Taekwondo Southport

As Taekwondo has pretty high physical demands, it is perhaps more suitable for the younger generation in Southport. That's not to say that elderly people cannot take part in this kind of activity, but merely that there might be other martial arts which are more appropriate for the less agile among us. Tai Chi is the perfect example.

The sport was first practiced in Korea in around 1945, though the name Taekwondo was not used until the 1950's. A group of Korean martial artists in Seoul established some new schools called "kwans", blending various martial arts techniques. Taekwondo, which it ultimately became known as, mostly entails kicking movements, in particular rapid kicking strategies, jumping/spinning kicks and head-height kicks. Now Southport Taekwondo classes adhere to this tradition.

Taekwondo has become extremely popular in Southport and around the globe, with over 60 million practitioners worldwide. Joining a local Southport Taekwondo club or class is a good way to get involved in this sport which has even been in the Olympic Games since the 2000 Sydney Games. There isn't any reason why you can't become a master of this exciting martial art, even if you don't aspire to Olympic competition.

For a lot of folks in Southport, it is the self-defence element of Taekwondo that holds the most appeal. And in these days of increased violence, especially in city and town centres, it really is no surprise that this aspect features high on people's list of priorities. It is a primary element of Taekwondo that you are able to gain more confidence in your capability to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect others and practice self-restraint.

Whilst it will give you peace of mind being aware that you have such self-defence skills in your locker, the chances are that you'll never be required to use them outside the monitored atmosphere of an actual Taekwondo class.

Your First Southport Taekwondo Class

If you decide to register for a Taekwondo club in Southport, the very first thing you'll wish to know is what will occur on the first lesson and what exactly will the coach be expecting of you. Different Taekwondo masters in the Southport area will devise diverse routines for this initial lesson but you can anticipate doing a 15-20 minute warm-up to loosen your muscles and get the blood coursing, learn a couple of Poomse (forms, cover some technical training (kicks, blocking techniques, hand attacks and stances), do a certain amount of sparring, and finally, a warm-down.

Taekwondo of course also has its own regulating body, and in the UK it is British Taekwondo. Everyone wishing to sign up with a Taekwondo club in Southport have to become members of this organisation. By going to the official British Taekwondo website you can discover details about referees and coaching, coaching courses, equality and safeguarding, first aid, safe practices, news, clubs and members, events, establishing a new Taekwondo club, and many more Taekwondo related issues.

Taekwondo Kicks

Some of the basic Taekwondo kicks you will learn initially include: Push Kick, Axe Kick, Crescent Kick, Side Kick, Front Kick, Back Kick, Whip or Hook Kick, Roundhouse Kick. Taekwondo Blocks: To repulse the numerous hand attacks and kicks there are an equally diverse array of "blocks" (Makgi). Engaging the hand and areas of the arm, they are held in particular positions. Each "block" can be coupled with a kick or punch to establish a counter-attack, and each one is meant for a specific attack. The principal blocks (makgi) include: Rising Block, Single Forearm Block, Nine Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Palm Block, Upper Block, Double Forearm Block, Knife Hand Block and Low Block.

Taekwondo Forms (Poomse)

Forms are a pivotal element of Taekwondo and are important if you are going to master this thrilling sport. Several basic Taekwondo forms have to be learned from the outset and more challenging forms will have to be perfected so as to progress through the various belts. A Taekwondo form is categorized by various facets such as stance, direction and technique.

Taekwondo Belts

Since there are various types of Taekwondo there's never been any recognised system for assigning belts (levels). What does exist is however relatively similar and comprises 2 belt groupings "senior" and "junior" (black and colour), each one of these groupings is divided into levels, eight to twelve colours for juniors and nine for seniors.

Summary

We can't all be like Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, and I reckon that we don't all want to be. Taekwondo is not just about Olympic medals and National Championships. Most of us are happy to make new friends, improve our fitness levels and meet different people, and that is how it ought to be. Yet, as with most matters in life, what you get out of it will be determined by what you invest in it. Good luck and enjoy!