Taekwondo Aberdare

While people of all ages in Aberdare can of course participate in Taekwondo, it is particularly suited to the younger generation since it can be quite physically demanding, children can especially benefit from its teachings of self-discipline and the respect of others. Older adults may find it somewhat too taxing unless they are particularly fit and active. Carrying their Taekwondo experience through into older adulthood should not however be a problem for those who start when they are younger. If you are less agile you could always try something a bit softer such as Tai Chi or Yoga.

The discipline was developed in Korea in 1945, though it was not given the name Taekwondo until the 1950's. This combination of various martial arts techniques were practiced in some new schools in Seoul called "kwans", founded by a group of Korean martial artists. The emphasis of the discipline was on kicking manoeuvres, especially jumping/spinning kicks, rapid kicking styles and head-height kicks, and it was later given the name; Taekwondo, meaning "the way of the foot and fist".Today Aberdare Taekwondo classes follow this tradition.

The total number of Taekwondo practitioners globally, now exceeds sixty million. Now an Olympic sport, Taekwondo is accessible to everybody, and joining a local Aberdare Taekwondo club or class is the most effective way to get yourself involved. While nobody would seriously expect you to get to Olympic standard, you can certainly be one of the best Taekwondo exponents in Aberdare.

In these times of ever-increasing violence, it is little surprise that people in areas like Aberdare are enrolling in self-defence training such as Taekwondo to help them feel safer and more secure in their local environment. The self-defence element is one of the key factors of Taekwondo but it also encourages self-restraint and a respect for others around us, which are disciplines that are frequently absent in 21st century living.

There's a very good likelihood that your eagerly learned Taekwondo skills will never see the light of day in the outside world, but it will unquestionably give you self-confidence knowing that they are sitting in the background should you ever need them.

Your First Aberdare Taekwondo Lesson

Different Taekwondo clubs in the Aberdare area will have different thoughts on what learners should be covering on their first lesson, but to give you an understanding of what you can expect most first Taekwondo lessons will involve a warm-up, some sparring, learning simple Poomse (forms), a brief introduction to hand attacks, blocking techniques, kicks and stances (practical training) and a warm-down to stretch weary muscles and get the body back to a state of harmony.

Taekwondo also of course has got its own governing body, and in the British Isles it is British Taekwondo. Anybody wishing to sign up with a Taekwondo club in Aberdare has to become a member of this organisation. You'll be able to read about coaching courses, first aid, news, safeguarding and equality, events, health and safety, clubs and members, referees and coaching, launching a new club, and more on British Taekwondo's website, or get the latest news on their Twitter or Facebook page.

The Taekwondo Kicks

Kicks play a key role in Taekwondo, here are a small selection of the best known ones ones: Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To repulse the various hand attacks and kicks there are a similarly diverse range of "blocks" (Makgi). Using the hands and different parts of the arm, they are held in various positions. Certain attacks call for specified "blocks", but "blocks" can also be transformed into counter-attacks by linking reciprocal kicks or punches. The key blocks in Taekwondo include: Rising Block, Double Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Nine Block, Palm Block, Upper Block, Single Forearm Block, Knife Hand Block and Low Block.

Taekwondo Patterns (Forms)

Taekwondo forms (also referred to as patterns or Poomse) are characterised by certain elements like stance, technique and direction. From the outset you are going to get to grips with a few of the important forms, and so as to move through the various levels (belts) you'll have to learn some more complex ones.

Taekwondo Belts

Since there are many different types of Taekwondo there has never been any uniform system for assigning belts (grades). What exists however is fairly similar and is made up of two belt groups "junior" and "senior" ("colour" and "black"), each one of these groups is split into levels, 8 to 12 colours in the case of juniors and 9 for seniors.

Beginners Taekwondo Aberdare

Even the very best exponents of Taekwondo in Aberdare set out as novices, so it is no shame to be a total beginner at this sport, or any other activity for that matter. The purpose of a Taekwondo beginners class is to teach just a few basics, improve self-confidence and build a solid base for the future. Most important of all is that it must be fun, trainees having fun are going to learn faster and be better engaged.

Safety Equipment

Safety gear like a mouth protector, forearm protectors, shin guards, a blue/red head protector, a red or blue body guard (hogu), a groin guard and hand protectors are worn in all matches regulated by British Taekwondo. Protection from injuries is necessary due to the forceful kicks that are an integral element of this activity.