Taekwondo, Tae Kwon Do or Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art, characterised by punching and kicking techniques, with emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. The literal translation for tae kwon do is "kicking," "punching," and "the art or way of." It is a martial art that attacks or defends with hands and feet anytime, anywhere without any weapons, and the purpose of physical training is important, but it also has great significance in fostering the right mind through mental armament.
A Taekwondo practitioner typically wears a uniform, known as a dobok with a belt tied around the waist. The dobok is white and really comfortable to wear. White uniforms are considered the traditional colour and are usually encouraged for use at formal ceremonies such as belt tests and promotions. The white colour on the dobok symbolises the pure thoughts of the person who wears it. When the practitioner is playing sparring, padded equipment is usually worn. In the ITF tradition, typically the hands, feet and head are padded.
There are many benefits of practising Taekwondo. As well as the sporting and self-defence aspects to Taekwondo, there is also an exercise element, which brings health improvements such as; balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture. In addition to the physical health improvements, Taekwondo is also known to benefit mental health through increased confidence, improved self-esteem, focus, concentration levels and self-discipline.
Taking a Taekwondo class a few times, or even just once per week, is a great way to get out of the house and get a change of scenery. Moreover, a Taekwondo class is a great place to meet new people and make new friends.
Taekwondo teaches you discipline. This martial art is not an easy thing to learn, and every single set of moves, every strike, and every stance takes a lot of discipline to master. Learning the various aspects of Taekwondo and perfecting them involves goal setting. You have to set a goal, of say, learning one specific strike, and you have to use self-discipline in order to meet that goal.
Taekwondo is a hugely popular activity for both adults and children, and boasts circa 70 million practitioners across the world. It is amazing how you can start practising at the early age of four or as an adult. Age is not a barrier in Taekwondo. Every training is especially oriented depending on the age of the participants. If kids are training of course they are not going to practise harmful sparring. And the opposite when adults practise Taekwondo they train more difficult things that can help them build more confidence. Taekwondo has many benefits for children as we mentioned earlier. But also, all these benefits are the same for adults and that is why everyone is welcomed to start Taekwondo! Don't be shy to start practising Taekwondo even if you are 40 years old, and at the same time don't be afraid that if your kid starts Taekwondo classes he will be in danger.