Taekwondo North Shields

While in no way intending to be ageist, Taekwondo can be fairly physical and is generally more appropriate for younger people in North Shields, it's particularly good for children who will become self-disciplined and respecting of others. Seniors trying Taekwondo for the first time often find it too challenging, unless they have consistently kept themselves active. Quite a lot of the older adults who do Taekwondo in North Shields, started when they were younger. If you consider yourself among the less nimble, you could always try something like Tai Chi which is much softer.

With its beginnings in 1940's Korea, South-East Asia, Taekwondo is obviously one of the more recently formulated of the martial arts and involves primarily kicking movements such as head-height kicks, spinning/jumping kicks and fast kicking strategies. It began when schools called "kwans" were set up by a bunch of Korean martial arts specialists in Seoul, South Korea.

At present an Olympic sport, Taekwondo has over sixty million enthusiasts all over the world, and although you may not aspire to be an Olympic Games medalist, you can still enroll in a Taekwondo class or club to learn what will no doubt prove to be a fascinating and rewarding activity.

In these modern times of increasing violence, it's no surprise that individuals in places like North Shields are getting involved in self-defence techniques like Taekwondo to help them to feel safer and more secure in their local environment. The self-defence element is one of the key factors of Taekwondo but it also promotes self-restraint and a deep respect for other folks, which are qualities that are often lacking in this modern age.

There's a very good chance that your newly mastered Taekwondo skills will never have to be tested in your everyday life, but it will undoubtedly give you reassurance knowing that they are sitting in the background should you ever be in need of them.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If you have booked your first lesson but have never done Taekwondo before, you may be wondering what to expect. There may be variations to the following, depending on which North Shields Taekwondo school you attend, but you can roughly expect; A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to loosen muscles and increase heart rate, a little technical training comprising some kicks, hand attacks, blocking techniques and stances, an introduction to some forms (Poomse), a look at sparring including movement, timing and the targeting of attacks, and lastly a warm down to prevent muscle spasms and cramping.

The governing body for Taekwondo in the United Kingdom is British Taekwondo and any individual wishing to join a Taekwondo club in North Shields must also register with British Taekwondo. You can learn about first aid, safeguarding and equality, clubs and members, coaching courses, referees and coaching, events, news, safe practices, launching a new club, and more on British Taekwondo's website, and find the latest Taekwondo news stories on their Facebook or Twitter page.

Taekwondo Patterns (Forms)

Perfecting Taekwondo will involve getting to grips with a number of techniques and one of the key elements of Taekwondo is its forms (also known as patterns or Poomse). These are types of direction, technique and stance which need to be mastered in order for students to progress through the different dans (grades/belts).

Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is probably most recognized for its acrobatic kicking manoeuvres, listed here are some of the basic kicks you'll learn as a beginner: Side Kick, Front Kick, Push Kick, Crescent Kick, Hook or Whip Kick, Axe Kick, Back Kick, Roundhouse Kick. Taekwondo Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", which are used to defend against the various attacking movements, are called Makgi. Employing the hand and sections of the arm, they're held in specific positions. Every "block" can be combined with a punch or kick to produce a counter-attack, and each one is appropriate for a certain type of attack. The primary "blocks" (makgi) include: Double Knife Hand Block, Palm Block, Rising Block, Double Forearm Block, Upper Block, Low Block, Single Forearm Block, Knife Hand Block and Nine Block.

Taekwondo Competitions and Tournaments

Contests are an important part of the overall Taekwondo experience, and all the different styles across the globe hold contests where Taekwondo exponents band together to compete. Hard contact is rarely allowed in any of these contests which primarily comprise breaking, sparring and patterns (forms). Sparring only is permitted in Olympic and World Taekwondo tournaments, while some hand attacks are permitted in International Taekwon-Do Federation events.

Beginners Taekwondo North Shields

Even the very best exponents of Taekwondo in North Shields began their journey as newbies, therefore it's no shame to be a beginner at this sport, or for that matter any other activity. The purpose of a Taekwondo beginners class is to teach a few basics, raise self-confidence and build a firm base for the future. Most important of all is that it must be fun, trainees having a great time will learn quicker and be more committed.

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

Safety gear such as hand guards, a mouth guard, a groin protector, forearm protectors, a red/blue head protector, blue or red body armour and shin protectors have to be worn in all competitions overseen by British Taekwondo. Protection from injuries is required owing to the powerful kicks that are part and parcel of this activity.

Benefits to be Gained From Taekwondo

The benefits which may be gained by taking part in Taekwondo training in North Shields are countless, amongst the most significant are: Build up your confidence by pushing you to take control of your life and succeed, Turbocharge agility, flexibility and stamina by means of intense cardiovascular work-outs, Improve your self-esteem by maximizing your physical and mental fitness, Develop discipline and willpower by comprehensively educating your mind and body in the strategies and concepts of Taekwondo, Reduces anxiety and stress with controlled breathing, Toughen up your mind and body by means of improved physical coordination and mental discipline, Learn self-defence techniques by training you to understand circumstances in which self-defence might be needed, and empowering you to control these kinds of scenarios in your favour.

Summary

The benefits that you get out of Taekwondo will be directly related to what you put into it (as is true of life on the whole). Most of you will just wish to meet different people, improve your fitness levels and make new friends, some might aspire to move on to competitions or tournaments or perhaps even the Olympic Games. But remember, we can't all end up being a Jade Jones or a Lutalo Muhammad.