Getting Started

Taekwondo (also written as "tae kwon do", "taekwon-do" or "t'aegwondo") is a modern martial art from Korea that is characterised by its fast, high and spinning kicks.

Taekwondo’s emphasis on kicking techniques distinguishes it from martial arts such as karate or southern styles of kung fu. The rationale is that the leg is the longest and strongest weapon a martial artist has, and kicks thus have the greatest potential to execute powerful strikes without successful retaliation. One defining kick of Taekwondo is the back kick or the side kick.
A Taekwondo student typically wears a uniform, often white but sometimes black or other colors, with a belt tied around the waist. The belt indicates the student's rank.

Taekwondo continues to grow in popularity and is now an established Olympic sport so you will be able to find an accredited club near you.

Kit you'll need

No shoes required for Taekwondo and to start you just need any comfortable sports kit.  However, you will pretty quickly want to get your own uniform or Dobok and a belt.

As you progress to sparing then you will need some protective gear but this may also be provided by your club.  If you start competing seriously then a protective mouth guard is a must.

What's Good

Taekwondo as a sport and exercise is popular with people of both sexes and of many ages. Physically, Taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example of the union of mental and physical discipline is the breaking of boards, which requires both physical mastery of the technique and the concentration to focus one's strength.

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