Taekwondo Burtonwood

While in no way intending to be ageist, Taekwondo can be fairly physical and is generally more suited to younger people in Burtonwood, it's especially good for children who will become self-disciplined and respecting of others. It can sometimes be too tough for older adults except when they are exceptionally active and fit. Quite a few of the older adults who do Taekwondo in Burtonwood, started their adventure when they were younger. If you consider yourself among the less nimble, you could try something like Tai Chi which is much softer.

Taekwondo is a martial art that primarily comprises high-kicking manoeuvres and moves, in particular fast kicking techniques, turning/jumping kicks and head kicks. It began in Seoul, in southern Korea during the 1940's, when a group of martial arts enthusiasts established schools called "kwans", which mixed together a variety of martial arts techniques.

Taekwondo has grown to become really popular in Burtonwood and around the globe, with more than sixty million participants worldwide. Signing up for a local Burtonwood Taekwondo club or class is a good way to get involved with this sporting activity which has even been included in the Olympic Games since the Sydney Games in 2000. Though you might not have any dreams to get involved in Olympic competition, there's no reason why you cannot become a maestro of this exhilarating martial art and have some fun in the process.

For the men, women and children of Burtonwood who like the idea of learning a martial art, a big priority is the aspect of self-defence. Since this is a key principle of Taekwondo, it isn't difficult to appreciate the attraction of this unique sport. With the extra benefit of learning self-restraint and having a degree of respect for those around you, signing up for a local Burtonwood Taekwondo class would seem to be a no brainer.

Such self-defence techniques may at some time prove useful in your day to day life, although it is far more likely you will only be testing them within a regulated class setting. However it is an amazing feeling knowing that you will always be able to successfully defend yourself when you need to.

Your First Burtonwood Taekwondo Lesson

If you make your mind up to register for Taekwondo training in Burtonwood, the very first thing you will wish to know is what is going to transpire on the first lesson and exactly what will the trainer expect to see from you. Different Taekwondo masters in the Burtonwood area will devise differing routines for this initial lesson but you can anticipate performing a 20 minute warm-up to get the blood pumping and loosen your muscles, learn a few forms (Poomse), cover some technical training (kicks, stances, hand attacks and blocks), do a small amount of sparring, and last of all, warm-down.

Any individual wishing to join a Taekwondo class in Burtonwood must also register with British Taekwondo which is the official regulating body of the sport in the United Kingdom. You can find out about referees and coaching, beginning a new Taekwondo club, events, safe practices, members and clubs, safeguarding and equality, news, coaching courses, first aid, and more on British Taekwondo's official website, or get the latest Taekwondo news on their Twitter or Facebook page.

Safety Gear

In all competitions, events and matches being held under the control of British Taekwondo, safety gear like hand protectors, a red or blue body protector (hogu), forearm protectors, shin protectors, a red or blue head protector, a gum shield and a groin protector is compulsory. The kicking moves which are part of Taekwondo could potentially cause injury and this helps to make the sport less dangerous for its competitors.

Taekwondo Forms

Forms are a key element of Taekwondo and are important if you are going to master this exciting martial art. A few basic "forms" have to be learned at the beginning and more complicated forms have to be perfected so as to progress through the various belts. A Taekwondo form is distinguished by various aspects such as direction, technique and stance.

Taekwondo - The Benefits

When you're getting involved in Taekwondo classes in Burtonwood you'll be looking to get a few benefits to make the entire project worthwhile. So why don't we take a look at some of the many positive benefits that you could gain through learning and practicing Taekwondo. Teach self-defence techniques by helping you realize circumstances where self-defence may be required, and enabling you to manipulate these kinds of circumstances in your favour, Improve self-esteem and concentration by sharpening both physical and mental powers, Lessen anxiety and stress by doing deep breathing exercises, Better self-discipline by comprehensively training your mind and body in the doctrines and techniques of Taekwondo, Empower your body and mind thru enhanced mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Build your confidence by helping you to take control of your life and succeed, Increase stamina, flexibility and agility through strenuous cardiovascular exertion.

Taekwondo Belts (Rank)

The belt and ranking system can get somewhat complicated in Taekwondo as there is no uniform system across the various Taekwondo disciplines. Likenesses do exist however, and generally there are 2 separate belt groupings, represented as "seniors" (black dans) and "juniors" (coloured belts). The number of ranks in the junior section varies across the disciplines but is generally somewhere between 8 and 12 belts, whilst the senior's group typically has 9 dans or belts.

Rankings in Taekwondo in the UK are depicted by what are referred to as "Kup". The top rank is First Kup and the lowest rank (beginners) is Tenth Kup. If you're interested in the Taekwondo belt order, it's as follows, and is denoted by a number of colours i.e. white, yellow, green, blue and red, with intermediate belts with stripes, specifically white with a yellow stripe, yellow with a green stripe, green with a blue stripe, blue with a red stripe and red with a black stripe. The White Belt (10th Kup) is what Taekwondo novices in Burtonwood will start off with, they can then move up through the colours, finally achieving the Red With Black Stripe Belt (1st Kup), which can take about three to four years of dedication.

Once this training has been completed, Burtonwood Taekwondo trainees become "black belt candidates", and they then need to earn a further nine Dans if they are to become a Taekwondo "Black Belt", which of course is the supreme accolade. So, to put it simply, there are three main groupings in the Taekwondo belt order, namely Junior Belt, Senior Belt and Black Belt. The Junior group of Taekwondo Belts are; White (Tenth), White With a Yellow Stripe (Ninth), Yellow (Eighth), and Yellow With a Green Stripe (Seventh). The Senior group of Taekwondo Belts are; Green (Sixth), Green With a Blue Stripe (Fifth), Blue (Fourth), Blue With a Red Stripe (Third), Red (Second), and Red With a Black Stripe (First). The Black division of Taekwondo Belts comprise First to Ninth Dan rankings, and involves many years of dedicated training.

Beginners Taekwondo Burtonwood

Even the top exponents of Taekwondo in Burtonwood had to start as newbies, so there is no shame in being a beginner at Taekwondo, or for that matter any other activity. The objective of a Taekwondo beginners class is to teach a few of the basics, boost confidence and build a solid base for the future. Most important of all is that it should be enjoyable, students having fun are going to learn faster and be better committed.

Tournaments

A typical Taekwondo tournament incorporates sparring, patterns (forms) and breaking, as far as the Olympics is concerned only sparring is involved. With that being said there may also be a few unique categories in specific competitions such as team demonstrations and self-defence. WT (World Taekwondo) competitions are solely soft-contact events, whilst ITF competitions allow some hand attacks to the head. There are additionally a few multi-discipline competitions.

The Basic Taekwondo Kicks

One of the primary components of Taekwondo is kicking, here is a small selection of the basic kicking moves: Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi). Blocks: To defend against and stop an incoming attack, blocks (called Makgi) are employed. Held in various positions, they employ the hand and parts of the arm. Each type of attack necessitates a specific style of block, counter-attacking manoeuvres can be produced by combining a block with a retaliatory kick or punch. The key blocks in Taekwondo include: Upper Block, Nine Block, Knife Hand Block, Rising Block, Low Block, Palm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Double Forearm Block and Single Forearm Block.