Taekwondo Canvey Island

Since Taekwondo has pretty high physical demands, it's perhaps more suitable for the younger people of Canvey Island. That isn't to say that elderly people can't take part in this popular activity, but simply that there may be other martial arts which are more appropriate for the less nimble of us. Tai Chi is the perfect example.

With its beginnings in 1940's Korea, South-East Asia, Taekwondo is obviously one of the more recently developed of the martial arts and entails mainly kicking moves such as jumping/turning kicks, rapid kicking styles and head-height kicks. It started when schools known as "kwans" were established by a group of Korean martial artists in Seoul, South Korea.

Taekwondo has become very popular in Canvey Island and all around the world, with over 60 million practitioners worldwide. Joining a local Taekwondo club or class in Canvey Island is a good way to get involved with this activity which is now an Olympic sport. While reaching Olympic standard may be aiming a bit high, there is no reason why you cannot become a Taekwondo master.

In these days of escalating violence, it's no surprise that people in locations like Canvey Island are attending self-defence techniques such as Taekwondo to help them to feel safer in their local environment. The self-defence aspect is one of the key benefits of Taekwondo but at the same time it also promotes self-restraint and a deep respect for other folks, which are qualities that are frequently lacking in modern day life.

Although it will give you peace of mind being aware that you have those self-defence skills in your locker, the odds are that you'll never have to use them outside the monitored atmosphere of an organised Taekwondo class.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If you've booked your first lesson but have never tried Taekwondo before, you will be wondering what to prepare for. This could vary from class to class but will typically entail all or some of the following. A 15 to 20 minute warm up, a bit of technical training including learning some stances, kicks, blocks and hand attacks, a look at some Poomse (or forms), a look at sparring including good timing, precise movement and the accurate targeting of attacks, and to round off a warm down to loosen up and stretch tired muscles.

British Taekwondo is the governing body of the sport within Great Britain, and membership of this organization is compulsory should you wish to join any Taekwondo club in Canvey Island or nearby. By heading to British Taekwondo's official website you'll be able to read details of members and clubs, referees and coaching, first aid, beginning a new club, safe practices, coaching courses, equality and safeguarding, news, events, and many more Taekwondo related issues.

Benefits to be Gained From Taekwondo

The benefits that may be acquired by taking part in Taekwondo lessons in Canvey Island are countless, among the most advantageous are: Teach self-defence tactics by showing you how to recognise circumstances where self-defence may be needed, and enabling you to control these situations in your favour, Lower anxiety and stress with controlled breathing, Increase flexibility, stamina and agility by way of intense cardiovascular effort, Enhance concentration and self-esteem by sharpening your physical and mental fitness, Grow in your confidence by helping you to succeed and to seize control of your life, Develop discipline and willpower by methodically training your mind and body in the principles and techniques of Taekwondo, Toughen up your body and mind via enhanced mental discipline and physical co-ordination.

The Popular Taekwondo Kicks

Some of the best known Taekwondo kicking techniques you will master initially include: Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi). Blocks: To stop and deflect an inbound Taekwondo attack, blocks (known as Makgi) are implemented. They're held in various positions and enlist the hand with areas of the arm. Each type of attack necessitates a particular type of block, counter-attacking movements can be produced by combining a block with a retaliatory punch or kick. The principal Taekwondo blocks include: Palm Block, Upper Block, Low Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Knife Hand Block, Nine Block, Double Forearm Block, Single Forearm Block and Rising Block.

Taekwondo Safety Gear

British Taekwondo competitions call for certain safety gear to be worn to protect competitors from personal injury due to the powerful kicking that takes place. This safety gear includes: hand protectors, a groin protector, a mouth protector, red/blue body armour (hogu), shin guards, forearm protectors and a red or blue head guard.

Summary

We cannot all be like Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, and I guess that we don't all want to be. Taekwondo isn't purely about Olympic titles and National Championships. Most of us are content to make new friends, improve our levels of fitness and meet different people, and that's how it ought to be. Yet, as with many things in life, what you get from it will depend on what you put into it. Enjoy! 👊