Taekwondo Kirkby

As Taekwondo has pretty high physical demands, it is possibly more suitable for the younger generation in Kirkby. That isn't to say that older people cannot be involved in this kind of activity, but simply that there could be alternative martial arts which are more appropriate for the less agile among us. Tai Chi would be the perfect example.

Taekwondo came from Korea in 1945. A group of Korean martial arts enthusiasts in Seoul founded some innovative new schools called "kwans", where they practiced a mix of martial arts techniques. This ultimately became known as Taekwondo and the primary emphasis of the discipline was on kicking manoeuvres, especially fast kicking techniques, head-height kicks and turning/jumping kicks. These days Kirkby Taekwondo classes stick to this tradition.

At present an Olympic sport, Taekwondo has more than 60 million enthusiasts all around the world, and while you may not aspire to be an Olympic Games sportsman, you can still join a Taekwondo club or class to master what will no doubt turn out to be a fascinating and fulfilling activity.

For the people of Kirkby who like the idea of learning a martial art, a major priority is the aspect of self-defence. Because this is an important principle of Taekwondo, it isn't difficult to appreciate the appeal of this specific sport. With the extra reward of learning self-restraint and having a deep respect for other people, registering for a local Kirkby Taekwondo class seems to be a no brainer.

Such self-defence techniques may at some point come in handy in your everyday life, though it is much more likely that you will solely be putting them to the test within a monitored class environment. Yet it is a nice feeling knowing the fact that you'll always be in a position to defend yourself when you have to.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If you have just booked your very first Taekwondo class, you will be wondering what to expect. There may be variations to the following, depending on which Kirkby Taekwondo school you attend, but you can roughly expect; A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen muscles, a little technical training involving learning some stances, blocking techniques, hand attacks and kicks, learning some forms (or Poomse), a look at sparring including movement, timing and attack targeting, and lastly a warm down to prevent muscle spasms and cramping.

Everybody who's a member of a Taekwondo club in Kirkby or any place else in Britain, is also required to join British Taekwondo, which is the official governing body of the sport. You can read about news, coaches and competition referees, first aid, events, clubs and members, safe practices, safeguarding and equality, coaching courses, starting a new Taekwondo club, and more on British Taekwondo's website, and find the latest news stories on their Twitter or Facebook page.

Benefits to be Gained From Taekwondo

There are of course, lots of benefits to be had from taking part in Taekwondo, and listed here are just a few which might be appealing to you: Teach self-defence by helping you to understand circumstances in which self-defence may be required, and empowering you to turn these types of scenarios to your advantage, Strengthen your mind and body thru increased mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Grow in your confidence by encouraging you to succeed and to seize control of your life, Increase stamina, flexibility and agility by way of intensive cardiovascular exertion, Reduces anxiety with controlled breathing, More discipline by extensively training your body and mind in the doctrines and strategies of Taekwondo, Increase concentration and self-esteem by maximizing your physical and mental health.

Taekwondo Patterns (Forms)

Perfecting Taekwondo calls for getting to grips with a number of disciplines and techniques and one of the key parts of Taekwondo is its forms (also known as Poomse or patterns). These are types of stance, technique and direction which must be mastered in order for pupils to move through the different dans (belts/grades).

Taekwondo for Beginners

It doesn't matter who you are or what you're standing is 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 can only learn and improve with practice. Beginner Taekwondo classes in Kirkby are the right place to begin that learning process and to acquire the basic principles so that you can gain self-confidence and proceed with your Taekwondo quest. Most beginner classes are set up to be fun and friendly, offering a gradual introduction to the fundamental Taekwondo principles and developing a firm foundation moving forward.

Taekwondo Safety Gear

In all events, tournaments and matches being held under the authority of British Taekwondo, safety equipment such as a blue or red head guard, a blue/red trunk protector (hogu), hand protectors, shin guards, a groin protector, a mouth guard and forearm guards is compulsory. The kicking movements used in Taekwondo could cause harm and this all helps make the sport safer for its competitors.

In Summary

We can practically guarantee that if you take up Taekwondo you will improve your fitness levels, gain self-confidence and make new friends. If that's all you take away from it, then all well and good, you can call it a success! We aren't all vying to be Jade Jones's or Lutalo Muhammad's, but those of you who are, have to start with that initial step. Good luck with your quest! 👊