Taekwondo Runcorn

Due to its rather more physical aspects, Taekwondo is possibly more suitable for the younger generation in Runcorn and is especially suited to children as it's great for developing self-discipline and respect for others. Older adults may find it a bit too strenuous unless they're particularly fit and active. Even so, those folks who take up Taekwondo in Runcorn from a young age will discover that they can easily continue with it when they're older. The less nimble of you could consider something softer like Tai Chi.

Based largely around high-kicking manoeuvres and moves like head kicks, rapid kicking strategies and turning/jumping kicks, Taekwondo was formulated from the practices of various martial arts, by a group of Seoul martial arts specialists in new schools called "Kwans" in the 1940's and 1950's. These "Kwans" were given the names Songmu Kwan, Jido Kwan, Mooduk Kwan, Chungdo Kwan and Changmu 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 sixty million people actively taking classes. And it is by joining a Taekwondo class or club that you can start your quest of learning this remarkable art.

The thing about Taekwondo that seems to most appeal to people in Runcorn is the self-defence aspect of it. And in these days of increased violence, especially in town and city centres, it is no surprise that this features high on people's list of priorities. It is a key factor of Taekwondo that you can become confident in your ability to defend yourself and at the same time learn to respect others and learn self-restraint.

With any luck, outside your local Taekwondo club environment, you will never need to try out your newly learned skills to defend yourself.

What to Expect From Your First Lesson

If you come to a decision to register for a Taekwondo class in Runcorn, the very first thing you'll be thinking about is what will occur on the first lesson and what precisely will the teacher expect to see from you. Different Taekwondo masters in Runcorn will formulate diverse routines for this first introductory lesson but you should be expecting to do a fifteen to twenty minute warm-up to get the blood flowing and loosen your muscles, learn several Poomse (forms, go through some practical training (stances, hand attacks, blocks and kicks), do a bit of sparring, and lastly, a warm-down.

The official body governing Taekwondo in Britain is British Taekwondo and anyone wishing to join a Taekwondo class in Runcorn has to also become a member of British Taekwondo. You can get loads of information regarding events, coaching courses, clubs and members, first aid, establishing a new Taekwondo club, news, safe practices, referees and coaching, equality and safeguarding, and more, by visiting British Taekwondo's website.

The Taekwondo Kicks

Kicking movements play an important role in the art of Taekwondo, here are a handful of the more basic ones: Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi). Blocks: To stop and avert an inbound Taekwondo attack, "blocks" (called Makgi) are employed. Employing the hand and different parts of the arm, they are held in diverse positions. Specific attacks call for particular "blocks", but "blocks" can also be turned into counter-attacking moves by linking reciprocal punches or kicks. The principal blocks (makgi) include: Upper Block, Low Block, Single Forearm Block, Nine Block, Rising Block, Palm Block, Knife Hand Block, Double Knife Hand Block and Double Forearm Block.

Competitions

Taekwondo tournaments are staged all over the world in all of the different styles. There is normally not a lot of hard contact but patterns (forms), breaking and sparring. Olympic and WT tournaments comprise only sparring, in International Taekwon-Do Federation tournaments specific hand attacks are allowed to the head. Various other organisations stage multi-discipline contests.

Taekwondo for Beginners

It does not matter who you are or what you're standing is in Taekwondo, at some time you were a total novice, knowing nothing and fearing failure. We've all started out like this and can only develop and learn with practice. Beginner Taekwondo classes in Runcorn are the place to start that learning process and to pick up the basic principles so you can gain self-confidence and proceed with your exciting Taekwondo experience. Most beginner classes are set up to be fun and friendly, providing a gradual introduction to the basic Taekwondo values and developing a solid base moving forward.

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

Matches controlled by British Taekwondo rules require various pieces of protective equipment to be used, these include: hand guards, a mouth guard, forearm guards, a blue/red trunk protector (hogu), a red/blue head guard, shin guards and a groin guard. This is a must because of the forceful kicking movements being employed.