Taekwondo Hertford

Due to its more physical elements, Taekwondo is maybe more suited to the younger person in Hertford and is particularly suitable for children as it's great for developing self-discipline and respect for others. Older adults could find it a bit too tough unless they are particularly active and fit. For those people who take up Taekwondo at a younger age, continuing the experience into adulthood should not be an issue. Something a bit softer like Tai Chi might be more suitable for the less nimble of you.

Taekwondo is a martial art that mainly involves kicking moves and manoeuvres, most notably spinning/jumping kicks, head kicks and rapid kicking strategies. It began in Seoul, in southern Korea in the 1940's, when a number of martial arts enthusiasts established schools called "kwans", which blended a number of martial arts techniques.

Since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been a competitive Olympic sport. This has added to its popularity all over the world with some 60 million people or more actively taking classes. And it's by joining a Taekwondo club or class that you are able to start your quest of learning this fascinating martial art.

People in Hertford take up Taekwondo for many reasons but it is the self-defence aspect that appeals to most. 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.

While it will instill you with self-confidence knowing that you have these self-defence skills in your locker, the chances are that you'll never have to test them outside of an organised Taekwondo class.

Your First Hertford Taekwondo Class

Different Taekwondo schools in and around Hertford will have different thoughts on what enrollees should be covering on their initial lesson, however to give you an understanding of what you should expect most initial Taekwondo lessons will include things like a warm-up, some sparring, learning basic forms (Poomse), a quick introduction to hand attacks, kicks, stances and blocks (practical training) and a final warm-down to stretch tired muscles and return the body to a state of harmony.

The official body regulating Taekwondo in the British Isles is British Taekwondo and any person wanting to join a Taekwondo class in Hertford must also become a member of British Taekwondo. You'll be able to find out about news, coaches and referees, first aid, coaching courses, establishing a new club, events, clubs and members, safeguarding and equality, safe practices, and more on the official British Taekwondo website, or find the latest news stories on their Twitter or Facebook page.

The Popular Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is perhaps most recognized for its fast-moving kicks, listed here are a selection of the standard kicks you'll be taught as a novice: Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To repulse the many kicks and hand attacks there are an equally diverse range of "blocks" (Makgi). They're held in specific positions and use the hands with sections of the arm. Each type of attack calls for a specific type of block, counter-attacking movements can be produced by combining a block with another kick or punch. The primary "blocks" (makgi) include: Double Forearm Block, Nine Block, Palm Block, Single Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Knife Hand Block, Upper Block, Rising Block and Low Block.

Taekwondo Forms (Patterns)

Forms are a pivotal part of Taekwondo and are essential if you are to excel at this thrilling sporting activity. A few basic forms need to be learned from the outset and more elaborate forms must be mastered so as to progress through the various levels. A Taekwondo form is distinguished by various aspects such as direction, stance and technique.

Taekwondo Belts (Promotion)

With there being various types of Taekwondo there has never really been any recognised arrangement for allocating belts (grades). What exists is however relatively similar and comprises two belt groups "junior" and "senior" ("colour" and "black"), each of these groupings is divided into grades, eight to twelve colours in the case of juniors and 9 "blacks" for seniors.

Taekwondo Safety Gear

Competitions governed by British Taekwondo policies demand that certain pieces of protective equipment be worn, these include: shin guards, a red or blue head guard, forearm guards, hand protectors, a groin guard, red or blue body armour (hogu) and a gum shield. This is necessary due to the potent kicking moves being practiced.