Taekwondo South Ockendon

Taekwondo can be quite physically demanding, therefore it could be considered more suitable for the younger rather than the older generation in South Ockendon. Its teachings of self-discipline and respect for others make it particularly good for children. It can sometimes be too challenging for older adults unless they are exceptionally fit and active. Continuing their Taekwondo experience through into older adulthood should not however be an issue for those who start when they are younger. Something a bit less strenuous like Tai Chi might be more suitable for the less agile of you.

Based mostly around high-kicking moves and manoeuvres like fast kicking techniques, head-height kicks and jumping/spinning kicks, Taekwondo was created from the practices of various diverse martial arts, by a group of Seoul martial arts experts in new schools known as "Kwans" in the nineteen forties and fifties. These "Kwans" had the names Songmu Kwan, Jido Kwan, Chungdo Kwan, Changmu Kwan and Mooduk Kwan.

Since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been a competitive Olympic sport. This has added to its popularity worldwide with some 60 million people regularly participating in classes. And it is by joining a Taekwondo club or class that you are able to begin your journey of learning this fascinating activity.

While there is much to be gained by doing Taekwondo, it is the self-defence aspect that most South Ockendon people are interested in. You should not be surprised by this, when you take into account the high incidence of violence seen in today's town and city centres. The ability to defend yourself and at the same time exercising self-restraint and a respect for others is one of the key benefits of Taekwondo.

These self-defence techniques may at some time come in handy in your day to day life, though it's far more likely you will only be using them within a monitored class setting. Nevertheless it is a wonderful feeling knowing the fact that you will always be able to defend yourself if you have to.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If you have never had a go at Taekwondo previously, you might be a little apprehensive as to what to expect on your very first class. This can vary from club to club but will usually consist of all or some of the following. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen muscles, some technical training including learning some stances, blocks, hand attacks and kicks, discovering a few forms (or Poomse), a brief introduction to sparring including the timing of attacks, timing and movement, and lastly a warm down to stretch and relax weary muscles.

Everybody who's a registered member of a Taekwondo club in South Ockendon or any place else in the British Isles, is also required to join British Taekwondo, which is the official governing body of the sport. You can find plenty of info on news, beginning a new club, events, first aid, clubs and members, coaches and referees, safe practices, coaching courses, safeguarding and equality, and more, by visiting British Taekwondo's website.

The Benefits of Taekwondo

The benefits which may be acquired by taking part in Taekwondo instruction in South Ockendon are numerous, amongst the most noteworthy are: Augment flexibility, stamina and agility by way of intense cardiovascular work-outs, Lessen stress using advanced breath control, Learn self-defence strategies by helping you to recognize scenarios where self-defence might be required, and empowering you to turn these types of scenarios to your advantage, Enhance self-esteem and concentration by elevating both mental and physical health, More self-discipline by extensively training your mind and body in the techniques and principles of Taekwondo, Toughen up your body and mind by way of increased mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Build up confidence by helping you to seize control of your life and succeed.

The Popular Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is well known for its wide range of kicking manoeuvres, more than any other martial art. Here are just a selection: Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi). Blocks: To fend off the various hand attacks and kicks there are a similarly diverse array of "blocks". Employing the hand and sections of the arm, they're held in particular positions. Each form of attack calls for a specific type of block, counter-attacking movements can be produced by combining a block with another punch or kick. The most used "blocks" (makgi) include: Rising Block, Low Block, Palm Block, Single Forearm Block, Upper Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Double Forearm Block, Knife Hand Block and Nine Block.

Taekwondo Forms (Patterns)

Beginners in Taekwondo do not need to fret excessively about forms (patterns, Poomse) at the outset, however they will have to get to grips with some basic ones to begin with and move forward to more complicated "forms" as they move up the belts (dans/grades). A "form" is signified by particular elements of Taekwondo including direction, technique and stance. Learning such sequences is an important part of perfecting Taekwondo.

Competitions

There are an array of tournaments and competitions in Taekwondo associated with all the different styles. They mainly involve sparring, patterns (forms) and breaking with little or no hard contact. International Taekwon-Do Federation competitions don't allow excessive contact but do permit hand attacks to be aimed at the head. WT and Olympic tournaments allow only sparring. Multi-style tournaments also take place.

Beginners Classes

It does not matter who you are or what you're ranking is in the world of Taekwondo, at some point you were a complete novice, knowing nothing and fearing failure. We've all started at that point and can only develop and learn with practice. Beginner Taekwondo classes in South Ockendon are the right place to start that learning process and to pick up the basics so that you can build self-confidence and proceed with your Taekwondo experience. Most beginner classes are set up to be fun and friendly, delivering a slow introduction to the fundamental Taekwondo values and developing a solid base moving forward.