Taekwondo Watford
Watford Taekwondo: If you've been thinking about taking up a hobby to accomplish some specific goals such as to strengthen your body and mind, learn some self-defence techniques, enhance your self-esteem and build your confidence, Taekwondo could be just the sport for you. A more modern martial art, Taekwondo was first developed in the 1940's and 50's in Korea.
When speaking about Taekwondo, the majority of people in Watford assume that this is a pursuit for young children. There is no doubt that the younger and fitter generation are more equipped to contend with the physical demands of this high energy sport, but this isn't to say that people of every age cannot get involved. However, in order to fully enjoy all the ins and outs of Taekwondo, it helps to be relatively fit.
The name Taekwondo has only been used since the 1950's, although the martial art began life in Korea in 1945. A group of Korean martial artists in Seoul established some exciting new schools called "kwans", incorporating various martial arts techniques. In Taekwondo the focus is on kicking, in particular rapid kicking styles, head kicks and jumping/spinning kicks. Today Watford Taekwondo classes stick to this tradition.
Taekwondo now has over sixty million enthusiasts worldwide and has become very popular in Watford and throughout the United Kingdom. Signing up for a local Taekwondo class or club in Watford is an easy way to get involved with this activity which is now an Olympic sport. There isn't any reason why you cannot become a master of this fascinating martial art, even if you don't aspire to Olympic competition.
Of all the many benefits of learning this sport, it is the self-defence aspect of Taekwondo that the people of Watford find most interesting. And its no surprise that this features highly on people's list of priorities when you take into account the rising incidence of violence seen nowadays in city and town centres throughout the UK. However, exercising self-restraint and a respect for others goes hand in hand with Taekwondo's self-defence principles.
Hopefully you will never need to use your newly perfected Taekwondo skills for defending yourself outside of your local club environment, however it is good to know it's there if you need it.
What to Expect From Your First Lesson: For those of you who've never attempted Taekwondo before, you will no doubt be interested to know what to expect from your first lesson. The following will give you an example, but this will vary subject to which Watford school you attend. A warm up of 15 to 20 minutes to increase your heart rate and reduce any stiffness in the muscles, some technical training involving learning some hand attacks, kicks, stances and blocks, some work on forms or patterns (Poomse in Korean), some ideas on sparring including movement, timing and the targeting of attacks, and finally a warm down to loosen up and stretch muscles.
The Basic Taekwondo Kicks (With Korean Names): Some of the best known Taekwondo kicks that you will learn to begin with include: Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi).