.webp)
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics.
Taekwondo begins with learning specific offensive and defensive moves. Those are combined into patterns that students practice alone and then use against an opponent. Students are placed at different levels based on the techniques they've mastered.
Different schools teach different techniques. But they include many of the same main disciplines.Patterns or forms are a basic element of taekwondo. These are punches, kicks, and blocks that are put together into choreographed series.
Students learn set patterns at each level. These patterns become more elaborate and difficult as they advance. These patterns may be called poomsae, hyung, or tul depending on the school.
Sparring teaches students to use the moves they've learned against an opponent. Beginners practice set combinations in pairs without actually making contact. Once they reach a certain level, they can make light contact while wearing protective gear, then move on to improvised bouts called free sparring.
Combat is the form of taekwondo included as a sport in the Olympics. Advanced students make full contact with unstructured attacks and defenses.
Board breaking is another element of many taekwondo practices, where students learn to break wooden boards held by an assistant using certain hand and foot strikes.
Taekwondo commands
The commands given by instructors and referees are usually spoken in Korean. Common commands include:
Attention (cha-ryeot)
Bow (kyeong-rye)
Ready (joon-bi)
Start (shi-jak)
Break (kal-yeo)
Resume (kye-sok)
Stop (keu-man)
Back to ready position (ba-ro)
Every few months, students typically have the opportunity to take a test on the skills they've been practicing. This gives them a chance to move up to the next level.
There are several major international organizations that teach somewhat different styles of taekwondo.
World Taekwondo (WT). This is the group that sets the rules for the Olympic games and other major competitions. It takes its style from the Kukkiwon, the training school affiliated with the South Korean government.
International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). General Choi founded this organization, which later cut ties with the South Korean government. It further splintered after Choi's death. ITF continues to practice the style of taekwondo Choi developed and hosts its own World Championships.
Traditional taekwondo. While there isn't a single governing body, many organizations and schools practice what they consider traditional taekwondo. The style may also be called Moo Duk Kwan or Tang Soo Do. This refers to the original Korean martial arts schools that formed after World War II. Major groups include ATA Martial Arts and United States Taekwondo Won.
Front kick or snap kick. Lift your knee to waist level straight in front of you and extend your foot forward.
Side kick. Turn sideways while bringing your knee up to waist level, keeping your knee pointed straight in front of you and the bottom of your foot pointed at the target. Extend your leg to kick straight at the target.
Back kick. Turn away from the target, bend your knee, and extend your leg straight backward.
Roundhouse kick or round kick. Turn sideways while bringing your knee up to waist level, keeping your knee pointed at the target and your foot behind you. Bring your foot forward to deliver a kick from the side of the target.
Crescent kick. Lift your knee in front of you as high as you can, then extend your leg while sweeping it to the side in an arc. The kick can either arc inward, across your body's center line, or outward.
Hook kick. Turn sideways while lifting your knee to waist level in front of you with your foot facing the target. As you extend your leg, sweep it in an arc behind you.
Axe kick or hammer kick. Lift your straight leg as high as you can in front of you and chop it downward. This can either be done straight forward or in an arc inward or outward.
The different governing bodies of taekwondo set the rules for their own competitions. The Olympic Games use the rules set by World Taekwondo. In general:
Tournaments feature different individual and group events, such as patterns, sparring, and board breaking.
Competitors are divided by weight class.
Events take place in a ring with protective mats.
Patterns or forms
Events may include set patterns and freestyle routines. The scoring system is similar to that for gymnastics, with points awarded for the accuracy of competitors' movements and their presentation, including things such as balance, rhythm, and power. With freestyle, there are also points for the level of difficulty and creativity.
Matches typically consist of three 1-2 minute rounds with rest breaks in between. Referees begin each match by having the competitors bow to each other. Competitors get different numbers of points for legal blows. Under WT rules, those include punches and kicks to the torso, with the exception of the spine, and kicks to the head. ITF rules also allow hand strikes to the head and face. You can also get points for penalties drawn by your opponent. Hitting in the neck, throat, back, or below the belt isn't allowed, and you can't use your knees or elbows.
The winner is the person who gets the most points over three rounds. Some competitions use a best-of-three system. As in boxing, you can also score a knockout. If your opponent touches the mat with any part of their body besides the bottom of their foot, the referee begins a 10-second count. If they can't continue, you win.
Board breaking
Competitors must use specific hand or foot techniques to attempt to break plastic or wooden boards. Points are awarded for boards that are either bent or fully broken.
Taekwondo Belts
The taekwondo uniform includes a belt, the color of which signifies the rank that the student has achieved. The colors and their order vary by school, but beginners often start with white. Some schools add stripes to the belt that mark a student's progress toward the next level.
Students who have mastered the fundamentals earn a black belt.
There are nine black belt levels, known as dan. The different styles of taekwondo have different rules, but in general, it takes decades to move through the black belt levels to become a grand master.
Complete Curriculum:
Ensure the school teaches a full Taekwondo curriculum that includes philosophy, meditation, basics, forms, self-defense, sparring, breaking, stretching, leadership skills, and fitness.
Korean Traditions:
Look for schools that adhere to Korean traditions, including using Korean terms (like dojang and sabom) and the traditional white uniform, which symbolizes purity.
Sparring:
A school that does not practice limited contact sparring should be avoided, as it is essential for developing self-defense skills.
Teaching Style: A good instructor will demonstrate practical applications of techniques and prioritize skill development over money.
Research and Visit the Academy
Visit and Observe:
Attend a class to get a feel for the atmosphere, instructor's teaching style, and student interactions before committing.
Consider a Trial:
Many schools offer free or discounted trial classes, which are excellent opportunities to experience their training firsthand.
Be Aware of Red Flags with respect to taekwondo in Dubai
Be cautious of schools that prioritize profit over proper instruction, give belts based on ability to pay, or teach a "watered-down" version of the art.
Excessive Fees:
Inquire about all associated costs, including belt exams, association memberships, and long-term contracts, to avoid bait-and-switch tactics.
Incorrect Terminology:
Be wary of schools that use Japanese or Chinese terms, like dojo or sensei, instead of Korean terms, as this can indicate a lack of understanding of Taekwondo traditions.
Taekwondo Equipment
The equipment you need for taekwondo will depend on the type of taekwondo you’re doing and if you’re performing in a competition.
The uniform, called a dobok, includes pants, a short V- or Y-neck jacket, and a fabric belt.
For combat, taekwondo contestants must wear protective gear such as:
Trunk protector
Headgear
Groin guard
Gloves
Forearm protectors
Shin protectors
Sensing socks
Mouth guard
Related:
Video: Truth About Protein Bars
Taekwondo Benefits
In addition to teaching self-defense skills, taekwondo in Dubai we offer both physical and mental health benefits to those who practice it from Force Strike Martial Arts in Dubai Supporters say your training session helps to :-
To learn Martial Arts Dubai – Learn Discipline & Strength at The Force Strike please connect our contact credentials to book a session in our Academy.
