Taekwondo Newcastle-under-Lyme

On account of its rather more physical attributes, Taekwondo is maybe more suited to the younger generation in Newcastle-under-Lyme and is particularly suitable for kids as it is fantastic for developing self-discipline and respect for others. Older adults may find it a bit too challenging unless they are especially fit and active. Even so, those folks who take up Taekwondo in Newcastle-under-Lyme from a young age will discover they can easily continue with it into older adulthood. The less nimble of you might consider participating in something gentler like Tai Chi.

Based mostly around high-kicking manoeuvres and moves like fast kicking techniques, turning/jumping kicks and head-height kicks, Taekwondo was developed from the techniques of different martial arts, by a number of Seoul martial arts experts in new schools known as "Kwans" during the nineteen forties and fifties. These "Kwans" were given the names Changmu Kwan, Mooduk Kwan, Chungdo Kwan, Jido Kwan and Songmu Kwan.

With more than sixty million people participating in Taekwondo classes all around the globe, this has certainly become an extremely popular and worthwhile pastime, and if you really master the sport you might even one day be eligible for the Olympic Games, of which it's been an integral part since the Sydney Games in the year 2000.

For many people in Newcastle-under-Lyme, it's the self-defence element of Taekwondo that holds the most appeal. And in these times of ever increasing violence, especially in city and town centres, it is no surprise that this features high up on people's list of priorities. It is a key element of Taekwondo that you are able to become more confident in your ability to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect others and learn self-restraint.

Your newly mastered Taekwondo skills will more than likely never need to be tried and tested outside of an organised Taekwondo class, however being aware that you have them will give you peace of mind.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If you have never had a go at Taekwondo before, you could be a little apprehensive as to what you can expect on your very first class. This may vary from school to school but will typically involve all or some of the following. A 15-20 minute warm up to loosen muscles and increase heart rate, a bit of practical training involving learning some stances, blocking techniques, hand attacks and kicks, studying a few Poomse (forms), an introduction to sparring which will include the timing of attacks, timing and movement, and lastly a warm down to relax and stretch weary muscles.

Any individual wanting to join a Taekwondo class in Newcastle-under-Lyme must also become a member of British Taekwondo which is the regulating body of the sport in Great Britain. By going to British Taekwondo's website you can read details on referees and coaching, equality and safeguarding, news, members and clubs, establishing a new Taekwondo club, safe practices, first aid, coaching courses, events, and lots more Taekwondo related issues.

Taekwondo Forms

Perfecting the art of Taekwondo will involve getting to grips with a number of disciplines and one of the key parts of Taekwondo is its forms (also called Poomse or patterns). These are sequences of technique, stance and direction which must be mastered in order for pupils to progress through the various dans (grades/belts).

Taekwondo Belts

The ranking and belt structure can get a bit confusing in Taekwondo as there is no uniform arrangement throughout the various Taekwondo disciplines. Similarities do exist however, and commonly there are two separate belt groups, signified as "seniors" (black belts) and "juniors" (coloured belts). The number of rankings in the junior group varies across the styles but is typically somewhere between eight and twelve belts, while the senior's group commonly has 9 dans or belts.

Taekwondo Competitions and Tournaments

Taekwondo tournaments and competitions are staged around the world in all the different styles. There is normally not a whole lot of hard contact but patterns, sparring and breaking. Olympic and World Taekwondo contests only consist of sparring, in ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) competitions certain hand attacks are permitted to the head. Other associations hold multi-discipline contests.

Taekwondo Beginners Classes

As with any activity or sport we've got to start someplace, and Taekwondo's just the same. Even the foremost Newcastle-under-Lyme Taekwondo exponents were total rookies at one time. So, exactly what can you expect as a total beginner at Taekwondo? Beginner classes should give their enrollees enough training to teach them the basics and enable them to build self-confidence as they move forward. A perfect beginners class needs to be enjoyable as well as instructional, when people are enjoying themselves they are more invested and will learn much faster.