Taekwondo Staines

While not intending to be in any way ageist, Taekwondo can be rather physical and is generally more appropriate for younger people in Staines, it's especially good for children who will learn to be self-disciplined and respecting of others. Older adults who are not all that active and fit might find it a tad too taxing. However those that take up Taekwondo in Staines when they are younger will find they can effortlessly carry it on into older adulthood. The less nimble of you may find that Tai Chi which is a bit less demanding, is more to your liking.

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

Ever since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport. This has added to its popularity around the world with some 60 million people actively participating in classes. And it's by joining a Taekwondo club or class that you are able to begin your journey of learning this fascinating art.

The thing about Taekwondo that seems to most appeal to people in Staines is the self-defence aspect of it. And when you consider the high levels of violence in town and city centres these days, this is hardly surprising. 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 luck, outside your local Taekwondo club environment, you'll never need to try out your newly acquired techniques to defend yourself.

Your First Staines Taekwondo Class

If you decide on registering for Taekwondo training in Staines, the very first thing you'll wish to know is what will occur on the first class and what will the instructor be expecting of you. Different Taekwondo masters in Staines will contrive diverse routines for this first introductory lesson but you can anticipate performing a 15-20 minute warm-up to loosen your muscles and get the blood coursing, learn some basic Poomse (forms, go through some practical training (stances, kicks, blocking techniques and hand attacks), do some sparring, and finally, warm-down.

Everyone who is a member of a Taekwondo class in Staines 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 out about referees and coaching, health and safety, events, coaching courses, first aid, clubs and members, news, equality and safeguarding, starting a new Taekwondo club, and more on British Taekwondo's website, or find out the latest news reports on their Facebook or Twitter page.

Taekwondo Kicks

Some of the basic Taekwondo kicks you will master to begin with include: Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", which are used to repulse the various attacking movements, are called Makgi. Engaging the hand and areas of the arm, they're held in particular positions. Specific attacks require particular "blocks", but blocks can also be transformed into counter-attacks by linking retaliatory kicks or punches. The principal blocks (makgi) include: Rising Block, Nine Block, Knife Hand Block, Upper Block, Double Forearm Block, Low Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Palm Block and Single Forearm Block.

Taekwondo Belts (Rank)

Because there are many different kinds of Taekwondo there has never really been any standardized system for allocating belts (grades). What exists however is relatively similar and comprises two belt groupings "junior" and "senior" ("colour" and "black"), each of these groups is divided into ranks, eight to twelve colours for juniors and nine for the seniors.

Beginners Classes

Even the top exponents of Taekwondo in Staines began their journey as novices, so there is no shame in being a complete beginner at Tae kwon do, or any other activity for that matter. The objective of a Taekwondo beginner class is to teach just a few basics, raise self-confidence and build a solid base moving forward. Most important of all is that it should be enjoyable, trainees having fun will learn faster and be better invested.

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

Safety equipment such as a groin protector, shin guards, a gum shield, a red/blue trunk protector (hogu), forearm guards, a blue or red head guard and hand protectors are worn in all contests controlled by British Taekwondo. Protection from injuries is crucial due to the powerful kicking that's part and parcel of this activity.