Taekwondo Emsworth

Because Taekwondo has pretty high physical demands, it's perhaps more suited to the younger generation in Emsworth. That is not to say that older individuals can't participate in this particular activity, but merely that there might be other martial arts that are more appropriate for the less nimble among us. Tai Chi would be a perfect illustration.

The discipline was formulated in Korea in 1945, though it was not given the name Taekwondo until the 1950's. A group of Korean martial artists in Seoul established some schools known as "kwans", incorporating various martial arts techniques. The focus of the discipline was on kicking movements, in particular fast kicking strategies, turning/jumping kicks and head kicks, and it was later given the name; Taekwondo, roughly meaning "the way of the foot and fist". Nowadays Emsworth Taekwondo classes comply with this tradition.

With more than 60 million fitness enthusiasts participating in Taekwondo classes all around the globe, this has definitely become an extremely popular activity, and if you really master this martial art you might possibly one day be eligible for the Olympic Games, of which it's been an integral part ever since the 2000 Sydney Games.

For many folks in Emsworth, it is the self-defence element of Taekwondo which holds the most appeal. And in these times of ever increasing violence, particularly in town and city centres, it really is no surprise that this aspect features high up on people's priority lists. It is a primary factor of Taekwondo that you are able to become more confident in your ability to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect those around you and practice self-restraint.

While it will instill you with confidence being aware that you have these self-defence skills in your locker, the likelihood is you will never have to use them outside the controlled setting of an actual Taekwondo class.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If you come to a decision to register for a Taekwondo club in Emsworth, the first thing you will want to know is what will occur on the very first lesson and just what will the trainer expect to see from you. Different Taekwondo masters in Emsworth will compile diverse routines for this first introductory lesson but you should be expecting to do a 15 minute warm-up to loosen your muscles and get the blood coursing, learn some simple Poomse (forms, go through some technical training (kicks, stances, hand attacks and blocks), do some sparring, and lastly, warm-down.

Everybody who is a member of a Taekwondo class in Emsworth or any place else in the United Kingdom, is also required to join British Taekwondo, which is the official regulating body of the sport. You can get lots of details about first aid, events, safeguarding and equality, coaching courses, members and clubs, starting a new club, news, safe practices, coaches and tournament referees, and more, by popping along to British Taekwondo's website.

The Taekwondo Kicks

There are numerous different kinds of Taekwondo kicks, listed here are just a few of them: Axe Kick, Crescent Kick, Back Kick, Front Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Hook or Whip Kick, Push Kick, Side Kick. Taekwondo Blocks: To repulse the various kicks and hand attacks there are an equally diverse array of "blocks" (Makgi). They're held in specific positions and employ the hands with parts of the arm. Specific attacks require specified "blocks", but blocks can also be changed into counter-attacks by linking reciprocal kicks or punches. The most important blocks include: Rising Block, Nine Block, Palm Block, Upper Block, Knife Hand Block, Low Block, Double Forearm Block, Single Forearm Block and Double Knife Hand Block.

Taekwondo Patterns (Forms)

Taekwondo forms (also known as Poomse or patterns) are identified by particular activities like technique, direction and stance. From the outset you'll get to grips with a few of the standard forms, and in order to move through the various grades (belts) you will have to master some more technical ones.

Competitions and Tournaments

Tournaments are an important part of the overall Taekwondo experience, and all the various styles all over the world hold competitions where Taekwondo masters get together to compete. Hard contact is rarely allowed in any of these competitive events which mainly comprise patterns (forms), breaking and sparring. Sparring only is permitted in Olympic and WT (World Taekwondo) tournaments, while specified hand attacks are tolerated in ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) events.

Taekwondo Beginners Classes

Even the very best exponents of Taekwondo in Emsworth set out as rookies, therefore there is no disgrace in being a beginner at Tae kwon do, or any other activity for that matter. The objective of a Taekwondo beginners class is to teach just a few basics, boost self-confidence and develop a firm foundation moving forward. Most important of all is that it needs to be fun, trainees having fun are going to learn quicker and be better engaged.

Safety Gear

In all competitions, events and matches being held under the authority of British Taekwondo, safety gear such as a groin protector, forearm protectors, a blue or red head guard, shin protectors, hand guards, a mouth protector and blue or red body armour is mandatory. The fast kicking manoeuvres which are part of Taekwondo can easily cause serious injuries and this preventative measure helps make this sport much safer for its competitors.

Conclusion

We can't all be like Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, and I reckon that we wouldn't all want to be. Taekwondo is not purely about National Championships and Olympic medals. Most of us are happy to improve our levels of fitness, meet different people and make new friends, and that is how it ought to be. However, as with most matters in life, what you get from it will depend upon what you put into it. Good luck!