Taekwondo Fenton

When speaking about Taekwondo, the majority of people in Fenton consider that this is a pursuit for younger children. While the younger and fitter generation might find the physical demands of Taekwondo easier to cope with, there's nothing at all to stop people of every age group taking part. It should however be said that if you're fairly agile you will definately get more enjoyment out of Taekwondo.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently established of the martial arts, with its root beginnings in Korea in 1945. A group of Korean martial artists in Seoul established some new schools which they called "kwans", incorporating many different martial arts techniques. Taekwondo, which was ultimately called, mainly entails kicking manoeuvres, particularly head-height kicks, turning/jumping kicks and fast kicking techniques.

The total number of Taekwondo students globally, now exceeds 60 million. Now an Olympic sport, Taekwondo is accessible to anyone, and heading along to a local Fenton Taekwondo club or class is the most effective way to get yourself involved. While noone would seriously expect you to get to Olympic standard, you could certainly be one of the best Taekwondo exponents in Fenton.

For many folks in Fenton, it is the self-defence element of Taekwondo which has the most appeal. And in these times of ever increasing violence, especially in town and city centres, it's no surprise that this features high on people's priority lists. It is a primary element of Taekwondo that you are able to become more confident in your ability to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect others and learn self-restraint.

Whilst it will instill you with self-confidence knowing that you have such self-defence skills tucked away inside you, the likelihood is you'll never be required to use them outside of an actual Taekwondo class.

Your First Class

If you've never had a go at Taekwondo before, you could be a bit anxious as to what can be expected on your very first lesson. This will vary from school to school but will usually involve some or all of the following. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen up muscles, a little practical training including learning some stances, kicks, hand attacks and blocking techniques, studying some forms (or Poomse), a quick introduction to sparring including the timing of attacks, movement and timing, and lastly a warm down to relax and stretch weary muscles.

If you wish to join a Taekwondo class in Fenton, you'll also have to become a member of the sport's regulating body, namely British Taekwondo. By visiting the official British Taekwondo website you will be able to find information regarding members and clubs, beginning a new Taekwondo club, coaching courses, events, coaches and referees, health and safety, first aid, safeguarding and equality, news, and lots more Taekwondo related issues.

Taekwondo - The Benefits

The benefits that may be acquired by taking part in Taekwondo training in Fenton are numerous, amongst the most significant are: Reduces stress and anxiety using advanced breath control, Improve self-esteem by heightening your mental and physical health, Toughen up your mind and body via accelerated mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Develop discipline by exhaustively educating your body and mind in the principles and strategies of Taekwondo, Boost confidence by motivating you to take control of your life and succeed, Augment agility, stamina and flexibility by means of extreme cardiovascular exertion, Teach you self-defence strategies by helping you to recognize instances where self-defence could be necessary, and allowing you to turn such situations to your advantage.

Some Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is renowned for its vast array of kicking movements, above and beyond any other martial art. Here are just a few: Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Whip or Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To fend off the many hand attacks and kicks there are an equally diverse assortment of blocks (Makgi). They are held in specific positions and enlist the hands with different parts of the arm. Specific attacks call for specified "blocks", but "blocks" can also be turned into counter-attacks by combining retaliatory kicks or punches. The most important "blocks" in Taekwondo include: Double Forearm Block, Nine Block, Knife Hand Block, Rising Block, Palm Block, Single Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Upper Block and Low Block.

Taekwondo Forms (Patterns)

Newcomers just starting out Taekwondo do not have to fret too much about forms (Poomse, patterns) in the early days, however they will get to grips with some important ones to start with and advance to more complicated forms as they move through the various belts (grades/dans). A "form" is signified by particular elements of Taekwondo including direction, technique and stance. Learning these sequences is a vital part of perfecting Taekwondo.