Taekwondo Billingham

While people of all ages in Billingham can obviously participate in Taekwondo, it is especially suited to the younger generation because it can be fairly physically demanding, children can especially benefit from its teachings of self-discipline and the respect of others. Seniors trying Taekwondo for the first time often find it too tough, unless they've kept themselves active. Continuing their Taekwondo adventure through into older adulthood should not however be a problem for those who start when they're younger. Something a bit softer like Tai Chi might be more suitable for the less nimble of you.

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

Popular all over the world Taekwondo now has over 60 million practitioners. If you want to get involved in this activity, which is now an Olympic sport, joining a Taekwondo club or class in Billingham is a good place to start. While you may not aspire to Olympic competition, there is no reason why you cannot become a master of this exciting martial art and have some fun along the way.

The thing about Taekwondo that seems to most appeal to people in Billingham is the self-defence aspect of it. This is not surprising when you consider the rising levels of violence seen in town and city centres these days. Being able to defend yourself is a key factor of Taekwondo, but this is tempered by learning self-restraint and a respect for others.

Whilst it will give you peace of mind being aware that you have those self-defence skills tucked away inside you, the likelihood is that you will never be required to use them outside of an organized Taekwondo class.

Your First Class

If Taekwondo is not an activity that you've ever had a go at before, you will probably be wondering what to expect from your very first lesson should you make up your mind to join. Different Taekwondo schools in Billingham have varying ideas about this but in brief; you will take part in a fifteen to twenty minute warm-up, you will do a bit of technical training, you will learn some forms, you will practice sparring methods and lastly you will warm-down to get your body back into a relaxed state again.

Taekwondo also of course has its own regulating body, and in the United Kingdom it is British Taekwondo. Anybody wishing enroll with a Taekwondo club in Billingham has to become a registered member of this organisation. You can find plenty of information on news, safe practices, safeguarding and equality, events, members and clubs, first aid, coaching courses, coaches and competition referees, establishing a new club, and more, by heading to the official British Taekwondo website.

The Benefits of Taekwondo

The benefits which may be acquired by taking part in Taekwondo sessions in Billingham are numerous, amongst the most advantageous are: Enhance feelings of self-esteem by maximizing your physical and mental powers, Turbocharge stamina, agility and flexibility by means of strenuous cardiovascular effort, Empower your body and mind by enhanced physical coordination and mental discipline, Lessen anxiety and stress with controlled breathing, Develop discipline and willpower by exhaustively schooling your body and mind in the concepts and tactics of Taekwondo, Build up confidence by helping you to succeed and to take control of your life, Teach you self-defence by showing you how to recognise situations in which self-defence may be needed, and enabling you to turn these scenarios in your favour.

The Taekwondo Kicks

One of the main features of Taekwondo is kicking, listed here is a selection of the most widely used kicks: Roundhouse Kick, Front Kick, Crescent Kick, Axe Kick, Push Kick, Back Kick, Side Kick, Whip or Hook Kick. Taekwondo Blocks: To defend against and stop an inbound Taekwondo attack, blocks (known as Makgi) are employed. Employing the hands and different sections of the arm, they are held in diverse positions. Specific attacks necessitate particular blocks, but "blocks" can also be turned into counter-attacks by the combination of retaliatory punches or kicks. The primary "blocks" include: Nine Block, Low Block, Single Forearm Block, Palm Block, Upper Block, Double Forearm Block, Rising Block, Knife Hand Block and Double Knife Hand Block.

Taekwondo Tournaments and Competitions

Tournaments are a significant aspect of the Taekwondo experience, and all of the diverse styles all over the world stage tournaments where Taekwondo exponents band together to battle it out. Hard contact is hardly ever allowed in any of these contests which mostly comprise breaking, patterns (forms) and sparring. Sparring only is permitted in Olympic and World Taekwondo tournaments, while certain hand attacks are permitted in ITF events.

Taekwondo Beginners Classes

Learners starting out on their Taekwondo experience in Billingham will first of all sign up for a beginners class. Beginners classes are fabulous, since there are no stringent demands and things are done at a casual, slow pace. Having fun whilst learning is the key intention at the start and trainees who are enjoying themselves have a tendency to learn a lot faster and digest more of what they are being told. Even Taekwondo masters started off as clueless novices, so take that initial step and who knows where you will wind up!

Safety Equipment

In all events, competitions and matches being staged under the supervision of British Taekwondo, safety gear like hand protectors, a blue/red head protector, a groin protector, a red or blue body protector (hogu), shin guards, a gum shield and forearm protectors is obligatory. The kicking movements used in Taekwondo may cause serious injuries and these measures help to make this sport safer for its competitors.

Final Thoughts

What you get from Taekwondo will be proportional to what you invest in it (as is the case with life in general). Many of you will merely want to meet different people, make new friends and improve your fitness, some might want to move on to tournaments and competitions or maybe even the Olympic Games. But remember, we cannot all end up being a Jade Jones or a Lutalo Muhammad. 👊