch tired muscles and loosen up.

British Taekwondo is the official governing body of the sport within Great Britain, and membership of this organization is compulsory if you would like to join any Taekwondo class in Belper or nearby. By checking out the British Taekwondo website you can obtain information on events, coaches and referees, safeguarding and equality, coaching courses, news, clubs and members, first aid, starting a new Taekwondo club, health and safety, and many more Taekwondo related facts.

Benefits to be Gained From Taekwondo

You'll probably be interested to learn about precisely what type of benefits could be gained by taking part in Belper Taekwondo classes and engaging 100% in its activities. You may expect to: Teach you self-defence tactics by helping you to recognize circumstances where self-defence may be necessary, and empowering you to turn these situations to your advantage, Greater self-discipline by methodically schooling your mind and body in the principles and strategies of Taekwondo, Enhance feelings of self-esteem by intensifying both mental and physical fitness, Reduce stress using advanced breath control, Improve flexibility, stamina and agility by way of intense cardiovascular work-outs, Grow in confidence by inspiring you to take control of your life and succeed, Empower your body and mind through improved physical coordination and mental discipline.

Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is renowned for its powerful kicking manoeuvres, here are the important ones: Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To stop and defend against an inbound Taekwondo attack, "blocks" (known as Makgi) are implemented. Engaging the hand and areas of the arm, they are held in diverse positions. Every block can be coordinated with a kick or punch to create a counter-attacking manoeuvre, and each is suitable for a particular attack. The primary Taekwondo blocks (makgi) include: Single Forearm Block, Double Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Knife Hand Block, Low Block, Upper Block, Rising Block, Nine Block and Palm Block.

Taekwondo Forms

Beginners in Taekwondo don't have to worry excessively about forms (patterns, Poomse) in the early days, however they'll learn some important ones to begin with and advance to more intricate forms as they progress up the various belts (dans/grades). A "form" is denoted by specific aspects of Taekwondo including technique, direction and stance. Getting to grips with such techniques is a vital part of mastering Taekwondo.

Belper Taekwondo for Beginners

Even the very best exponents of Taekwondo in Belper had to start as rookies, therefore it's no shame to be a complete beginner at Tae kwon do, or any other activity for that matter. The aim of a Taekwondo beginner class is to teach a few basics, increase confidence and develop a firm foundation moving forward. Most importantly of all is that it needs to be fun, students having a good time are going to learn quicker and be more engaged.

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

Safety gear like forearm guards, red or blue body armour (hogu), a groin guard, hand guards, a mouth guard, a blue or red head guard and shin protectors have to be worn in all tournaments supervised by British Taekwondo. Protection from injury is vital owing to the formidable kicks which are part and parcel of this sport.