Taekwondo Dereham

Because of its rather more physical aspects, Taekwondo is possibly more suitable for the younger person in Dereham and is especially suited to children as it's great for developing self-discipline and respect for other people. Older adults could find it somewhat too strenuous unless they're especially active and fit. Even so, those who persue Taekwondo in Dereham from a young age will find that they can easily continue with it when they're older. The less nimble of you might consider participating in something softer like Tai Chi.

Based largely around high-kicking manoeuvres like head kicks, jumping/turning kicks and fast kicking methods, Taekwondo was developed from the practices of various martial arts, by a group of Seoul martial arts specialists in new schools known as "Kwans" during the 1940's and 1950's. These "Kwans" were given the names Jido Kwan, Songmu Kwan, Mooduk Kwan, Changmu Kwan and Chungdo Kwan.

Ever since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been a competitive Olympic sport. This has made it even more popular throughout the world with some sixty million people or more regularly participating in classes. And it's by enrolling in a Taekwondo club or class that you can commence your adventure of learning this remarkable martial art.

For the men, women and children of Dereham who wish to learn a martial art, a top priority is the element of self-defence. Considering that this is an important principle of Taekwondo, it is easy to appreciate the appeal of this specific sport. With the extra benefit of learning self-restraint and having a degree of respect for other people, registering for a local Dereham Taekwondo class would seem to be an easy decision.

Your newly learned Taekwondo skills will most likely never have to be put to the test outside of an actual Taekwondo class, however being aware that you have them will instill you with self-confidence.

Your First Class

If you have never dome Taekwondo before, you may be interested to know exactly what is likely to happen on your first class. Most Taekwondo schools in Dereham follow a similar pattern, but there may be variations to the following. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen muscles, some technical training such as learning some stances, blocking techniques, hand attacks and kicks, learning your the basic forms or patterns, a few tips on sparring including good timing, precise movement and the accurate targeting of attacks, and lastly a warm down with muscle stretching and relaxing.

Taekwondo also of course has its own official regulating body, and in the UK it is British Taekwondo. Anybody wishing to join a Taekwondo club in Dereham has to become a member of this organisation. You can get lots of details about health and safety, coaching courses, clubs and members, first aid, establishing a new club, coaches and competition referees, events, equality and safeguarding, news, and more, by going to British Taekwondo's website.

Some Taekwondo Kicks

As martial arts go, Taekwondo sticks out as the one with the most kicking manoeuvres. These are just some standard ones: Roundhouse Kick, Side Kick, Whip or Hook Kick, Axe Kick, Crescent Kick, Push Kick, Back Kick, Front Kick. Blocks: To repulse the many hand attacks and kicks there are an equally diverse assortment of "blocks" (Makgi). Using the hands and areas of the arm, they are held in diverse positions. Each kind of attack calls for a particular sort of block, counter-attacking movements can be produced by integrating a block with a retaliatory punch or kick. The main blocks (makgi) include: Upper Block, Nine Block, Single Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Palm Block, Rising Block, Knife Hand Block, Low Block and Double Forearm Block.

Beginners Classes

It doesn't matter what you're standing is or who you are in the world of Taekwondo, at one point you were a total novice, fearing failure and knowing nothing. We have all started like this and are only able to improve and learn with practice. Beginner Taekwondo classes in Dereham are the place to start that learning process and to acquire the basics so that you can build confidence and move forward in your exciting Taekwondo quest. Most beginner classes are created to be friendly and fun, providing a slow introduction to the basic Taekwondo principles and developing a solid base moving forward.

Safety Equipment

British Taekwondo matches call for certain safety equipment to be worn to safeguard competitors from being injured as a result of the powerful kicks that are used. This safety gear includes: hand protectors, forearm protectors, a blue or red head protector, a mouth protector, shin guards, a groin protector and blue or red body armour (hogu).

Final Thoughts

We cannot all be like Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, and I guess we don't all want to be. Taekwondo is not solely about National Championships and Olympic titles. The majority of of us are happy to make new friends, meet different people and improve our levels of fitness, and that's exactly how it ought to be. Yet, as with many things in life, what you get out of it will hinge on what you invest in it. Enjoy! 👊