BEXHILL TAE KWON-DO
What
is Tae Kwon-Do ?
Tae
Kwon-Do is a Korean martial art whose history can be traced
back through twenty centuries of Korean history.
Tae
Kwon-Do is a Korean phrase of three parts
‘Tae ‘ means Foot ( as
in to destroy with ), ‘Kwon’
means Fist and ‘Do’
means Method or Way (as in the sense of the path you
should follow ) So Tae Kwon-Do means
‘Way of Foot and Fist’.
Tae
Kwon-Do is rightly called a martial art because it has been
employed by the Korean military. Even in these days of long range
weaponry there are times when the soldier engages in
hand-to-hand combat and it is
under these circumstances that Tae Kwon-Do has proved itself
effective.
Development
of Tae Kwon-Do began in the Korean Peninsular
and several different sources
contributed to the Art as it is practiced today.Earliest
of these sources is the Korean
martial tradition itself.
Another early influence is probably Chinese,
that country being Koreas’ nearest
neighbour. The most recent sources are Japanese,
for the military of that country invaded Korea in 1907 and
remained in occupation until 1945. The Japanese taught their
fighting systems to Koreans to raise their martial art spirit.
Although
Tae Kwon-Do owes something to all those sources, what we now
practice is a new system that reflects a truly unique blend of
characteristics. Tae Kwon-Do kicking techniques are widely
regarded as the most sophisticated in the martial arts
world, and the followers of other disciplines come to Tae Kwon-Do
to study them.
What is a typical lesson ?
A
typical lesson at Bexhill T.K.D would start with a line
up of students with any relevant notices being brought to
their attention.
This
would be followed by fitness training which is tailored to
suit all levels of ability and helps to warm the muscles in
preparation for the stretching exercises which are part of all Tae
Kwon-Do training. Stretching is important to T.K.D as we need to
increase flexibility in order to perform the many elements
of technical work which forms much of the Art.
After
stretching, a period of technical work including kicking
and striking skills, self defence, sparring techniques and focus
pad work is practiced.
The
remaining part of a lesson is usually devoted to syllabus work
where instruction is given on the elements required to train
towards the students next belt.
Finally
the students line up and are ‘warmed down’ before being
formally dismissed by the senior student until the next
session.
Lessons
last from 1hr 30mins to 2hours depending on the complexity
of the session. ( or if Tony gets a bit carried away with it !! )
New
beginners are always made to feel welcome by the other
students who are keen for them to enjoy Tae Kwon-Do training as
much as they do. Usually we have to ‘force’ people out of the door
to get them to go home after each lesson as the camaraderie in
the club is so strong!!! |
