Taekwondo Braintree

Taekwondo is an ideal sport for children in Braintree, because it encourages self-discipline and a respect for others. Its more physical elements make it more appropriate for younger people. It can sometimes be too tough for older adults unless they are exceptionally active and fit. Quite a lot of the older adults who do Taekwondo in Braintree, started when they were younger. If you consider yourself among the less agile, you could try something like Tai Chi which is much less demanding.

Based primarily around high-kicking moves and manoeuvres like fast kicking methods, head kicks and turning/jumping kicks, Taekwondo was developed from the practices of different martial arts, by a number of Seoul martial arts specialists in new schools known as "Kwans" during the 1940's and 1950's. These "Kwans" were given the names Jido Kwan, Songmu Kwan, Chungdo Kwan, Changmu Kwan and Mooduk Kwan.

Since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport. This has made it even more popular throughout the world with some 60 million people or more actively participating in classes. And it is by enrolling in a Taekwondo club or class that you can start your journey of mastering this exciting art.

For many folks in Braintree, it is the self-defence element of Taekwondo which has the most appeal. And in these times of increased violence, particularly in town and city centres, it really is no surprise that this features high on people's priority lists. It is a key element of Taekwondo that you're able to gain more confidence in your ability to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect other people and practice self-restraint.

Such self-defence techniques may sooner or later prove useful in your everyday life, although it's much more likely that you will solely be putting them to the test within a regulated class setting. However it is a nice feeling knowing that you will always be able to successfully defend yourself when you have to.

Your First Braintree Taekwondo Class

If you've never tried Taekwondo previously, you may be a little anxious as to what can be expected on your first class. This will vary from school to school but will generally involve some or all of the following. A 15-20 minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen muscles, a little technical training including learning some hand attacks, kicks, stances and blocking techniques, learning some Poomse (forms), an introduction to sparring which will include timing, movement and attack timing, and finally a warm down to stretch and relax weary muscles.

Anyone who joins a Taekwondo club in Braintree must also register with British Taekwondo which is the regulating body of the sport in Britain. By checking out British Taekwondo's website you can discover details about first aid, news, coaching courses, coaches and referees, safeguarding and equality, health and safety, launching a new club, clubs and members, events, and many more Taekwondo related issues.

The 8 Basic Taekwondo Kicks

One of the main features of Taekwondo is kicking, here is a selection of the essential kicks: Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", that are used to repulse the various attacking movements, are known as Makgi. Using the hands and sections of the arm, they are held in specific positions. Certain attacks require particular blocks, but blocks can also be transformed into counter-attacking manoeuvres by combining reciprocal punches or kicks. The most used Taekwondo "blocks" (makgi) include: Palm Block, Low Block, Upper Block, Double Forearm Block, Knife Hand Block, Single Forearm Block, Rising Block, Nine Block and Double Knife Hand Block.

Taekwondo Forms (Patterns)

Taekwondo forms (also called Poomse or patterns) are characterized by certain aspects such as stance, technique and direction. From the beginning of your Taekwondo experience you'll learn some of the important forms, and in order to progress through the grades (belts) you will have to master some more advanced ones.

Tournaments

Taekwondo competitions are held internationally in all of the different styles. There's generally not a whole lot of hard contact but sparring, breaking and patterns (forms). Olympic and World Taekwondo (WT) contests comprise only sparring, in ITF contests specific hand attacks are permitted to the head. Various other bodies hold multi-discipline events.

Taekwondo Safety Gear

Competitions regulated by British Taekwondo guidelines require various items of protective gear to be worn, these include things like: hand guards, a gum shield, a groin guard, forearm protectors, a red/blue trunk guard (hogu), shin pads and a red/blue head guard. This is a must due to the forceful kicking movements being practiced.