Taekwondo Weybridge

As Taekwondo has fairly high physical demands, it's perhaps more suited to the younger generation in Weybridge. That's not to say that elderly people cannot be involved in this particular activity, but simply that there might be other martial arts that are more suitable for the less agile among us. Tai Chi would be the perfect example.

Taekwondo was only developed fairly recently in Korea (1945). This combination of various martial arts techniques were practiced in some new schools in Seoul called "kwans", founded by a group of Korean martial artists. This eventually became known as Taekwondo and the main emphasis of the discipline was on kicking manoeuvres, especially head-height kicks, jumping/spinning kicks and fast kicking styles.Today Weybridge Taekwondo classes follow this tradition.

Taekwondo has become extremely popular in Weybridge and around the globe, with more than sixty million practitioners worldwide. Joining a local Weybridge Taekwondo club or class is a great way to become involved with this sport which has even featured in the Olympic Games since the Sydney Games in 2000. Whilst you might not aspire to Olympic competition, there's no reason why you should not become a master of this enjoyable martial art and have some fun along the way.

In these days of ever-increasing violence, it's hardly surprising that individuals in locations like Weybridge are getting involved in self-defence classes such as Taekwondo to help them feel safer in their local environment. The self-defence aspect is one of the key benefits of Taekwondo but at the same time it also teaches self-restraint and a respect for others around us, which are qualities that are often absent in 21st century living.

These self-defence techniques may at some point prove useful in your day to day life, although it is much more likely that you'll solely be putting them to the test within a monitored class setting. Yet it is a wonderful feeling knowing that you can always successfully defend yourself when you have to.

Your First Class

If you've never had a go at Taekwondo before, you could be a bit apprehensive as to what can be expected on your first lesson. This will vary from club to club but will typically comprise some or all of these. A 15-20 minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen up muscles, some practical training involving learning some kicks, hand attacks, stances and blocks, discovering a few forms (or Poomse), an overview of sparring which will include the timing of attacks, timing and movement, and finally a warm down to relax and stretch tired muscles.

Any person wishing to join a Taekwondo club in Weybridge must also become a member of British Taekwondo which is the official regulating body of the sport in the United Kingdom. By viewing British Taekwondo's official website you'll be able to obtain info on events, first aid, safeguarding and equality, coaching courses, clubs and members, news, safe practices, coaches and competition referees, launching a new Taekwondo club, and lots more Taekwondo related facts.

The Popular Taekwondo Kicks

There are quite a lot of different sorts of Taekwondo kicks, listed here are just eight of them: Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To stop and avert an incoming Taekwondo attack, "blocks" (known as Makgi) are employed. They're held in specific positions and engage the hand with parts of the arm. Specific attacks require particular "blocks", but blocks can also be turned into counter-attacking manoeuvres by combining reciprocal punches or kicks. The primary "blocks" (makgi) include: Low Block, Double Forearm Block, Rising Block, Upper Block, Knife Hand Block, Nine Block, Palm Block, Single Forearm Block and Double Knife Hand Block.