Taekwondo Hitchin

Since Taekwondo has pretty high physical requirements, it's possibly more suitable for the younger people of Hitchin. That's not to say that elderly people can't take part in this particular activity, but merely that there might be other martial arts that are more appropriate for the less agile of us. Tai Chi is the perfect example.

Taekwondo started in Korea in 1945. In Seoul, a group of Korean martial arts fanatics established some new schools which they named "kwans", practicing a combination of martial arts techniques. The emphasis of Taekwondo, as it eventually became known, is on kicking manoeuvres, especially fast kicking strategies, jumping/spinning kicks and head-height kicks.

Ever since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been a competitive Olympic sport. This has made it even more popular around the world with some sixty million people routinely participating in classes. And it is by joining a Taekwondo club or class that you are able to begin your journey of mastering this fascinating art.

A key aspect of Taekwondo is self-defence, and doubtless this is one of the principal reasons that individuals in Hitchin join classes and take up the sport. There has been a troubling increase in violent behaviour in recent times and this is particularly prevalent in town and city centres throughout Hertfordshire and the UK in general. The fantastic thing about Taekwondo though, is that it also encourages self-discipline and respect for others, not such common qualities in Hitchin these days.

There's a pretty good likelihood that your newly learned Taekwondo skills will never see the light of day in the outside world, but it will unquestionably give you peace of mind knowing that they are there should you need them.

What to Expect From Your First Class

Different Taekwondo schools in and around Hitchin will have different viewpoints on what pupils should be covering on their initial lesson, however to give you an understanding of what you should expect most initial Taekwondo classes will include things like a warm-up, some sparring, learning basic patterns (Poomse), an overview of hand attacks, blocking techniques, kicks and stances (technical training) and a final warm-down to stretch tired muscles and get the body back to a state of harmony.

Anybody wishing to join a Taekwondo club in Hitchin must also register with British Taekwondo which is the governing body of the sport in the United Kingdom. You will be able to get a lot of information about clubs and members, events, news, first aid, coaching courses, safeguarding and equality, safe practices, coaches and competition referees, launching a new club, and more, by visiting the British Taekwondo website.

Benefits to be Gained From Taekwondo

There are needless to say, many benefits to be had from taking part in Taekwondo, and here are just some that may be interesting for you: Toughen up your body and mind via increased mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Reduce stress and anxiety using advanced breath control, Beef up confidence by encouraging you to take control of your life and succeed, Greater discipline and willpower by methodically educating your body and mind in the techniques and concepts of Taekwondo, Help with self-defence techniques by helping you to understand instances where self-defence may be necessary, and allowing you to turn these kinds of situations in your favour, Improve flexibility, agility and stamina through strenuous cardiovascular work-outs, Improve self-esteem by heightening your mental and physical health.

Taekwondo Kicks

Kicks serve a major role in Taekwondo, here are a selection of the more basic ones: Whip or Hook Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Push Kick, Axe Kick, Front Kick, Crescent Kick, Back Kick, Side Kick. Blocks: To stop and deflect an inbound Taekwondo attack, "blocks" (called Makgi) are used. They are held in various positions and use the hand with parts of the arm. Certain attacks necessitate specified blocks, but "blocks" can also be changed into counter-attacks by linking retaliatory punches or kicks. The primary "blocks" include: Double Forearm Block, Low Block, Nine Block, Knife Hand Block, Rising Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Upper Block, Palm Block and Single Forearm Block.

Taekwondo Belts

In Tae kwon do there is really no form of standardisation in relation to belts and ranking. It's all depending on what style you happen to be considering, as there are such a diversity of Taekwondo rules and styles. However, they're commonly divided into two groupings "junior" or "colour" belts and "senior" or "black" belts. The junior/colour ranks range from white to red, with from 8 to 12 levels, whilst the senior/black belts typically have 9 ranks.

Taekwondo Beginners Classes

It matters not who you are or what you're standing is in the world of Taekwondo, at some stage you were a complete novice, knowing nothing and fearing failure. We've all started out like this and are only able to learn and develop through practice. Beginner Taekwondo classes in Hitchin are the place to begin that learning process and to acquire the necessary basics so you can build self-confidence and proceed with your exciting Taekwondo experience. Most beginner classes are set up to be fun and friendly, providing a slow introduction to the basic Taekwondo values and building a solid base moving forward.