Taekwondo Seaford

Owing to its rather more physical attributes, Taekwondo is perhaps more suited to the younger person in Seaford and is especially suitable for kids because it's great for developing self-discipline and respect for other people. More elderly individuals could find it a bit too challenging unless they're especially active and fit. However, those who take up Taekwondo in Seaford at a young age will find they can easily carry it on into older adulthood. The less nimble of you might consider something gentler like Tai Chi.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently introduced of the martial arts, with its beginnings in Korea in 1945. A group of Korean martial arts lovers in Seoul founded some new schools called "kwans", where they practiced a mix of martial arts techniques. This eventually became known as Taekwondo and the primary emphasis of the discipline was on kicking movements, in particular turning/jumping kicks, fast kicking strategies and head-height kicks. Today Seaford Taekwondo classes observe this tradition.

Since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport. This has made it even more popular throughout the world with some 60 million people or more regularly taking part in classes. And it is by signing up to a Taekwondo class or club that you are able to commence your adventure of learning this thrilling activity.

In these modern times of increasing violence, it's little surprise that individuals in areas like Seaford are attending self-defence training like Taekwondo to enable them to feel safer in their everyday life. The self-defence aspect is one of the primary factors of Taekwondo but at the same time it also encourages self-restraint and a respect for those around us, which are disciplines that are frequently missing in this modern age.

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

What to Expect From Your First Lesson

If you've never done Taekwondo before, you could be a bit anxious as to what can be expected on your first class. This can vary from school to school but will generally involve all or some of these. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to loosen up muscles and increase your heart rate, a little practical training involving learning some hand attacks, stances, kicks and blocks, discovering a few forms (or Poomse), an overview of sparring which will include movement, the timing of attacks and timing, and finally a warm down to stretch and relax tired muscles.

British Taekwondo is the official governing body of the sport within the United Kingdom, and membership of this organisation is mandatory if you want to join any Taekwondo class in Seaford or nearby. You'll be able to find out about first aid, referees and coaching, starting a new club, events, safeguarding and equality, safe practices, clubs and members, news, coaching courses, and more on British Taekwondo's website, or get the latest news on their Twitter or Facebook page.

The Eight Basic Taekwondo Kicks

There are a lot of different sorts of Taekwondo kicks, listed here are just eight of them: Axe Kick, Back Kick, Push Kick, Front Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Crescent Kick, Side Kick, Whip or Hook Kick. Blocks: To stop and defend against an incoming Taekwondo attack, blocks (called Makgi) are implemented. Engaging the hand and different sections of the arm, they're held in diverse positions. Certain attacks necessitate particular "blocks", but "blocks" can also be turned into counter-attacks by combining retaliatory kicks or punches. The key blocks used in Taekwondo include: Knife Hand Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Double Forearm Block, Nine Block, Palm Block, Upper Block, Rising Block, Single Forearm Block and Low Block.

Taekwondo Forms (Poomse)

Taekwondo forms (also known as Poomse or patterns) are identified by particular activities such as stance, direction and technique. From the outset you'll be taught some of the basic forms, and in order to move through the various levels (belts) you will have to learn some more complex ones.