Taekwondo Darwen

While not wanting to discourage any particular age group, it has to be said that Taekwondo is more suited to younger people in Darwen, being quite physically demanding. Its teachings of self-discipline and respect for others make it especially appropriate for children. Unless they are particularly fit and active, older adults may find it too physically taxing. Quite a few of the older adults who do Taekwondo in Darwen, started when they were younger. Tai Chi or something similarly softer might be more suitab le for the less agile of you.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently created of the martial arts, with its root beginnings in Korea, South-East Asia in 1945. A number of Korean martial artists in Seoul founded some new schools which they called "kwans", incorporating a number of martial arts practices. Taekwondo, which was eventually called, mainly entails kicking manoeuvres, especially turning/jumping kicks, rapid kicking methods and head kicks.

Since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport. This has made it even more popular all over the world with some 60 million people routinely participating in classes. And it's by signing up to a Taekwondo club or class that you are able to begin your quest of mastering this exciting activity.

For the men, women and children of Darwen who are keen on the idea of learning a martial art, a top priority is the aspect of self-defence. Because this is an important principle of Taekwondo, it isn't difficult to see the attraction of this specific sport. With the extra bonus of developing self-restraint and having a degree of respect for others, registering for a local Darwen Taekwondo class seems to be an easy decision.

Such self-defence techniques may at some point prove useful in your day to day life, although it is more likely that you will only be putting them to the test within a supervised class setting. Yet it is a wonderful feeling knowing that you'll always be in a position to successfully defend yourself if you need to.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If you have never had a go at Taekwondo before, you may be a little apprehensive as to what should be expected on your first lesson. This can vary from club to club but will usually consist of some or all of the following. A 15-20 minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen up muscles, a bit of practical training including learning some kicks, stances, hand attacks and blocking techniques, studying a few forms, a quick introduction to sparring which will include timing, movement and the timing of attacks, and lastly a warm down to stretch and relax tired muscles.

The United Kingdom governing body of the sport is British Taekwondo and if you would like to join a Taekwondo class in Darwen, you will also be required to become a member of this organization. By heading to British Taekwondo's official website you can discover information on safe practices, first aid, coaches and competition referees, clubs and members, news, events, safeguarding and equality, coaching courses, launching a new Taekwondo club, and a lot more Taekwondo related issues.

The Basic Taekwondo Kicks

There are numerous different Taekwondo kicking moves, here are just a few of them: Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To stop and avert an incoming attack, "blocks" (called Makgi) are implemented. Held in diverse positions, they employ the hand and different parts of the arm. Specific attacks require specified blocks, but "blocks" can also be changed into counter-attacks by the combination of reciprocal kicks or punches. The key blocks (makgi) include: Nine Block, Rising Block, Low Block, Double Forearm Block, Palm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Single Forearm Block, Knife Hand Block and Upper Block.

Taekwondo Forms

Forms are a pivotal part of Taekwondo and are essential if you're going to master this popular sporting activity. Some basic "forms" need to be learned at the beginning and more complicated forms will have to be perfected so as to move through the various levels. A Taekwondo form is characterized by various aspects such as direction, stance and technique.

Tournaments

Taekwondo competitions and tournaments are held internationally in all the diverse styles. There is normally not a whole lot of hard contact but breaking, sparring and patterns. Olympic and WT competitions comprise only sparring, in ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) tournaments specified hand attacks are allowed to the head. Some other bodies stage multi-discipline contests.

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

Tournaments controlled by British Taekwondo guidelines require various pieces of protective gear to be worn, these include things like: a gum shield, a red/blue head guard, forearm guards, hand guards, a groin guard, shin pads and red or blue trunk armour (hogu). This is important due to the powerful kicking attacks being practiced.