Taekwondo Ashton-under-Lyme

If you were to ask people in Ashton-under-Lyme what their views were on Taekwondo, nearly all would say it is a sport for young kids. While the physical demands of Taekwondo may make it more suitable for the younger generation, it can be practiced by people of all ages. However, so as to fully enjoy all the ins and outs of Taekwondo, it helps to be fairly fit.

Taekwondo was only developed fairly recently in Korea (1945). Some schools called "kwans", merging various martial arts techniques were established in Seoul by a group of Korean martial arts enthusiasts. Kicking movements, in particular jumping/turning kicks, head-height kicks and fast kicking styles are the main emphasis of Taekwondo, as it later became known. Nowadays Ashton-under-Lyme Taekwondo classes observe this tradition.

Popular around the globe Taekwondo now has over sixty million enthusiasts. Since the Sydney Games (2000) Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport and if you want to have a bash, heading along to your local Ashton-under-Lyme Taekwondo class or club is a good way to get involved. While you might not aspire to Olympic competition, there is no reason why you cannot be a master of this exciting martial art and have an amazing time in the process.

It appears that the most alluring aspect of Taekwondo is self-defence. This is not hard to believe when you think about the high levels of violence witnessed in town and city centres day after day. Being able to defend yourself is a key factor of Taekwondo, but this is tempered by respecting others and exercising self-restraint.

Your First Taekwondo Class: If you have booked your first lesson but have never done Taekwondo before, you may be wondering what to prepare for. This can vary depending on which Ashton-under-Lyme school you attend, but will normally include the following. An initial warm up lasting 15-20 minutes, a bit of technical training which will involve learning some stances, kicks, blocks and hand attacks, some work on forms or patterns, a few ideas on sparring including movement, timing and attack targeting, and to round off a warm down to prevent cramping and muscle spasms.

Taekwondo Kicks With Korean Names: Taekwondo is perhaps best known for its acrobatic kicking manoeuvres, here are some of the basic kicks you will learn as a novice: Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi).