Your initial classes will begin with a group warm up and stretch, this is to prevent injury, by preparing the body for the new and unfamiliar activities involved in the class.

 

Your training will then continue with a designated instructor, often separate from the main class.

 

In this way you will learn new skills which focus on co-ordination exercises, blocking and striking sequences and learn the initial theories of generating power through reaction speed, body dropping and implementing correct technique.

 

As you progress we introduce exercises which develop your memory skills and require you to change directions, whilst performing a set sequence of events.

 

All exercises are practiced on both the right hand and left hand side of the body to ensure strong development of both physical and mental muscle memory. You will always have one side of the body more dominant than the other; our role is to make both sides of the body and the mind work as one.

 

When you have started to develop these skills we integrate you into the class where you can work with the other intermediate students on kicking techniques and self-defence routines. Working with the other students helps you to see what you can achieve, all the other students started in the same place that you are now.

 

In Taekwon-Do kicking is very important and kicking drills are introduced that cover the different types of kicks and the technique involved in each kick, which makes it the most effective.

 

Another important aspect of Taekwon-Do is self-defence; in our modern world just having the confidence in your own abilities can be a huge benefit in a confrontational situation.

 

As your training progresses still further, you will learn sequences of movements in combinations referred to in Taekwon-Do as patterns (Tul), as well as partner work, which involves attack and defensive combinations to help the student to develop reactions, distancing and focus on their techniques. After the initial four-directional punching exercises, the patterns covered are Chon-Ji (19 moves), Dan-Gun (21 moves) and Do-San (24 moves)

 

The above techniques are the martial art side of Taekwon-Do, however there is also the sporting side which involves sparring. Sparring skills are developed over a longer period of time and begin with set sparring routines, ringcraft, blocking and kicking exercises with a partner, but to begin with strictly with no contact being made. After a student has purchased sparring safety equipment, then the sporting side of the art can be enjoyed more fully, but Taekwon-Do in the Dojang remains a semi-contact martial art.