Taekwondo Smethwick

Taekwondo is generally a lot more demanding physically than for example Tai Chi, so unless you are pretty fit and agile you might prefer to find something a bit gentler to improve your fitness in Smethwick. Children are definitely the perfect participants for Taekwondo classes in Smethwick, with lots of fast movements going on and plenty of high kicking.

With its root beginnings in 1940's Korea, South-East Asia, Taekwondo is obviously one of the more recently formulated of the martial arts and consists of primarily high-kicking moves such as head-height kicks, rapid kicking styles and jumping/turning kicks. It started when schools known as "kwans" were founded by a bunch of Korean martial arts specialists in Seoul, South Korea.

Now an Olympic sport, Taekwondo has more than 60 million followers all over the world, and whilst you may not have any aspirations to be an Olympic Games medalist, you're still able to enroll in a Taekwondo class or club to learn what will undoubtedly prove to be a fulfilling and interesting activity.

A key element of Taekwondo is self-defence, and of course this is one of the principal reasons that folks in Smethwick get involved in classes and get involved in the sport. There's been a disturbing increase in violent behaviour in recent years and this is particularly prevalent in town and city centres throughout West Midlands and the country as a whole. The fantastic thing about Taekwondo though, is that it also teaches self-discipline and respect for other people, not such common characteristics in Smethwick these days.

Such self-defence techniques may in due course come in handy in the outside world, although it is much more likely you will solely be putting them to the test within a monitored class setting. Nevertheless it's a wonderful feeling knowing the fact that you'll always be in a position to successfully defend yourself if you need to.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If you decide to register for Taekwondo training in Smethwick, the very first thing you'll wish to know is what is going to transpire on the initial lesson and just what will the tutor be expecting of you. Different Taekwondo masters in the Smethwick area will devise differing routines for this initial introductory lesson but you can anticipate performing a 20 minute warm-up to loosen your muscles and get the blood pumping, learn a few Poomse (forms, cover some technical training (blocks, hand attacks, kicks and stances), do some sparring, and last of all, warm-down.

British Taekwondo is the governing body of the sport within the UK, and membership of this organization is compulsory if you would like to join any Taekwondo class in Smethwick or nearby. You will be able to find a lot of facts about beginning a new Taekwondo club, coaching courses, coaches and referees, news, health and safety, equality and safeguarding, clubs and members, first aid, events, and more, by heading to British Taekwondo's official website.

Taekwondo Forms (Patterns)

Beginners in Taekwondo don't need to stress too much about forms (Poomse, patterns) initially, however they'll get to grips with some basic ones to begin with and move forward to more complicated forms as they progress up the various belts (dans/grades). A "form" is indicated by certain elements of Taekwondo including direction, technique and stance. Learning such techniques is a vital part of perfecting Taekwondo.

Taekwondo Belts (Promotion)

Since there are various different kinds of Taekwondo there has never really been any standardized arrangement for assigning belts (levels). What exists is however quite similar and consists of 2 belt groups "senior" and "junior" (black and colour), each one of these groups is divided into levels, 8 to 12 colours for juniors and 9 for the seniors.

Taekwondo Competitions and Tournaments

Tournaments are an important aspect of the Taekwondo experience, and all the various styles across the world hold tournaments where Taekwondo exponents get together to compete. Hard contact is hardly ever permitted in any of these contests which mostly incorporate sparring, patterns (forms) and breaking. Sparring only is permitted in Olympic and World Taekwondo tournaments, while certain hand attacks are tolerated in International Taekwon-Do Federation events.

Taekwondo for Beginners

Trainees setting out on their Taekwondo adventure in Smethwick will first of all enroll in a beginners class. Beginners classes are fabulous, as there's no pressure and things are carried out at a slow, relaxed pace. Having fun while learning is the main aim at first and trainees who are having fun have a tendency to learn a lot quicker and digest more of what they are being taught. Even Taekwondo masters began as inexperienced novices, so take that initial step and who knows where you will finish up!

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

In all competitions, matches and events being held under the supervision of British Taekwondo, safety equipment such as a groin protector, a mouth protector, forearm guards, a red or blue head protector, red or blue trunk armour, shin protectors and hand protectors is compulsory. The kicking techniques which are part of Taekwondo may cause serious injuries and this helps to make the activity safer for its competitors.