Taekwondo Dartford

As Taekwondo has pretty high physical demands, it's perhaps more suited to the younger people of Dartford. That isn't to say that elderly people can't get involved in this particular activity, but just that there could be alternative martial arts that are more suited to the less agile of us. Tai Chi would be the perfect illustration.

Based primarily around kicking manoeuvres like head kicks, spinning/jumping kicks and fast kicking strategies, Taekwondo was developed from the practices of various martial arts, by a number of Seoul martial arts specialists in new schools known as "Kwans" in the 1940's and 1950's. These "Kwans" had the names Changmu Kwan, Mooduk Kwan, Jido Kwan, Chungdo Kwan and Songmu Kwan.

With over 60 million individuals engaged in Taekwondo instruction all around the globe, this has certainly become a popular pastime, and if you become really good at the sport you may possibly one day qualify for the Olympic Games, of which it's been a part since the Sydney Games in the year 2000.

It is the self-defence aspect of Taekwondo that generally has the most appeal to people in Dartford. And in these days of increased violence, especially in town and city centres, it is no surprise that this features high on people's list of priorities. However, exercising self-restraint and a respect for others goes hand in hand with the self-defence principles of Taekwondo.

Your newly mastered Taekwondo skills will likely never have to be tried and tested outside the monitored atmosphere of an organised Taekwondo class, however being aware that you've got them will give you peace of mind.

Your First Dartford Taekwondo Class

If you've never tried Taekwondo before, you might be a bit apprehensive as to what to expect on your first class. This may vary from school to school but will generally comprise some or all of the following. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen muscles, a little practical training involving learning some stances, hand attacks, blocks and kicks, learning some forms (or Poomse), an overview of sparring which will include the timing of attacks, timing and movement, and finally a warm down to stretch and relax tired muscles.

Taekwondo of course also has its own official regulating body, and in Britain it is British Taekwondo. Anyone wishing to join a Taekwondo club in Dartford must become a registered member of this organisation. You can read about news, events, launching a new club, first aid, coaches and tournament referees, safe practices, clubs and members, safeguarding and equality, coaching courses, and more on British Taekwondo's official website, and find the latest news on their Facebook or Twitter page.

Taekwondo - The Benefits

There are needless to say, lots of benefits to be had from participating in Taekwondo, and here are just a few which might be appealing to you: Reduced anxiety and stress with controlled breathing, Greater discipline and willpower by methodically educating your mind and body in the tactics and concepts of Taekwondo, Empower your mind and body through accelerated mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Improve feelings of self-esteem by raising both mental and physical fitness, Teach self-defence by showing you how to identify instances in which self-defence might be required, and empowering you to turn these kinds of situations to your advantage, Increase stamina, flexibility and agility through intensive cardiovascular effort, Grow in confidence by inspiring you to succeed and to take control of your life.

Taekwondo Forms (Patterns)

Novices just starting out Taekwondo don't need to fret too much about forms (patterns, Poomse) initially, however they will have to get to grips with some basic ones to begin with and progress to more complicated forms as they progress through the belts (dans/grades). A form is indicated by specific elements of Taekwondo including technique, direction and stance. Learning these sequences is a vital part of perfecting Taekwondo.

Taekwondo Belts (Rank)

With regards to ranking, belts and promotion there isn't actually any standardisation in Taekwondo, as there are various different styles of Taekwondo which each have their own unique system. There are however parallels and they typically consist of two groups of belts "seniors" and "juniors" symbolized by black and coloured belts respectively, . The senior rankings generally have nine ranks and the junior, 8 to 12 grades.

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

Safety gear such as shin pads, a groin protector, hand protectors, forearm guards, a blue or red head protector, a red or blue trunk guard (hogu) and a gum shield have to be used in all competitions controlled by British Taekwondo. Protection from injuries is needed thanks to the powerful kicks that are part and parcel of this activity.