Taekwondo Northampton
Northampton Taekwondo: If you've been looking around Northampton for some ideas for a new hobby, you might want to consider Taekwondo as a possibility. Practising this sport will help you to strengthen your body and mind, bolster your self-respect, build your confidence and learn some self-defence moves. This relatively modern martial art only came into being in Korea during the 1940's and 1950's.
Taekwondo is quite physically demanding, which means it might be considered more suitable for the younger rather than the older generation in Northampton. Its teachings of self-discipline and respect for others make it particularly good for children. Seniors who are not all that fit and active might find it a tad too challenging. However those in Northampton who get involved in Taekwondo at an early age, will find that continuing into older adulthood isn't an issue. The less nimble of you may find that Tai Chi which is a bit softer, is more suitable.
Taekwondo is one of the more recently developed of the martial arts, with its beginnings in Korea in 1945. In Seoul, a group of Korean martial arts enthusiasts founded some exciting new schools which they named "kwans", practicing a mixture of martial arts techniques. Kicking manoeuvres, especially head-height kicks, fast kicking styles and jumping/turning kicks are the primary emphasis of Taekwondo, as it eventually became known. Nowadays Northampton Taekwondo classes abide by this tradition.
Taekwondo now has over sixty million students worldwide and has become extremely popular in Northampton and throughout the UK. This sport has even featured in the Olympic Games since 2000, and if you want to get involved, heading along to a local Northampton Taekwondo class or club is an excellent starting point. Whilst you may not aspire to Olympic competition, there is no reason why you can't be a master of this exciting martial art and have some fun in the process.
Although there is much to be gained by practicing Taekwondo, it's the aspect of self-defence that most Northampton people are interested in. You shouldn't be surprised by this, when you bear in mind the high incidence of violence seen in today's town and city centres. The ability to defend yourself and at the same time exercising self-restraint and a respect for others is one of the primary principles of Taekwondo.
While its great to know they're there when you need them, with luck you won't ever be required to use your newly learned Taekwondo techniques for defending yourself outside of your local club environment.
What to Expect From Your First Class: If you have just booked your very first Taekwondo lesson, you'll be wondering what to expect. The following will give you an example, but this could vary depending on which Northampton school you attend. A warm up lasting fifteen to twenty minutes, a little technical training covering some kicks, blocking techniques, stances and hand attacks, learning your first patterns or forms, some tips on sparring including movement, timing and the targeting of attacks, and finally a warm down to prevent muscle spasms and cramping,
Some Taekwondo Kicks: Taekwondo is well known for its impressive kicks, listed here are the important ones: Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi).
Everyone who is a member of a Taekwondo club in Northampton or anywhere else in the UK, is also required to join British Taekwondo, which is the governing body of the sport.