Taekwondo
Classes
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A little About Taekwondo and Us
WTF Taekwondo is an Olympic sport
Taekwondo is a lively and energetic martial art that boasts some of the most dynamic and effective kicking techniques of all. With both a traditional and Olympic competition side, taekwondo really does offer something for everyone.
Practiced by kids, adults, men and women; Taekwondo is the fastest growing martial art in the world today. Taekwondo became a full Olympic event in the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Originating from Korea, Tae – Kwon – Do can be translated into Foot – Hand – Way (The way of the foot and hand).
At Chung Yong Taekwondo, we practice WTF Taekwondo and are members of the British Taekwondo Control Board (BTCB). All our instructors are fully qualified and hold current CRB checks. Chung Yong Taekwondo was formed in 1982 and has clubs in England and Scotland.
Should you wish to take your Taekwondo to a higher level (beyond just fitness and fun) Chung Yong Taekwondo, as members of the BTCB has assess to national and international sparring and pattern competitions as well national squad training and a chance to be part of Team GB. We also take part in a wide range of activities from family fun days, to seminars and training with martial arts masters from around the world.
Progression
As you progress in your training you will take practical exams (gradings) to move on to your next belt. The speed at which you progress depends on the amount you train and the speed at which you learn. Below is a rough time scale to progress to Black Belt 1st Dan for a student training twice a week.
Training from beginner to expert. Chung Yong Taekwondo & Hapkido have lessons that will challenge all abilities.
White Belt – 10th Kup
(3 months)
White Belt, Yellow Tag – 9th Kup
(3 months)
Yellow Belt – 8th Kup
(3 months)
Yellow Belt Green Tag – 7th Kup
(3 months)
Green Belt – 6th Kup
(3 months)
Green Belt Blue Tag – 5th Kup
(6 months)
Blue Belt – 4th Kup
(6 months)
Blue Belt Red Tag – 3rd Kup
(6 months)
Red Belt – 2nd Kup
(6 months)
Red Belt, Black Tag – 1st Kup
(6 months)
Black Belt – 1st Dan
What will I get from Taekwondo?
Taekwondo as with many of the martial arts is a self defence fighting system. Throughout your training in Taekwondo you will improve your fitness, flexibility, strength and speed. Also you will gain a confidence in yourself that will reflect in all aspects of your life.
Although Taekwondo may not be for everyone you will find that those who do take to it are often hooked for life! Fortunately the diverse syllabus of Taekwondo allows people of all ages and abilities to practice.
What kind of Moves are used in Taekwondo?
Taekwondo has a range of kicks that strike with most parts of the foot, shin and knee. These kicks are often performed standing, jumping and in combination with each other. The fighting style utilised in Taekwondo is not as ridged as in some other martial arts but with its mix of speed and power, is often one of the most entertaining to watch or take part in.
Hand techniques used in Taekwondo again utilise most parts of the hand including the arc, sides, palm and knuckles. The forearms and elbows are also used.
As well as strikes, this Korean Martial Art has a comprehensive and impressive range of blocks. These are often best displayed in the patterns that students are required to learn to progress.
Taekwondo also contains a self-defense system referred to as Ho Sin Sul, which is a close quarters system containing locks, releases, throws and breaks.
Once combined the range of techniques in Taekwondo build into a complete and impressive Martial Art.
History of Taekwondo
Taekwondo is the Korean national martial art and utilises some of the most spectacular and powerful techniques of all the martial arts. In Taekwondo a lot of emphasis is placed on kicking techniques with flexibility and agility playing a vital role for many of its practitioners. Taekwondo can be loosely translated into the way of the hand and foot.
Taekwondo’s roots lay in a variety of ancient martial arts and their evolution throughout Korean history. In 1955 the Korean government formed a naming committee with the purpose of unifying the various techniques from these martial arts under one name. The name proposed by General Choi Hong Hi and unanimously accepted by the committee was “Taekwondo”.
In 1966 General Choi Hong Hi founded the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). This was followed in 1972 by the renaming of the Korean Taekwondo Association’s central Dojang to the Kukkiwon. In 1973 the World Taekwondo Federation was formed with the Kukkiwon as its recognised headquarters.
Modern day Taekwondo is still split into two basic styles, ITF and WTF. Although the basic movements and theories of the two styles are the same, they have both taken on their own image and unique syllabus.
In 1988 the summer Olympic games were held in Korea and Taekwondo featured as a demonstration sport. With many people seeing Taekwondo for the first time, the impressive nature of Taekwondo’s demonstrations and competition fuelled a world wide boom in the number people wishing to take up the Korean Martial Art. In the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games WTF Taekwondo became a full Olympic event.
Chung Yong Taekwondo pride itself on staying true to the traditional martial art of Taekwondo whilst still embracing the modern Olympic sport.