Taekwondo Woodley

Due to its more physical aspects, Taekwondo is maybe more appropriate for the younger person in Woodley and is particularly suitable for kids because it is excellent for developing respect for others and self-discipline. More elderly individuals could find it somewhat too demanding unless they're especially active and fit. However, those who take up Taekwondo in Woodley at a young age will find that they can easily carry it on when they are older. The less nimble of you could think about something gentler like Tai Chi.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently developed of the martial arts, with its root beginnings in Korea, South-East Asia in 1945. A group of Korean martial arts specialists in Seoul established some new schools which they called "kwans", incorporating a variety of martial arts practices. Taekwondo, which was eventually called, mainly consists of high-kicking manoeuvres, particularly rapid kicking strategies, head kicks and spinning/jumping kicks.

With more than sixty million individuals engaged in Taekwondo classes all around the globe, this has definitely become an extremely popular pastime, and if you become really good at this sport you may even one day qualify for the Olympic Games, of which it has been an integral part ever since the 2000 Sydney Games.

In these modern times of escalating violence, it is no surprise that folks in locations like Woodley are enrolling in self-defence techniques such as Taekwondo to help them feel safer and more secure in their everyday life. The self-defence aspect is one of the key benefits of Taekwondo but it also teaches self-restraint and a respect for others around us, which are traits that are often lacking in 21st century living.

Your newly mastered Taekwondo skills will most likely never have to be put to the test outside of an organized Taekwondo class, however being aware of the fact that you've got them will instill you with confidence.

Your First Class

If you have never done Taekwondo previously, you might be a little concerned as to what to expect on your first class. This will vary from school to school but will generally involve all or some of the following. A 15-20 minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen muscles, a little practical training including learning some kicks, stances, hand attacks and blocks, studying a few Poomse (forms), a quick introduction to sparring which will include timing, movement and attack timing, and finally a warm down to relax and stretch tired muscles.

Taekwondo also of course has its own governing body, and in the UK it is British Taekwondo. Every person wishing to join a Taekwondo club in Woodley have to become registered members of this organisation. You will be able to find a lot of details of coaching courses, news, coaches and referees, safe practices, events, members and clubs, equality and safeguarding, beginning a new club, first aid, and more, by exploring British Taekwondo's website.

Taekwondo Kicks

Kicks play a key role in Taekwondo, here are a selection of the more basic ones: Roundhouse Kick, Back Kick, Crescent Kick, Front Kick, Side Kick, Push Kick, Axe Kick, Whip or Hook Kick. Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", that are used to repulse the different attacking movements, are called Makgi. Engaging the hand and different areas of the arm, they are held in particular positions. Every "block" can be coupled with a punch or kick to create a counter-attack, and each one is suitable for a certain type of attack. The main "blocks" include: Double Knife Hand Block, Palm Block, Double Forearm Block, Single Forearm Block, Knife Hand Block, Low Block, Rising Block, Upper Block and Nine Block.

Competitions and Tournaments

Competitions are an important part of the Taekwondo legacy, and all the various styles around the world hold competitions where Taekwondo masters get together to compete. Hard contact is rarely allowed in any of these tournaments which primarily incorporate patterns, sparring and breaking. Sparring only is allowed in Olympic and WT tournaments, while specified hand attacks are tolerated in ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) events.

Taekwondo Safety Gear

Matches regulated by British Taekwondo rules require various items of protective gear to be used, these include: a gum shield, a groin protector, a blue or red body protector (hogu), a red/blue head protector, forearm protectors, hand protectors and shin protectors. This is important owing to the powerful kicking moves being practiced.

Summary

We can more or less guarantee that if you take up Taekwondo you are going to improve your wellbeing, make new friends and gain self-confidence. If that is all that you get out of it, then that is amazing, you can call it a success! We're not all vying to be Jade Jones's or Lutalo Muhammad's, but those of you that are, still need to start with that initial step. Good luck on your quest!