Aspects of Tae Kwon-do
Self Defence
Men women and children need to be able to defend themselves if the need arises. With Tae Kwon-do we develop the technique of unarmed combat for self-defence, involving skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and restraints.
Improved Self Confidence
Having the ability to defend yourself makes you a more confident person, in all facets of life. Tae Kwon-do is about improving your mental and physical state. It builds a level of self-confidence unsurpassed by any other form of exercise.
Padwork
The techniques that you learn will be practised against pads which will enable you to develop good techniques, power and confidence in a safe environment. Padwork is used to develop reactions, co-ordination and improve your overall fitness.
Patterns
Patterns are various fundamental movements most of which represent either attack or defence techniques, set to a fixed and logical sequence against an imaginery opponent.
We practice patterns to improve our Tae Kwon-Do techniques, to develop sparring techniques, to improve flexibility of movement, master body-shifting, develop muscles, balance and breath control. They also enable us to acquire techniques, which cannot be obtained from other forms of training.
The reason for there being 24 patterns in Tae Kwon-do is because the founder Major General Choi Hong Hi, compared the life of man with a day in the life of the earth and believed that some people should strive to bequeath a good spiritual legacy to coming generations and in doing so gain immortality.
Therefore, if we can leave something behind for the welfare of mankind, maybe it will be the most important thing to happen in our lives, as the founder says:
"Here I leave Tae Kwon-Do for mankind as a trace of a man of the late 20th Century. The twenty four patterns represent twenty four hours, one day or all of my life."
Interpretations of patterns. The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagramatic symbol of each pattern symbolises heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historical events.
Interpretations of patterns are learnt so that you can draw some inspiration and guidance from the examples given of the tenets of Tae Kwon-Do.
Flexibility
Due to the types of exercises and techniques performed, your flexibility and mobility will improve immensely.
Discipline
The Tae Kwon-do classes promote discipline, respect, courtesy and self-control which enhance into everyday life.
Safety
Tae Kwon-do, like any other sport, can be practised in complete safety if simple precautions are followed. In Tae Kwon-do classes, we stress safety from the day you begin, through careful stretching, controlled techiniques, and a positive attitude.
Fitness
In Tae Kwon-do you'll learn to stretch and exercise nearly every muscle group in your body. Tha aspect alone distinguishes the sport from most others. But emphasis on improved concentration, stamina and self-control is what really sets Tae Kwon-do apart from other disciplines. To develop those skills, you'll exercise your mind at least as much as your body. Naturally, the positive effects of that exercise will carry over into other areas of your life too.