Taekwondo Todmorden

Taekwondo is quite physically demanding, therefore it may be considered more suitable for the younger rather than the older generation in Todmorden. Its teachings of self-discipline and respect for others make it particularly good for children. It can often be too challenging for older adults unless they are exceptionally active and fit. Carrying their Taekwondo experience through into older adulthood shouldn't however be an issue for those who begin when they are younger. Something a bit less strenuous like Tai Chi might be more suitable for the less nimble of you.

With its origins in 1940's Korea, Taekwondo is certainly one of the more recently created of the martial arts and entails mostly kicking movements such as turning/jumping kicks, head kicks and fast kicking styles. It started when schools called "kwans" were established by a group of Korean martial artists in Seoul, South Korea.

Ever 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 sixty million people or more actively taking part in classes. And it's by signing up to a Taekwondo class or club that you can start your adventure of mastering this thrilling martial art.

For the people of Todmorden who would like to learn a martial art, a top priority is the aspect of self-defence. Because this is a pivotal concept of Taekwondo, it isn't difficult to appreciate the appeal of this unique sport. With the additional reward of learning self-restraint and having a degree of respect for others, signing up for a local Todmorden Taekwondo class would seem to be an easy decision.

Your eagerly mastered Taekwondo skills will likely never need to be proven outside the monitored atmosphere of an organized Taekwondo class, however knowing that you have them will give you peace of mind.

Your First Taekwondo Class

If you've never had a go at Taekwondo previously, you may be somewhat anxious as to what should be expected on your first class. This can vary from club to club but will usually consist of some or all of the following. A 15-20 minute warm up to loosen up muscles and increase heart rate, a little technical training involving learning some blocks, kicks, hand attacks and stances, studying a few Poomse (forms), an introduction to sparring which will include movement, timing and the timing of attacks, and finally a warm down to stretch and relax tired muscles.

The United Kingdom governing body of the sport is British Taekwondo and if you want to join a Taekwondo club in Todmorden, you'll also be required to become a member of this organization. You will be able to read about launching a new Taekwondo club, first aid, health and safety, news, events, coaching courses, clubs and members, safeguarding and equality, referees and coaching, and more on British Taekwondo's official website, and get the latest news on their Facebook or Twitter page.

The Main Taekwondo Kicks

There are a lot of different kicking manoeuvres which are used when practicing Taekwondo. The following are a sample of the most widely known: Roundhouse Kick, Side Kick, Push Kick, Back Kick, Crescent Kick, Axe Kick, Hook or Whip Kick, Front Kick. Blocks: To stop and avert an incoming attack, blocks (called Makgi) are used. They are held in various positions and engage the hands with different sections of the arm. Certain attacks call for particular "blocks", but "blocks" can also be transformed into counter-attacks by linking retaliatory punches or kicks. The most used blocks (makgi) include: Nine Block, Double Forearm Block, Low Block, Rising Block, Single Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Palm Block, Knife Hand Block and Upper Block.

Taekwondo Forms (Patterns)

Forms are a pivotal part of Taekwondo and are vital if you're to excel at this fascinating activity. Several basic "forms" have to be learned at the start and more challenging forms will have to be mastered in order to progress through the various ranks. A Taekwondo form is characterized by various facets such as stance, technique and direction.

Competitions and Tournaments

A regular Taekwondo tournament incorporates breaking, sparring and patterns, as far as the Olympics is concerned only sparring is included. That being said there may also be some unique categories in particular tournaments such as team demonstrations and self-defence. World Taekwondo competitions are purely soft-contact affairs, whilst ITF contests permit some hand attacks aimed at the head. There are in addition a number of multi-discipline tournaments.

Taekwondo Beginners Classes

As with any activity or sport we've got to begin somewhere, and Taekwondo is exactly the same. Even the foremost Todmorden Taekwondo masters were complete beginners at one time. So, what should you be expecting as a complete beginner at Taekwondo? A beginners class should give its enrollees sufficient training to give them the basics and allow them to develop self-confidence as they move forward. An ideal beginners class must be fun as well as educational, when people are having fun they are much more committed and are going to learn quicker.