Taekwondo Southam

Taekwondo is an ideal sport for children in Southam, because it teaches self-discipline and a respect for others. Its more physical aspects make it more suited to younger people. It could prove too taxing for some older adults, but shouldn't be a problem for those who are already fit and active. Carrying their Taekwondo experience through into older adulthood should not however be a problem for those who start when they are younger. The less agile of you might find that Tai Chi which is a bit softer is more suitable.

Taekwondo started in Korea in 1945. Some exciting new schools called "kwans", incorporating various martial arts techniques were established in Seoul by a group of Korean martial arts fanatics. The main emphasis of the discipline was on kicking movements, especially spinning/jumping kicks, head kicks and rapid kicking methods, and it was later given the name; Taekwondo, meaning "the way of the foot and fist". Nowadays Southam Taekwondo classes follow this tradition.

Taekwondo is popular with the people of Southam and with over 60 million others worldwide. Since the Sydney Games (2000) Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport and if you want to give it a go, joining a local Southam Taekwondo club or class is a good way to get involved. While reaching Olympic standard may be aiming a bit high, there is no reason why you cannot become a Taekwondo master.

For many folks in Southam, it is the self-defence aspect of Taekwondo which has the most appeal. And in these days of increased violence, particularly in town and city centres, it's no surprise that this sits high on people's list of priorities. It is a key factor 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 confidence being aware that you have such self-defence skills in your locker, the likelihood is that you will never need to use them outside of an organized Taekwondo class.

Your First Taekwondo Class

Different Taekwondo clubs in the Southam area will have different viewpoints on what students should be covering on their very first lesson, but to give you a concept of what you can expect most initial Taekwondo classes will incorporate a warm-up, some sparring, learning simple forms (Poomse), an introduction to stances, kicks, blocks and hand attacks (practical training) and a warm-down to stretch tired muscles and return the body to a state of harmony.

Taekwondo of course also has its own governing body, and in the UK it is British Taekwondo. Anybody wishing enroll with a Taekwondo club in Southam has to become a registered member of this organisation. By exploring British Taekwondo's official website you'll be able to read details on clubs and members, beginning a new Taekwondo club, first aid, events, health and safety, safeguarding and equality, news, coaching courses, coaches and tournament referees, and lots more Taekwondo related issues.

The Basic Taekwondo Kicks

Kicks play a significant role in Taekwondo, here are a small selection of the best known ones ones: Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To fend off the numerous kicks and hand attacks there are an equally diverse assortment of blocks. They're held in specific positions and use the hands with different parts of the arm. Each block can be merged with a kick or punch to establish a counter-attack, and each is appropriate for a specific attack. The key "blocks" in Taekwondo include: Single Forearm Block, Upper Block, Knife Hand Block, Rising Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Palm Block, Nine Block, Double Forearm Block and Low Block.

Beginners Taekwondo Southam

It matters not what you're standing is or who you are in the world of Taekwondo, at some stage you were a total novice, fearing failure and knowing absolutely nothing. We've all started like this and can only improve and learn through practice. Beginner Taekwondo classes in Southam are the right place to begin that learning journey and to pick up the basics so that you can build self-confidence and proceed with your Taekwondo adventure. Nearly all beginner classes are created to be friendly and fun, delivering a gradual introduction to the basic Taekwondo values and developing a firm base moving forward.

Taekwondo Forms

Forms are a key element of Taekwondo and are crucial if you're going to master this intriguing sport. Some basic "forms" need to be grasped at the beginning and more complex forms have to be mastered so as to advance through the various belts. A Taekwondo form is characterized by a number of points such as direction, technique and stance.

Safety Gear

Safety gear like a groin protector, hand protectors, a blue or red head guard, red or blue trunk armour, forearm guards, a mouth protector and shin guards have to be worn in all competitions controlled by British Taekwondo. Protection from injury is paramount thanks to the forceful kicks which are an integral part of this activity.

The Many Benefits of Taekwondo

There are needless to say, a number of benefits to be had from taking part in Taekwondo, and the following are just a few that could be appealing to you: Grow in your confidence by motivating you to seize control of your life and succeed, Reduced anxiety using advanced breath control, Help with self-defence strategies by training you to identify situations where self-defence might be necessary, and enabling you to control these scenarios in your favour, Turbocharge stamina, agility and flexibility by means of extreme cardiovascular work-outs, Improve your self-esteem by raising your mental and physical health, Toughen up your mind and body via enhanced mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Develop self-discipline by exhaustively schooling your body and mind in the doctrines and techniques of Taekwondo.

Taekwondo Competitions

Competitions and tournaments are a significant aspect of the overall Taekwondo experience, and all the diverse styles around the world hold contests where Taekwondo masters get together to compete. Hard contact is hardly ever allowed in any of these competitive events which mostly incorporate patterns, sparring and breaking. Sparring only is permitted in Olympic and WT (World Taekwondo) tournaments, while certain hand attacks are tolerated in ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) events.