Taekwondo Brighouse

Taekwondo is quite physically demanding, which means it may be considered more suitable for the younger rather than the older generation in Brighouse. Its teachings of self-discipline and respect for others make it particularly good for children. It could prove too taxing for some older adults, but shouldn't be a problem for those who are already fit and active. Quite a few of the older adults who do Taekwondo in Brighouse, started when they were younger. The less agile of you might find that Tai Chi which is a bit softer is more suitable.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently developed of the martial arts, with its beginnings in Korea in 1945. A group of Korean martial arts enthusiasts in Seoul founded some exciting new schools called "kwans", where they practiced a blend of martial arts techniques. Kicking manoeuvres, especially head-height kicks, rapid kicking methods and spinning/jumping kicks are the primary focus of Taekwondo, as it later became known. Today Brighouse Taekwondo classes abide by this tradition.

Since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been a competitive Olympic sport. This has added to its popularity worldwide with some 60 million people or more regularly attending classes. And it's by enrolling in a Taekwondo club or class that you can begin your adventure of mastering this exciting martial art.

In these days of increasing violence, it is little surprise that individuals in locations like Brighouse are signing up for self-defence techniques such as Taekwondo to help them to feel safer in their everyday life. The self-defence aspect is one of the key factors of Taekwondo but it also teaches self-restraint and a deep respect for those around us, which are traits that are frequently missing in 21st century living.

With a bit of luck you will not ever need to use your newly acquired Taekwondo techniques for defending yourself outside of your local club environment, but it is nice to know they're there if you need them.

Your First Brighouse Taekwondo Lesson

If Taekwondo isn't an activity that you have ever tried before, you will likely be curious about what to expect from your initial class if you decide to sign up. Different Taekwondo schools in Brighouse have different thoughts on this but roughly; you'll take part in a 15-20 minute warm-up, you'll do a certain amount of technical training, you will learn some patterns (forms), you'll practice sparring techniques and last but not least you will do a warm-down to get your body back into a state of relaxation.

British Taekwondo is the governing body of the sport within the UK, and membership of this organization is compulsory if you wish to join any Taekwondo club in Brighouse or nearby. You can learn about events, news, first aid, beginning a new Taekwondo club, members and clubs, referees and coaching, safe practices, coaching courses, safeguarding and equality, and more on British Taekwondo's official website, and find out the latest news on their Twitter or Facebook page.

Taekwondo Kicks

One of the principal components of Taekwondo is kicking, here is a handful of the basic kicking moves: Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi). Blocks: To stop and avert an inbound Taekwondo attack, "blocks" (known as Makgi) are employed. They're held in various positions and employ the hand with sections of the arm. Certain attacks necessitate particular blocks, but blocks can also be transformed into counter-attacks by combining reciprocal punches or kicks. The principal blocks (makgi) include: Double Forearm Block, Palm Block, Rising Block, Knife Hand Block, Low Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Upper Block, Single Forearm Block and Nine Block.

Taekwondo Patterns (Forms)

Forms are a key element of Taekwondo and are important if you are going to excel at this intriguing sport. Several basic "forms" must be learned at the start and more advanced forms must be perfected so as to progress through the various belts. A Taekwondo form is distinguished by a number of factors such as technique, direction and stance.

Tournaments

There are a whole host of contests in Taekwondo associated with all the various styles. They largely consist of patterns (forms), breaking and sparring with very little "hard contact". ITF tournaments do not permit too much contact but sometimes permit hand attacks aimed at the head. WT and Olympic competitions only allow sparring. Multi-style contests are also held.

Brighouse Taekwondo for Beginners

Even the top exponents of Taekwondo in Brighouse had to start as rookies, therefore it is no shame to be a complete beginner at Tae kwon do, or any other activity for that matter. The aim of a Taekwondo beginners class is to provide a few basics, improve confidence and build a solid base moving forward. Most importantly of all is that it should be fun, students having fun will learn faster and be better engaged.

Taekwondo Safety Gear

British Taekwondo competitions require certain safety gear to be worn to safeguard contenders from being injured due to the powerful kicking that transpires. This safety equipment includes: hand guards, a gum shield, a red/blue head guard, a groin guard, forearm guards, shin guards and blue or red trunk armour (hogu).