Taekwondo Penzance

Because of its rather more physical aspects, Taekwondo is maybe more suited to the younger generation in Penzance and is especially suitable for kids as it's wonderful for developing self-discipline and respect for other people. More elderly individuals could find it a bit too challenging unless they are particularly fit and active. Even so, those who take up Taekwondo in Penzance at a young age will discover that they can easily carry it on into older adulthood. The less agile of you could consider something softer like Tai Chi.

Based primarily around kicking moves and manoeuvres like head kicks, rapid kicking techniques and jumping/turning kicks, Taekwondo was created from the practices of various diverse martial arts, by a number of Seoul martial arts experts in new schools known as "Kwans" in the nineteen forties and fifties. These "Kwans" were given the names Mooduk Kwan, Songmu Kwan, Changmu Kwan, Chungdo Kwan and Jido Kwan.

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 60 million people or more actively taking classes. And it's by enrolling in a Taekwondo club or class that you are able to begin your quest of learning this remarkable art.

For a lot of people in Penzance, it is the self-defence aspect of Taekwondo which has the most appeal. And in these days of increasing violence, particularly in town and city centres, it's no surprise that this sits high on people's priority lists. It is a key element of Taekwondo that you're able to gain more confidence in your ability to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect other people and practice self-restraint.

Such self-defence techniques may sooner or later come in handy in your day to day life, although it is far more likely you will only be testing them within a regulated class environment. Nevertheless it is a nice feeling knowing the fact that you will always be able to successfully defend yourself if you have to.

Your First Class

If you decide on registering for Taekwondo training in Penzance, the first thing you'll want to know is what is going to happen on the first lesson and what will the trainer be expecting of you. Different Taekwondo masters in the Penzance area will develop diverse routines for this initial introductory lesson but you should be expecting to do a 15-20 minute warm-up to get the blood coursing and loosen your muscles, learn some basic Poomse (forms, cover some technical training (kicks, hand attacks, stances and blocking techniques), do a certain amount of sparring, and lastly, warm-down.

Everyone who is a member of a Taekwondo club in Penzance or anywhere else in the British Isles, is also required to join British Taekwondo, which is the regulating body of the sport. By viewing British Taekwondo's website you will be able to read details of events, coaches and referees, starting a new Taekwondo club, first aid, equality and safeguarding, clubs and members, safe practices, coaching courses, news, and lots more Taekwondo related facts.

The Benefits of Taekwondo

There are of course, many benefits to be had from participating in Taekwondo, and the following are just a few that could be interesting for you: Beef up confidence by helping you to take control of your life and succeed, Lessen stress by doing deep breathing exercises, Teach you self-defence strategies by coaching you to identify situations where self-defence might be necessary, and allowing you to manipulate these scenarios in your favour, Toughen up your body and mind by means of accelerated mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Enhance concentration and self-esteem by intensifying both mental and physical fitness, Better discipline and willpower by comprehensively educating your body and mind in the techniques and principles of Taekwondo, Supercharge flexibility, agility and stamina through intensive cardiovascular effort.

Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is perhaps most recognized for its fast-moving kicking manoeuvres, here are some of the basic kicks you'll learn as a novice: Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi). Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", which are used to repulse the various attacking movements, are known as Makgi. Using the hands and parts of the arm, they are held in various positions. Each form of attack calls for a specific kind of block, counter-attacking movements can be produced by combining a block with another punch or kick. The main Taekwondo blocks (makgi) include: Palm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Rising Block, Nine Block, Double Forearm Block, Low Block, Upper Block, Knife Hand Block and Single Forearm Block.

Competitions and Tournaments

Tournaments and competitions are a significant part of the Taekwondo experience, and all of the various styles around the world stage contests where Taekwondo masters come together to compete. Hard contact is rarely allowed in any of these contests which mostly comprise sparring, patterns and breaking. Sparring only is allowed in Olympic and World Taekwondo (WT) tournaments, while certain hand attacks are permitted in International Taekwon-Do Federation events.

Penzance Taekwondo for Beginners

As with any activity or sport we need to begin someplace, and Taekwondo's exactly the same. Even the highest ranking Penzance Taekwondo exponents were complete newbies at one point. So, what should you expect as a complete novice at Taekwondo? A beginners class should give its pupils enough coaching to teach them the basic principles and allow them to build self-confidence as they progress. A perfect beginners class ought to be fun as well as instructional, when students are enjoying themselves they are far more invested and are going to learn much faster.

Final Thoughts

We can pretty confidently guarantee that if you participate in Taekwondo you are going to improve your levels of fitness, gain self-confidence and make more friends. If that is all you get out of it, then that is great, you can call it an achievement! We're not all aiming to be Jade Jones's or Lutalo Muhammad's, but those of you who are, still need to start with the first step. Good luck on your adventure! 👊