Taekwondo Rawtenstall

Taekwondo is typically a lot more demanding physically than for instance Tai Chi, so unless you are pretty agile and fit you may prefer to partake in something a little gentler to boost your fitness levels in Rawtenstall. Children are clearly the perfect participants for Taekwondo classes in Rawtenstall, with a lot of fast paced movements taking place and a great deal of high kicking.

The sport was first practiced in Korea in around 1945, though the name Taekwondo was not used until the 1950's. A group of Korean martial arts fanatics in Seoul established some new schools called "kwans", where they practiced a combination of martial arts techniques. Kicking manoeuvres, especially head kicks, fast kicking strategies and spinning/jumping kicks are the main emphasis of Taekwondo, as it eventually became known.

With more than sixty million fitness enthusiasts taking part in Taekwondo sessions all around the globe, this has unquestionably become a popular and worthwhile activity, and if you become really expert at this martial art you might possibly one day qualify for the Olympic Games, of which it has been a part since the 2000 Sydney Games.

In these times of increasing violence, it is little surprise that people in places like Rawtenstall are getting involved in self-defence training such as Taekwondo to help them feel safer in their everyday life. The self-defence element is one of the primary factors of Taekwondo but it also promotes self-restraint and a deep respect for others around us, which are traits that are often lacking in modern day life.

While it is good to know that you can defend yourself when you need to, it is hoped that you never need to test this outside of your local Taekwondo club environment.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If Taekwondo isn't an activity that you've ever done previously, you'll likely be wondering what to expect from your very first lesson should you make up your mind to sign up. Different Taekwondo schools in the Rawtenstall area have varying ideas about this but in brief; you will take part in a 15-20 minute warm-up, you'll do some technical training, you'll learn some forms (patterns), you'll practice sparring methods and finally you'll do a warm-down to get your body back into a relaxed state once more.

Taekwondo of course also has its own official governing body, and in Britain it is British Taekwondo. Anyone wishing enroll with a Taekwondo club in Rawtenstall has to become a registered member of this organisation. By checking out the official British Taekwondo website you will be able to obtain facts about news, starting a new Taekwondo club, clubs and members, first aid, safeguarding and equality, coaching courses, events, coaches and referees, health and safety, and lots more Taekwondo related facts.

Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is probably best known for its acrobatic kicks, here are some of the basic kicks that you will learn as a beginner: Push Kick, Front Kick, Axe Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Crescent Kick, Back Kick, Whip or Hook Kick, Side Kick. Taekwondo Blocks: To repulse the numerous hand attacks and kicks there are an equally diverse array of "blocks" (Makgi). Using the hand and sections of the arm, they're held in various positions. Every block can be combined with a punch or kick to establish a counter-attack, and each one is suitable for a particular attack. The key blocks include: Knife Hand Block, Upper Block, Double Forearm Block, Low Block, Rising Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Single Forearm Block, Palm Block and Nine Block.

Taekwondo Belts

Because there are various different disciplines of Taekwondo there has never been any standard arrangement for assigning belts (grades). What exists is however pretty similar and comprises a couple of belt groups "junior" and "senior" ("colour" and "black"), each of these groupings is split into levels, 8 to 12 colours in the case of juniors and 9 for seniors.

Safety Gear

Safety equipment like a red/blue head protector, a gum shield, hand protectors, a groin protector, forearm guards, shin guards and blue or red body armour are worn in all contests overseen by British Taekwondo. Protection from injuries is necessary because of the powerful kicks that are part and parcel of this activity.

To Summarize

We cannot all be like Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, and I guess we wouldn't all want to be. Taekwondo is not purely about Olympic medals and National Championships. Most of us are content to improve our levels of fitness, make new friends and meet different people, and that is exactly how it should be. However, as with most things in life, what you get from it will depend upon what you put into it. Good luck!