Taekwondo Torquay

Taekwondo is generally a lot more physically demanding than for example Tai Chi, so unless you are pretty fit and agile you might prefer to find something a little gentler to boost your fitness in Torquay. Younger children are certainly the perfect participants for Taekwondo classes in Torquay, with lots of fast paced movements taking place and plenty of high kicking.

Taekwondo is a martial art that primarily consists of kicking moves and manoeuvres, most notably rapid kicking strategies, turning/jumping kicks and head kicks. It began in Seoul, in southern Korea during the 1940's, when a number of martial arts specialists founded schools called "kwans", which blended a number of martial arts techniques.

With over 60 million fitness enthusiasts taking part in Taekwondo instruction all over the world, this has certainly become a popular and worthwhile activity, and if you become really good at this sport you might possibly one day be eligible for the Olympic Games, of which it has been an integral part since the 2000 Sydney Games.

For the people of Torquay who wish to learn a martial art, a top priority is the element of self-defence. As this is an important principle of Taekwondo, it isn't difficult to see the appeal of this specific sport. With the extra reward of developing self-restraint and having a deep respect for others, registering for a local Torquay Taekwondo class seems to be a no brainer.

While its good to know that you're able to defend yourself any time you need to, you should be hoping that you never need to do this outside of your local Taekwondo club environment.

Your First Lesson

If you have never had a go at Taekwondo previously, you might be a bit apprehensive as to what to expect on your first class. This may vary from school to school but will normally consist of all or some of the following. A 15-20 minute warm up to increase heart rate and loosen up muscles, a little practical training including learning some stances, blocks, kicks and hand attacks, studying a few forms (or Poomse), an introduction to sparring including attack timing, movement and timing, and lastly a warm down to relax and stretch tired muscles.

Everyone who's a registered member of a Taekwondo class in Torquay or anywhere else in Britain, is also required to join British Taekwondo, which is the official regulating body of the sport. You will be able to find loads of details on members and clubs, establishing a new club, safe practices, events, news, first aid, equality and safeguarding, coaching courses, referees and coaching, and more, by going to British Taekwondo's website.

Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is perhaps most recognized for its fast-moving kicking manoeuvres, here are some of the basic kicks you will learn as a rookie: Front Kick, Push Kick, Crescent Kick, Whip or Hook Kick, Back Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Axe Kick, Side Kick. Taekwondo Blocks: To defend against and stop an incoming attack, "blocks" (known as Makgi) are implemented. Held in particular positions, they use the hand and areas of the arm. Each form of attack necessitates a specific kind of block, counter-attacks can be created by integrating a block with another kick or punch. The main "blocks" (makgi) include: Nine Block, Single Forearm Block, Low Block, Knife Hand Block, Palm Block, Upper Block, Rising Block, Double Forearm Block and Double Knife Hand Block.

Taekwondo Belts (Ranking)

The belt and ranking system can get somewhat complicated in Taekwondo because there isn't any standard structure across the diverse Taekwondo styles. Similarities can be found though, and typically there are 2 distinct belt groupings, signified as "seniors" (black belts) and "juniors" (colours). The number of levels in the junior groupings varies over the styles but is normally between 8 and 12 belts, while the senior's group generally has 9 dans or belts.

Competitions

Tournaments and competitions are a significant aspect of the Taekwondo experience, and all of the various styles across the globe stage competitions where Taekwondo masters come together to compete. Hard contact is hardly ever permitted in any of these contests which primarily incorporate breaking, sparring and patterns. Sparring only is allowed in Olympic and World Taekwondo tournaments, while some hand attacks are tolerated in International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) events.

Safety Equipment

Tournaments controlled by British Taekwondo guidelines demand that specific items of protective equipment be worn, these include things like: a groin guard, a mouth guard, a blue or red head guard, a red or blue trunk protector (hogu), hand protectors, shin protectors and forearm guards. This is crucial due to the forceful kicking actions being employed.

In Conclusion

So, what are you hoping to get from Taekwondo? Well, that is a great question, and the answer will vary for different people. The majority of participants will just wish to meet new people, gain more confidence and improve their fitness. We're not all going to scale the dizzy heights of Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, though maybe you will, you never know? 👊