Taekwondo Molesey

Due to its more physical aspects, Taekwondo is maybe more suited to the younger generation in Molesey and is particularly appropriate for children as it's terrific for nurturing self-discipline and respect for others. Older adults trying Taekwondo for the very first time often find it too challenging, unless they have kept themselves active. Continuing their Taekwondo experience through into older adulthood shouldn't however be an issue for those who start when they are younger. The less nimble of you might consider something softer like Tai Chi.

Taekwondo originated in Korea in 1945. This mixture of various martial arts techniques were practiced in some innovative new schools in Seoul called "kwans", founded by a group of Korean martial artists. The focus of Taekwondo, as it ultimately became known, is on kicking manoeuvres, in particular jumping/spinning kicks, head-height kicks and rapid kicking strategies. These days Molesey Taekwondo classes adhere to this tradition.

Ever since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport. This has added to its popularity all over the world with some sixty million people or more actively attending classes. And it is by enrolling in a Taekwondo club or class that you can commence your adventure of mastering this fascinating martial art.

A key element of Taekwondo is self-defence, and doubtless this is one of the principal reasons that individuals in Molesey sign up to classes and engage with the sport. There has been a disconcerting increase in violent practices in recent years and this is particularly widespread in city and town centres throughout Surrey and the United Kingdom as a whole. The good thing about Taekwondo though, is that it also promotes self-discipline and respect for other people, not such widespread attributes in Molesey these days.

Your newly learned Taekwondo skills will more than likely never have to be put to the test outside of an actual Taekwondo class, however being aware that you've got them will instill you with confidence.

Your First Lesson

If you have never had a go at Taekwondo before, you may be a bit anxious as to what to expect on your first lesson. This may vary from club to club but will generally involve some or all of the following. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen up muscles, a bit of technical training involving learning some blocking techniques, hand attacks, stances and kicks, learning some Poomse (forms), an overview of sparring including timing, movement and attack timing, and finally a warm down to stretch and relax tired muscles.

British Taekwondo is the regulating body of the sport within the United Kingdom, and membership of this organization is compulsory should you wish to sign up with any Taekwondo club in Molesey or nearby. You will be able to find lots of facts about equality and safeguarding, news, health and safety, events, first aid, members and clubs, coaching courses, coaches and tournament referees, establishing a new Taekwondo club, and more, by exploring British Taekwondo's website.

Taekwondo Kicks

Kicks play a major role in the art of Taekwondo, here are a small selection of the more basic ones: Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi). Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", that are used to fend off the different attacking movements, are called Makgi. Employing the hands and areas of the arm, they're held in diverse positions. Each type of attack necessitates a particular sort of block, counter-attacking moves can be produced by integrating a block with another punch or kick. The main "blocks" include: Low Block, Knife Hand Block, Nine Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Palm Block, Rising Block, Single Forearm Block, Upper Block and Double Forearm Block.

Taekwondo Belts (Ranking)

The belt and ranking structure can get quite confusing in Taekwondo as there is no standard system across the different Taekwondo disciplines. Parallels can be found however, and normally there are two distinct belt groups, signified as "juniors" (colours) and "seniors" (black dans). The number of levels in the junior groupings varies through the styles but is commonly somewhere between 8 and 12 belts, whilst the senior's groupings usually has 9 dans or belts.

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

British Taekwondo contests call for certain safety equipment to be worn to safeguard competitors from personal injury as a result of the formidable kicking that occurs. These safety items include: a groin guard, shin pads, forearm guards, a blue or red trunk protector (hogu), hand protectors, a red/blue head guard and a gum shield.

Conclusion

We can more or less guarantee that if you take up Taekwondo you will make more friends, gain more confidence and improve your levels of fitness. If that is all you get out of it, then that is great, and you can call it a success! We aren't all striving to be Jade Jones's or Lutalo Muhammad's, but those of you that are, need to begin with the initial step. Good luck with your quest!