Taekwondo Evesham

Due to its more physical aspects, Taekwondo is perhaps more appropriate for the younger generation in Evesham and is especially suited to children as it is wonderful for developing self-discipline and respect for others. More elderly individuals may find it a bit too demanding unless they're particularly fit and active. However, those folks who persue Taekwondo in Evesham from a young age will find they can easily carry it on when they are older. The less agile of you might consider participating in something gentler like Tai Chi.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently introduced of the martial arts, with its root beginnings in Korea in 1945. A number of Korean martial artists in Seoul established some new schools which they called "kwans", merging a variety of martial arts techniques. Taekwondo, which was ultimately called, largely consists of kicking manoeuvres, particularly jumping/turning kicks, rapid kicking methods and head-height kicks.

Since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been a competitive Olympic sport. This has made it even more popular throughout the world with some sixty million people or more regularly participating in classes. And it's by joining a Taekwondo club or class that you can commence your quest of mastering this fascinating activity.

Of all the many benefits of doing this sport, it is the self-defence element of Taekwondo that the people of Evesham consider most appealing. And in these days of increased violence, especially in city and town centres, it is no real surprise that this sits at the top of people's list of priorities. In actual fact one of the primary benefits of Taekwondo is learning to defend yourself whilst exercising self-restraint and a respect for others.

There's a pretty good likelihood that your newly learned Taekwondo skills will never have to be used in your everyday life, but it will most certainly give you reassurance knowing that they're there should you ever be in need of them.

Your First Lesson

Different Taekwondo schools in the Evesham area will have different viewpoints on what pupils should be covering on their first class, but to give you a perception of what you can expect most initial Taekwondo classes will incorporate a warm-up, a bit of sparring, learning forms (Poomse), a brief introduction to stances, kicks, blocks and hand attacks (technical training) and a final warm-down to stretch weary muscles and get the body back to a state of harmony.

If you wish to join a Taekwondo class in Evesham, you'll also have to become a member of the sport's official governing body, namely British Taekwondo. You can get a lot of information about starting a new club, coaching courses, first aid, referees and coaching, safe practices, members and clubs, news, events, safeguarding and equality, and more, by popping along to British Taekwondo's website.

The Main Taekwondo Kicks

Of all the martial arts, Taekwondo has the widest assortment of kicking manoeuvres. Amongst them are: Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi). Blocks: To repulse the many hand attacks and kicks there are a similarly diverse selection of "blocks" (Makgi). Held in particular positions, they engage the hands and sections of the arm. Certain attacks call for specified "blocks", but "blocks" can also be turned into counter-attacks by the combination of reciprocal punches or kicks. The main Taekwondo blocks include: Single Forearm Block, Knife Hand Block, Rising Block, Double Forearm Block, Upper Block, Nine Block, Low Block, Palm Block and Double Knife Hand Block.

Taekwondo Competitions

Taekwondo tournaments and competitions are held across the globe in all the diverse styles. There's normally not a lot of hard contact but sparring, breaking and patterns (forms). Olympic and World Taekwondo (WT) competitions comprise only sparring, in ITF tournaments specific hand attacks are allowed to the head. Some other organisations stage multi-discipline tournaments.

Taekwondo for Beginners

Even the best exponents of Taekwondo in Evesham set out as newbies, so there is no shame in being a complete beginner at Taekwondo, or for that matter any other activity. The objective of a Taekwondo beginner class is to provide a few of the basics, improve confidence and develop a solid foundation for the future. Most importantly of all is that it must be enjoyable, trainees having a good time will learn faster and be more engaged.

Safety Equipment

Safety equipment like a red/blue head protector, a red or blue body guard (hogu), a mouth protector, a groin guard, hand protectors, shin guards and forearm guards must be used in all matches overseen by British Taekwondo. Protection from injury is crucial on account of the formidable kicking that is part and parcel of this sport.