Taekwondo Sleaford

Taekwondo is generally much more physically demanding than for example Tai Chi, so unless you're pretty agile and fit you might prefer to find something a little gentler to improve your fitness in Sleaford. Children are definitely the perfect participants for Taekwondo classes in Sleaford, with lots of fast movements taking place and a great deal of high kicking.

The name Taekwondo has only been used since the 1950's, although the discipline started life in Korea in 1945. Some new schools called "kwans" were established in Seoul by a group of Korean martial arts fanatics, combining a number of various martial arts techniques. Taekwondo, which it eventually became known as, mostly involves kicking manoeuvres, especially spinning/jumping kicks, head-height kicks and fast kicking strategies.

Since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been a competitive Olympic sport. This has added to its popularity worldwide with some sixty million people or more regularly taking classes. And it's by enrolling in a Taekwondo class or club that you are able to begin your adventure of learning this thrilling art.

A key aspect of Taekwondo is self-defence, and naturally this is one of the principal reasons that people in Sleaford sign up to classes and get involved in the sport. There's been a worrying escalation of violent practices in recent times and this is especially common in town and city centres around Lincolnshire and the country as a whole. The beauty of Taekwondo though, is that it also teaches self-discipline and a deep respect for other people, not such familiar attributes in Sleaford these days.

With luck you won't ever need to use your newly discovered Taekwondo skills for defending yourself outside of your local club environment, however it is nice to know it's there if you need it.

Your First Sleaford Taekwondo Class

If you have just booked your very first Taekwondo lesson, you will be wondering what to expect. The following will give you an idea, but this may vary from school to school. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to loosen muscles and increase heart rate, a bit of technical training comprising some stances, blocking techniques, hand attacks and kicks, learning some forms (or Poomse), a look at sparring including movement, timing and the targeting of attacks, and lastly a warm down to relax and stretch tired muscles.

British Taekwondo is the official regulating body of the sport within the British Isles, and membership of this organization is compulsory if you want to join any Taekwondo club in Sleaford or nearby. You can read about clubs and members, coaching courses, health and safety, referees and coaching, events, beginning a new Taekwondo club, first aid, news, safeguarding and equality, and more on British Taekwondo's official website, or get the latest Taekwondo news stories on their Facebook or Twitter page.

The Many Benefits of Taekwondo

There are needless to say, plenty of benefits to be had from practicing Taekwondo, and here are just a few that could be interesting for you: More self-discipline by extensively training your body and mind in the strategies and concepts of Taekwondo, Reduce stress using advanced breath control, Empower your mind and body by way of increased mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Improve flexibility, stamina and agility through intense cardiovascular work-outs, Increase your self-esteem by maximizing your physical and mental powers, Learn self-defence by helping you realize scenarios where self-defence may be required, and allowing you to manipulate these scenarios to your advantage, Build confidence by inspiring you to succeed and to take control of your life.

The Eight Basic Taekwondo Kicks

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

Taekwondo Patterns (Forms)

Taekwondo forms (also known as Poomse or patterns) are characterized by specific facets such as technique, stance and direction. From the beginning you'll learn a few of the important forms, and so as to progress through the various rankings (belts) you'll need to master some more advanced ones.

Taekwondo Belts

Since there are various types of Taekwondo there has never been any recognised arrangement for allocating belts (promotion). What exists however is pretty similar and involves two belt groups "junior" and "senior" ("colour" and "black"), each one of these groupings is divided into levels, eight to twelve colours for juniors and 9 "blacks" for the seniors.

Beginners Classes

With any activity or sport we have to start somewhere, and Taekwondo is just the same. Even the best Sleaford Taekwondo masters were total rookies at one time. So, what should you expect as a complete novice at Taekwondo? A beginners class should give its students sufficient coaching to give them the basics and allow them to build self-confidence as they move forward. The ideal beginners class must be fun as well as educational, when individuals are enjoying themselves they are more committed and will learn faster.