Taekwondo Havant

It should be asserted that Taekwondo can be pretty physically demanding, which could discourage the older and less agile folks in Havant from getting involved. To be honest, the most common people participating in Taekwondo classes are children and the younger generation, but of course older individuals who're in excellent physical health can easily get involved and benefit from this sport.

Taekwondo came from Korea in 1945. A group of Korean martial artists in Seoul established some new schools called "kwans", merging various martial arts techniques. The focus of the discipline was on kicking movements, especially rapid kicking strategies, jumping/spinning kicks and head-height kicks, and it was later given the name; Taekwondo, roughly meaning "the way of the foot and fist". These days Havant Taekwondo classes observe this tradition.

Taekwondo is popular with the people of Havant and with over 60 million others worldwide. Joining a local Havant Taekwondo club or class is a good way to get involved in this sport which has even featured in the Olympic Games since the Sydney Games of 2000. While the chances of you getting to Olympic standard are pretty slim, there is no reason at all why you cannot master this thrilling martial art.

In these times of ever-increasing violence, it's hardly surprising that individuals in places like Havant are getting involved in self-defence training like Taekwondo to help them to feel safer and more secure in their local environment. The self-defence element is one of the key benefits of Taekwondo but it also teaches self-restraint and a respect for those around us, which are characteristics that are often absent in 21st century living.

Such self-defence techniques may at some point come in useful in your day to day life, though it's more likely that you will only be using them within a monitored class environment. However it is a nice feeling knowing that you'll always be in a position to successfully defend yourself when you have to.

What to Expect From Your First Class

Different Taekwondo schools in and around Havant will have different ideas about what students should cover on their first class, however to give you a concept of what you can expect most first Taekwondo lessons will incorporate a warm-up, some sparring, learning basic Poomse (forms), an overview of kicks, blocks, stances and hand attacks (technical training) and a final warm-down to stretch tired muscles and return the body to a state of harmony.

Taekwondo also of course has its own governing body, and in Great Britain it is British Taekwondo. Anyone wishing to join a Taekwondo club in Havant has to become a registered member of this organisation. You can get a lot of info on news, events, coaching courses, first aid, health and safety, coaches and referees, establishing a new Taekwondo club, safeguarding and equality, clubs and members, and more, by viewing the official British Taekwondo website.

Taekwondo - The Benefits

When you are enrolling in Taekwondo classes in Havant you will be looking to get a few benefits to make the whole venture worthwhile. Therefore let us look at some of the benefits that you could get through learning and practicing Taekwondo. Lessen stress using advanced breath control, Empower your body and mind through improved mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Improve flexibility, agility and stamina through intense cardiovascular exertion, Better discipline by exhaustively training your mind and body in the doctrines and strategies of Taekwondo, Teach you self-defence by helping you recognise instances where self-defence may be required, and allowing you to control these types of scenarios to your advantage, Beef up your confidence by encouraging you to succeed and to take control of your life, Enhance self-esteem and concentration by sharpening your mental and physical health.

Taekwondo Belts (Rank)

Because there are various kinds of Taekwondo there's never been any uniform system for assigning belts (levels). What exists however is quite similar and is made up of 2 belt groupings "senior" and "junior" (black and colour), each of these groups is divided into levels, eight to twelve colours for juniors and nine "blacks" for seniors.

Taekwondo for Beginners

Even the finest exponents of Taekwondo in Havant had to start as newbies, therefore there is no disgrace in being a complete beginner at this sport, or in fact any other activity. The aim of a Taekwondo beginner class is to teach a few of the basics, improve confidence and develop a firm base moving forward. Most important of all is that it must be enjoyable, trainees having fun will learn faster and be better engaged.

Safety Equipment

Contests governed by British Taekwondo policies demand that various pieces of protective gear be worn, these include things like: shin guards, hand guards, forearm protectors, a mouth protector, a groin protector, a red or blue body guard (hogu) and a blue/red head guard. This is important because of the potent kicking actions being employed.

Final Thoughts

So, what do you want from Taekwondo? Well, that is a great question, and the answer to that will be different for individual people. The majority of participants will purely look to meet new people, gain more self-confidence and improve their fitness. We're definitely not all going to scale the dizzy heights of Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, though maybe you will, who knows? 👊