Taekwondo Formby

Since Taekwondo has quite high physical requirements, it is perhaps more suitable for the younger generation in Formby. That is not to say that older people can't be involved in this popular activity, but simply that there might be other martial arts that are more suited to the less nimble of us. Tai Chi would be the perfect illustration.

Taekwondo started in Korea in 1945. This mix of various martial arts techniques were practiced in some innovative new schools in Seoul called "kwans", established by a group of Korean martial artists. The main focus of Taekwondo, as it ultimately became known, is on kicking manoeuvres, especially head-height kicks, rapid kicking techniques and jumping/spinning kicks. Now Formby Taekwondo classes follow this tradition.

Taekwondo is popular with the people of Formby and with more than 60 million others across the world. Now an Olympic sport, Taekwondo is accessible to everyone, and signing up for a local Formby Taekwondo class or club is the easiest way to get yourself involved. There's no reason why you can't reach an advanced standard in this exciting sport, even if you haven't any desire to take part in the Olympics.

For many people in Formby, it is the self-defence aspect of Taekwondo that has the most appeal. And in these times of increasing violence, especially in city and town centres, it really is little surprise that this sits high on people's list of priorities. It is a key factor of Taekwondo that you are able to become more confident in your capability to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect other people and learn self-restraint.

Although it will give you peace of mind knowing that you have these self-defence skills tucked away inside you, the chances are that you will never need to test them outside the monitored setting of a dedicated Taekwondo class.

Your First Class

If you've never tried Taekwondo before, you may be a little apprehensive as to what you can expect on your very first class. This can vary from school to school but will normally involve some or all of these. A 15-20 minute warm up to loosen up muscles and increase heart rate, a bit of technical training including learning some blocking techniques, stances, kicks and hand attacks, discovering a few forms (or Poomse), an introduction to sparring including movement, attack timing and timing, and finally a warm down to stretch and relax tired muscles.

The United Kingdom's regulating body of the sport is British Taekwondo and if you wish to sign up with a Taekwondo class in Formby, you'll also be required to register with this respected organization. You'll be able to learn about coaches and referees, clubs and members, events, coaching courses, first aid, beginning a new club, news, safeguarding and equality, safe practices, and more on British Taekwondo's website, and get the latest news stories on their Facebook or Twitter page.

The Many Benefits of Taekwondo

The benefits that can be gained by participating in Taekwondo classes in Formby are many and varied, among the most significant are: Turbocharge agility, flexibility and stamina through intense cardiovascular effort, Build up confidence by helping you to take control of your life and succeed, Toughen up your body and mind thru improved physical coordination and mental discipline, Enhance self-esteem by intensifying both physical and mental fitness, More discipline and willpower by methodically educating your mind and body in the strategies and principles of Taekwondo, Lower anxiety by doing deep breathing exercises, Teach you self-defence tactics by showing you how to recognize scenarios where self-defence might be required, and empowering you to manipulate such circumstances to your advantage.

The Taekwondo Kicks

There are numerous different Taekwondo kicking moves, here are just a sample of them: Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To defend against the various kicks and hand attacks there are a similarly diverse selection of blocks. They are held in various positions and use the hand with areas of the arm. Each form of attack necessitates a particular style of block, counter-attacks can be created by integrating a block with another punch or kick. The primary "blocks" (makgi) include: Double Forearm Block, Single Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Nine Block, Rising Block, Palm Block, Knife Hand Block, Upper Block and Low Block.

Taekwondo Belts (Ranking)

With there being many different disciplines of Taekwondo there has never been any uniform arrangement for assigning belts (ranks). What does exist however is pretty similar and is made up of two belt groups "junior" and "senior" ("colour" and "black"), each of these groupings is split into levels, 8 to 12 colours for juniors and 9 for seniors.

Beginners Taekwondo Formby

It does not matter who you are or what you're standing is in the world of Taekwondo, at some time you were a complete novice, fearing failure and knowing practically nothing. We have all started out like this and can only develop and learn with practice. Beginner Taekwondo classes in Formby are the best place to start that learning journey and to acquire the fundamentals so you can build confidence and proceed with your Taekwondo experience. Almost all beginner classes are set up to be fun and friendly, offering a slow introduction to the basic Taekwondo values and building a firm foundation moving forward.

Safety Equipment

Matches regulated by British Taekwondo rules require various items of protective equipment to be worn, these include: a gum shield, hand guards, a blue/red body guard (hogu), forearm guards, shin protectors, a groin protector and a blue/red head protector. This is crucial due to the forceful kicking actions being employed.