WHY TAE KWON-DO?
The first thing to do when considering joining a martial arts programme is to determine what you hope to gain from the training. Everyone has a reason for their interest in the martial arts, and it's important to know your options and goals so that you can really get the most out of your training and have a positive experience. We are all individuals, so have different aspirations and needs.
When a parent is considering enrolling their child into a martial arts school, they have to consider both their motivation and the motivations of their child. In order for a child to learn to love and stick with martial arts training over a long period of time, they have to share common goals with their parents. If a parent's goals aren't being met, they may feel they aren't getting their money's worth. If a child's goals are not being met, they will feel like they are being forced to train, and will never give 100%. Consider why you want your child to train, and have a talk with them about whether they really are interested in training, and what they hope to learn.
Main categories of martial art styles - striking, ground fighting or grappling, throwing, weapons based and low impact.
Tae Kwon-Do can be simply categorized as a striking art which utilizes attack and defence techniques using hands, feet, elbows and knees. The extent of the style however, continues much deeper into the use of the body as a weapon of self-defence.
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Fundamental movements patterns and demonstration kicking
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Sparring pre-arranged, free (single and multiple opponents)
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Practical Tae Kwon-Do Applications using techniques in restrained and immobile situations against non martial art attacks
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Cardio Training pads, bags, circuits, flexibility training
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Board Breaking technique accuracy, conditioning, courage!
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Theory learning the theory of Tae Kwon-Do techniques and philosophy
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Gradings advancement through grades. This separates senior from junior, student from instructor.
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Etiquette & Discipline Martial arts is about courtesy to other students and instructors, and in return make better people and society.
Who is interested in Tae Kwon-Do?
Taekwon-Do is very
popular in the UK and around the world because it is very inclusive. Anyone who
wishes to learn the art can do so.
Young or old,
whatever your size or build, male or female - all can benefit from Taekwon-Do
training.
Children
Children enjoy
Taekwon-Do training because of its high level of focused activity. They will
develop increased physical coordination, discipline and concentration which
carries over into their other activities at school and elsewhere. Taekwon-Do
emphasizes hard work and courteous behaviour from students without sacrificing
fun and enjoyable training.
Behaviour Problems - Many parents turn to the martial arts when their children are acting up in school and at home. These parents are looking for help improving attention span, respect, demeanor and self control. The structure of our kids programmes can greatly aid in these areas, however results will vary and the key success to sorting out behavioral problems with martial arts, is with the parent supporting the instructor by extending the control philosophy of the academy at home.
Weight Problems - Childhood obesity rates are climbing, and more and more children are spending a lot more time in front of the television, playing video games and using a computer. Even among more active children, martial arts is still attractive as it is a very good source of exercise that also teaches skills. Parents want their children to get involved in something that makes them set and follow through on goals. Martial arts can help improve cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, strength and overall energy levels.
The Bullied - Children who are being bullied and who's confidence is low and life miserable. Many parents tell us that their child's life has changed due to Tae Kwon-do training. They are part of a group who's first rule is to be courteous to each other, stand by one another and never pick on the weak. These children are the ones who usually go on to become true Tae Kwon-do Blackbelts, as it gives them importance and a position to feel good about themselves. Bullies never pick on confident children. Confidence is believing in yourself and having a positive frame of mind.
The Bullies - Parents who are aware of the problem, feel their children need discipline and an interest, have often turned to Tae Kwon-do for help. Once in class, Tae Kwon-do projects them into a world of disciplined competition, teaching them to defend the weak instead of abuse them. These children soon calm down and are fascinated that smaller polite children can do amazing kicks, jump high and learn Korean terminology. In class, the bullied ends up being the teacher to the bullies and turns the tables around.
Women
Many
women are afraid of walking alone and feel they need to be fit and
be able to defend
themselves. Some women have been in the position of being attacked or in
a threatening situation at some stage in their life and this gives them a
feeling of low self confidence. At this point they feel
they need to change their outlook
and they finally do something about it. Tae Kwon-Do can teach you to
empower yourself with sensible, highly effective and easy to remember
techniques, an essential life skill in today's society. This will result
in increased self confidence, improved strength, fitness, flexibility,
co-ordination and help to lower stress levels.
Men
As we now live in a more violent society, many people have either been
involved in a threatening situation or been witness to one. Many men are
concerned about safety, both their own and for their families. In some
ways, they may feel reluctant to talk to others about this because of the social
idea that they, as a man, are already supposed to be able to take care of
themselves and their loved ones. Many people however, did not grow up in
the circumstances where they would learn how to fight and so dont have
confidence in their natural abilities.
Taekwon-Do can give you the confidence and ability to defend yourself powerfully and
effectively along with increasing your strength and physical fitness.
Mature Students
Tae Kwon-do offers physical and mental fitness to students who benefit with the
fitness programme and the relaxation of healthy exercise. Our syllabus is
such that those over 40 years of age, are able and encouraged, with the correct
training, to promote to blackbelt.
Handicapped
Deaf and hard of hearing are very good at Tae Kwon-do as there is no verbal
distraction. Tae Kwon-do can give them an equal place beside their
contemporaries.
Ethnic Minorities
Tae Kwon-do was founded by General Choi Hong Hi
(1918-2002) to bring people of all cultures
together. This it most certainly has done. Tae Kwon-do is practiced
in over 100 countries. The 1994 World Championships had 78 countries
competing and seminars and tournaments are organised to give
students the
chance to travel and visit other cultures.
