Taekwondo
Taekwondo is an exciting activity that combines physical activity, self-defense techniques, and mental focus. It’s a great way to stay in shape, relieve stress, and learn about the culture of Korea.
What is Taekwondo?
Since its development in Korea during the 1940s, taekwondo has evolved to be one of the most practiced martial arts. In fact, there are millions of people around the world who train taekwondo and compete regularly in tournaments.
Taekwondo was initially developed as a dying art form for those living under Japanese occupation. Consequently, it is designed to defend against multiple opponents using both hands and feet.
Taekwondo classes typically involve a warm-up period that focuses on flexibility exercises for all major joints, followed by stretching drills that work each body part through a full range of motion. Students then learn how to punch, kick and block before practicing self-defense techniques with pads or bags. After this, they will typically participate in a sparring session.
10 Benefits of Taekwondo as a Hobby
Taekwondo is very popular as a hobby since it promotes physical and mental fitness while teaching self-defense techniques. Here are 10 other benefits:
Taekwondo Keeps You Active and Energized
Taekwondo requires you to be physically active for an hour or more at a time. This means that your heart rate will remain elevated, allowing your body to burn calories faster than normal. Not only that, but taekwondo also has elements of cardio conditioning such as jump roping and aerobic exercises such as punches and kicks. In addition to burning fat, the activity will help raise your metabolism so you can reduce body fat in the long term.
Taekwondo Helps You Lose Weight
If you are overweight or obese, taekwondo can help you lose weight and keep it off in the long run. The activity burns a significant number of calories, helping you to reach your target weight over time. What’s more, taekwondo helps to tone your body and improve your muscle strength, making it easier to maintain your new physique.
Taekwondo Improves Your Cardiovascular Fitness
One of the major benefits of taekwondo is that it helps improve your cardiovascular fitness. This is because the activity requires you to move constantly for an extended period of time. As your heart rate increases, your body will become better at pumping blood and delivering oxygen to your muscles. This will reduce your risk of developing heart disease in the future.
Taekwondo Reduces Stress Levels
The combination of physical activity and mental focus involved in taekwondo can help to reduce stress levels. The intense workout will help to release endorphins, which are hormones that have a calming effect on the mind. As you learn new techniques and progress through the ranks, you will also develop a sense of accomplishment that can help boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Taekwondo Teaches Discipline and Respect
One of the most important things taught in taekwondo is discipline. Students must learn to follow instructions and adhere to the rules of the dojang (training hall).
They must also be respectful to their seniors and peers. This discipline and respect carry over into other areas of life, such as at school and at work.
Taekwondo Enhances Coordination and Balance
One of the first things you will learn in taekwondo is how to maintain your balance while kicking or punching. As you progress, you will learn more advanced techniques that require good coordination and balance. These skills will help you in other sports and activities, as well as improve your overall balance and stability.
Taekwondo Boosts Your Self-Confidence
As you progress through the ranks and learn new techniques, you will start to feel more confident in your ability. This newfound confidence will carry over into other areas of your life, making you more successful in whatever you do.
Taekwondo Teaches You How to Handle Pain
In order to progress through the ranks, students must be able to withstand pain. This is because they are required to participate in sparring sessions where they will get hit by their opponents. As you get used to taking hits, you will develop a stronger sense of pain tolerance, which can help you in other tough situations.
Taekwondo Improves Your Reaction Time
One of the benefits of sparring is that it helps improve your reaction time. By constantly dodging punches and kicks, you will become more alert and develop better reflexes. You can then apply these skills to other situations that require quick reaction, such as driving or playing sports.
Taekwondo Teaches You How to Disrespect Fear
There are three main things taekwondo teaches you about fear:
- You must learn not to be scared of it
- Not letting your fears stop you from doing what needs to be done
- This is one of the most important life lessons you can learn in any martial arts school.
Fear is the only real obstacle in your path. If you ignore it, it goes away; if you let it control your actions, it will destroy everything you hold dear, including your self-respect.