Taekwondo Bletchley

As a result of its more physical attributes, Taekwondo is possibly more suitable for the younger person in Bletchley and is especially suitable for children as it's fantastic for developing self-discipline and respect for others. Older adults may find it a bit too strenuous unless they're especially fit and active. Even so, those who persue Taekwondo in Bletchley at a young age will discover that they can easily continue with it when they're older. The less nimble of you might consider something softer like Tai Chi.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently formulated of the martial arts, with its beginnings in Korea, South-East Asia in 1945. A number of Korean martial arts specialists in Seoul established some new schools which they called "kwans", merging a number of martial arts practices. Taekwondo, which it eventually became known as, largely involves kicking manoeuvres, particularly turning/jumping kicks, rapid kicking techniques and head-height kicks.

Now an Olympic sport, Taekwondo has over 60 million enthusiasts all around the world, and whilst you might not aspire to be an Olympic Games medalist, you are still able to register for a Taekwondo club or class to learn what will undoubtedly prove to be a fascinating and worthwhile activity.

In these times of increasing violence, it's hardly surprising that individuals in areas like Bletchley are signing up for self-defence training like Taekwondo to help them to feel safer and more secure in their everyday life. The self-defence element is one of the key factors of Taekwondo but at the same time it also teaches self-restraint and a respect for other individuals, which are disciplines that are frequently absent in 21st century living.

Although it will instill you with confidence knowing that you have such self-defence skills in your locker, the odds are you will never be required to test them outside the monitored environment of an organized Taekwondo class.

Your First Taekwondo Class

For those of you who've never tried Taekwondo before, you'll no doubt be curious to know just what to expect from your first class. There might be variations to the following, subject to which Bletchley Taekwondo school you go to, but you can more or less expect; A warm up lasting 15-20 minutes, a bit of technical training covering some stances, kicks, hand attacks and blocks, an introduction to some forms (Poomse), a few ideas on sparring including good timing, movement and targeting attacks, and last but not least a warm down to stretch muscles and loosen up.

British Taekwondo is the governing body of the sport within the British Isles, and membership of this organization is compulsory should you wish to join any Taekwondo class in Bletchley or nearby. By exploring British Taekwondo's official website you'll be able to discover facts about first aid, health and safety, equality and safeguarding, events, members and clubs, coaches and referees, news, starting a new club, coaching courses, and a lot more Taekwondo related facts.

The Basic Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is recognized for its dynamic kicks, here are the important ones: Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi). Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", which are used to repulse the different attacks, are known as Makgi. Employing the hands and different areas of the arm, they are held in specific positions. Certain attacks necessitate specified blocks, but "blocks" can also be turned into counter-attacking manoeuvres by linking retaliatory kicks or punches. The most used "blocks" include: Knife Hand Block, Palm Block, Low Block, Rising Block, Single Forearm Block, Double Forearm Block, Nine Block, Double Knife Hand Block and Upper Block.

Taekwondo Belts (Rank)

The belt and ranking system can get a bit bewildering in Taekwondo since there isn't any uniform system throughout the various Taekwondo disciplines. Likenesses do exist though, and usually there are two separate belt groups, signified as "juniors" (colours) and "seniors" (black dans). The number of ranks in the junior groupings varies over the disciplines but is normally somewhere between eight and twelve belts, while the senior section commonly has nine belts or dans.

Taekwondo for Beginners

It does not matter what you're capable of or who you are in Taekwondo, at one point you were a total novice, knowing nothing and fearing failure. We've all started out like this and can only learn and improve through practice. Beginner Taekwondo classes in Bletchley are the place get started on that learning process and to acquire the basic principles so you can gain confidence and proceed with your Taekwondo quest. Most beginner classes are created to be fun and friendly, offering a slow introduction to the basic Taekwondo principles and developing a firm base for the future.

To Summarize

The benefits that you acquire from Taekwondo will be proportional to what you put into it (as is the case with life on the whole). The majority of you will only wish to meet different people, make new friends and improve your fitness, some might want to move on to tournaments and competitions or maybe even the Olympic Games. But remember, we can't all be a Jade Jones or a Lutalo Muhammad. 👊