Taekwondo Telford

Because of its rather more physical attributes, Taekwondo is maybe more suitable for the younger person in Telford and is particularly suited to kids because it's fantastic for developing self-discipline and respect for others. More elderly individuals could find it somewhat too demanding unless they are especially active and fit. However, those who persue Taekwondo in Telford at a young age will find that they can easily carry it on into older adulthood. The less nimble of you could consider participating in something gentler like Tai Chi.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently formulated of the martial arts, with its root beginnings in Korea, South-East Asia in 1945. A group of Korean martial arts specialists in Seoul established some new schools known as "kwans", merging various martial arts practices. Taekwondo, which was eventually called, largely entails kicking manoeuvres, especially jumping/turning kicks, head-height kicks and rapid kicking strategies.

Taekwondo is popular with the people of Telford and with over 60 million others worldwide. Now an Olympic sport, Taekwondo is accessible to everyone, and joining a local Telford Taekwondo club or class is the best way to get yourself 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 Telford, it is the self-defence element of Taekwondo that has the most appeal. And in these times of increasing violence, especially in city and town centres, it's little surprise that this aspect sits high on people's list of priorities. It is a key element of Taekwondo that you're able to gain more confidence in your capacity to defend yourself and at the same time learn to respect other people and practice self-restraint.

While it will give you peace of mind knowing that you have such self-defence skills tucked away inside you, the likelihood is that you will never be required to use them outside the regulated setting of a dedicated Taekwondo class.

Your First Telford Taekwondo Lesson

If you have booked your first lesson but have never done Taekwondo before, you may be wondering what to expect. This will vary from school to school but will usually involve some or all of the following. A warm up lasting fifteen to twenty minutes, some technical training involving learning some blocking techniques, kicks, stances and hand attacks, an introduction to some forms (Poomse), a few ideas on sparring including good timing, precise movement and the accurate targeting of attacks, and lastly a warm down to prevent muscle spasms and cramping.

British Taekwondo is the official governing body of the sport within Great Britain, and membership of this organization is mandatory if you would like to sign up with any Taekwondo class in Telford or nearby. You will be able to get lots of info on safeguarding and equality, news, safe practices, coaches and tournament referees, events, first aid, starting a new club, members and clubs, coaching courses, and more, by popping along to the official British Taekwondo website.

The Taekwondo Kicks

Kicks play a leading role in the art of Taekwondo, here are a handful of the more simple ones: Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", that are used to defend against the different attacking movements, are called Makgi. Held in various positions, they engage the hands and areas of the arm. Each "block" can be combined with a kick or punch to create a counter-attack, and each one is appropriate for a specific attack. The most used blocks (makgi) include: Rising Block, Palm Block, Double Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Single Forearm Block, Upper Block, Low Block, Nine Block and Knife Hand Block.

Safety Equipment

British Taekwondo controlled tournaments require specific safety gear to be worn to protect contenders from getting injured as a result of the vigorous kicking that takes place. These safety products include: a red or blue trunk protector (hogu), forearm guards, hand guards, a mouth guard, a red/blue head guard, a groin guard and shin guards.