Taekwondo Bristol
Bristol Taekwondo: If you would like to strengthen your body and mind, bolster your self-respect, learn some valuable self-defence techniques and boost your confidence, an ideal hobby to get involved in is Taekwondo. This Korean inspired martial art has continued to grow in popularity since its development during the 1940's.
While not wanting to deter any specific age group, it has to be said that Taekwondo is more suited to younger people in Bristol, being fairly physically demanding. Its encouragement of self-discipline and respect for others make it especially appropriate for children. Unless they are particularly active and fit, older adults might find it too physically taxing. For those people who take up Taekwondo at a younger age, continuing the adventure into older adulthood shouldn't be a problem. Something a bit less demanding like Tai Chi might be more suitable for the less nimble of you.
Taekwondo is one of the more recently introduced of the martial arts, with its beginnings in Korea in 1945. Some innovative new schools called "kwans" were established in Seoul by a group of Korean martial arts devotees, combining a number of various martial arts techniques. Kicking manoeuvres, especially rapid kicking styles, head-height kicks and jumping/turning kicks are the primary focus of Taekwondo, as it eventually became known. Today Bristol Taekwondo classes follow this tradition.
Popular globally Taekwondo now has more than 60 million practitioners. If you want to get involved in this activity, which is now an Olympic sport, joining a Taekwondo class or club in Bristol is an excellent place to start. While you may not aspire to Olympic competition, there isn't any reason why you can't be a master of this thrilling martial art and have an amazing time along the way.
Whilst there's a great deal to be gained by practicing Taekwondo, it is the aspect of self-defence that most Bristol people find appealing. And in these times of increased violence, particularly in city centres, it's not a surprise that this features prominently people's priority list. Learning to defend yourself while respecting others and exercising self-restraint is a key benefit of Taekwondo.
What to Expect From Your First Class: If you haven't tried Taekwondo before, you might be intrigued to know what is likely to take place on your first class. This may vary from school to school but will typically entail all or some of the following. A warm up of 15 to 20 minutes to increase heart rate and loosen stiff muscles, a bit of technical training comprising some hand attacks, stances, blocks and kicks, some work on forms or patterns (Poomse in Korean), a look at sparring including good timing, movement and targeting attacks, and last but not least a warm down with muscle stretching and relaxing to prevent spasms and cramping.
Taekwondo Kicks With Korean Names: Kicks play a key role in the art of Taekwondo, here are a selection of the more basic ones: Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi).