Taekwondo Maryport

Taekwondo is a perfect sport for children in Maryport, because it teaches self-discipline and a respect for others. Its more physical aspects make it more appropriate for younger people. Older adults who are not all that fit and active might find it a tad too challenging. However people in Maryport who take up Taekwondo at a young age, will find that continuing into older adulthood isn't a problem. If you are less nimble you could always try something a bit less demanding such as Tai Chi or Yoga.

With its origins in 1940's Korea, South-East Asia, Taekwondo is obviously one of the more recently created of the martial arts and entails mainly kicking moves such as head-height kicks, turning/jumping kicks and fast kicking strategies. It started when schools known as "kwans" were set up by a bunch of Korean martial arts specialists in Seoul, South Korea.

The total number of Taekwondo practitioners worldwide, now exceeds 60 million. This sport has even featured in the Olympic Games since 2000, and if you want to get involved, joining a local Maryport Taekwondo club or class is a good place to start. There is no reason why you cannot become a master of this exciting martial art, even if you do not aspire to Olympic competition.

For many folks in Maryport, it's the self-defence aspect of Taekwondo that has the most appeal. And in these days of increasing violence, especially in town and city centres, it is no surprise that this aspect features high on people's list of priorities. It is a primary factor of Taekwondo that you're able to gain more confidence in your capability to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect others and practice self-restraint.

There's a very good chance that your eagerly mastered Taekwondo skills will never see the light of day in your day to day life, but it will most certainly give you reassurance knowing that they are there should you ever be in need of them.

Your First Maryport Taekwondo Class

If you have booked your first class but have never done Taekwondo before, you may be wondering what to expect. The following will give you an idea, but this may vary from school to school. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up, some technical training which will involve learning some kicks, stances, blocking techniques and hand attacks, some work on forms or patterns (Poomse in Korean), a look at sparring including good timing, precise movement and the accurate targeting of attacks, and lastly a warm down to prevent cramping and muscle spasms.

The UK governing body of the sport is British Taekwondo and if you wish to sign up to Taekwondo club in Maryport, you will also be required to become a member of this respected organization. By viewing the official British Taekwondo website you will be able to read info on equality and safeguarding, coaching courses, members and clubs, first aid, news, beginning a new club, events, safe practices, referees and coaching, and lots more Taekwondo related issues.

Some Taekwondo Kicks

One of the main elements of Taekwondo is kicking, listed here is a selection of the essential kicks: Crescent Kick, Whip or Hook Kick, Push Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Axe Kick, Back Kick, Front Kick, Side Kick. Taekwondo Blocks: To repulse the many hand attacks and kicks there are an equally diverse selection of "blocks" (Makgi). Engaging the hands and areas of the arm, they're held in particular positions. Each and every "block" can be merged with a kick or punch to create a counter-attacking move, and each "block" is meant for a specific attack. The principal blocks (makgi) include: Knife Hand Block, Single Forearm Block, Low Block, Rising Block, Upper Block, Nine Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Double Forearm Block and Palm Block.

Taekwondo Belts (Rank)

In regards to belts, ranking and promotion there is not actually any standardisation in Taekwondo, since there are many different styles of Taekwondo each of which has their own unique arrangement. There are however similarities and they typically comprise 2 groups of belts "juniors" and "seniors" symbolized by coloured and black belts respectively, . The senior ranks usually have nine levels and the junior, 8 to 12 levels.

Tournaments and Competitions

A regular Taekwondo tournament includes patterns, breaking and sparring, as far as the Olympics is concerned only sparring is included. That being said there may also be a few unique categories in certain tournaments such as team demonstrations and self-defence. WT (World Taekwondo) contests are solely soft-contact events, whilst International Taekwon-Do Federation contests permit some hand attacks aimed at the head. There are also a few multi-discipline competitions.

Beginners Classes

It doesn't matter who you are or what you're capable of in Taekwondo, at one time you were a total novice, fearing failure and knowing practically nothing. We have all started out at that point and can only learn and develop with practice. Beginner Taekwondo classes in Maryport are the right place to start that learning journey and to pick up the basics so you can gain confidence and move forward in your Taekwondo quest. Nearly all beginner classes are created to be friendly and fun, providing a gradual introduction to the fundamental Taekwondo principles and building a solid base for the future.