Taekwondo Beginners
Taekwondo, when translated means the 'art of kicking and punching'. Taekwondo has a long history and can be traced back as early as AD 3 as being a self-defence martial art using only the hands and feet to fight off one's assailants. It differs from other martial arts in that a great deal of emphasis is placed upon using the legs to defend oneself. In some countries Taekwondo is seen as such a good method of Physical Education that it is taught to children in schools and colleges in much the same as we would teach football in this country.
Taekwondo is now practiced in more than 174 countries by over 50 million people and was introduced as a full Olympic sport at the Games in Sydney 2000.
As well as being a great way of keeping fit, through professional instruction and the correct training an individual's character can be developed in a wholly positive way. Within the first few months of training, great emphasis is placed upon instilling the tenets (beliefs) associated with the philosophy of Taekwondo.
Please note that Taekwondo is not easy. There will be times when you feel you cannot understand or do what is asked of you. This is not the time to give up. All that your instructor will ask of you as a student is that you do your best, giving everything you have got, in other words it's all down to effort. Your instructor can only meet you half way, you must try your very best, then, with effort and eventually both physical training and focusing of the mind you will not only attain your rewards but will also be on the path to becoming a true martial artist.
Introductory Course
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This course is based on a 12 week introductory programme for the complete novice. |
- Etiquette and rules of behaviour in the dojang.
- Warm-up and physical conditioning exercises. Each Taekwondo lesson begins with a twenty minute warm-up period which consists of a number of physical conditioning exercises designed to increase strength and fitness.
- Stretching and flexibility exercises aimed at increasing flexibility and thus prevent injury.
- Increasing balance through correct stances.
- Generating and increasing power in techniques.
- Identifying primary target areas and striking zones.
- Basic defensive blocking techniques.
- Basic single striking techniques (hands).
- Basic single kicking techniques.
- Combination kicking and striking techniques.
- Defensive blocking and counter attack techniques.
Following the introduction of these principles, the student will be expected to learn a sequence of 17 basic movements (a basic ‘Pattern’) that incorporates these techniques and is designed to test the student's ability, understanding and knowledge of Taekwondo. After approximately 12 weeks training (or 18 training sessions) and upon learning this pattern, students will be eligible for entry into their first promotion test (grading). If successful in this test, the student has taken their first step towards gaining the coveted ‘Black Belt’. Further gradings are held every 3 months.
Taekwondo - For Whom And For What?
There can be few who would deny that education is one of the most important aspects of our lives, without it we are nothing. It governs our future.
One cannot fail to recognise the changes that have been made in the educational structures and standard over the past few decades.
Today children and adults alike can study a whole range of subjects. Yet what subjects do our educational institutes offer to develop the growth of a person physically and mentally? Surely these should be of equal concern in comparison with academic accomplishments.
In searching for suitable subjects to convey the importance of character development, you do not need to look far, for they have been around for many centuries; the martial arts training skills of the orient. Many countries now recognise and appreciate the benefits that can be obtained from the study of these arts. Taekwondo, the most popular of these, now boasts a following of almost 100 million worldwide, many of whom are children.
Martial arts are far removed from other activities, such as Football, Rugby, Cricket and Tennis, for they instil discipline through respect. The oriental philosophy emphasises responsibility, sincerity and justice, given these aspects, the martial arts provide the perfect compliment for the study of most other subjects. Contrary to popular belief, young people who study martial arts such as Taekwondo do not spend their time looking for a chance to prove themselves and avoid conflict at all costs. The atmosphere in which the classes are conducted instils a sense of respect for the art in all students, young and old. People assume that the sole purpose of martial art is for fighting. The person who begins the study of martial arts solely for the purpose of fighting will soon realise the folly of his goal. Martial arts are truly self-defence and the idea of defence is instilled through humility.
Coloured Belts
Practicing Basics at
Palatine Leisure Centre
