by Ian Black

Created on: February 25, 2009

As a practitioner of the Korean self-defence art of Taekwon-Do: "the art of kicking and punching", my first class very intimidating, but thoroughly enjoyable.

When you enter the sports hall at the beginning of the Taekwon-Do class, the Instructor's will begin the pleasantries, and shortly thereafter, they will select several students to help bring out some equipment. After that, there is generally a warm-up for about thirty to forty minutes. As a new student, you are most likely to be taken aside with one of the assisting Instructor's: either a first dan black belt, or higher grade (here you will learn what martial art you are learning).

During some point of the class, each student is shown his or her "pattern movements". Patterns are basically, in short: A series of offensive and defensive movement against one or more imaginary opponents. As there is only two hours in class, perhaps slightly less due to the time taken for the warm-up - you will have to discipline yourself at home, running through everything you have been taught. If you want to improve, you'll have to persevere. This is what's good about Taekwon-Do - it teaches you discipline, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, and courtesy. The act to be courteous towards others.

Taekwon-Do, like many other forms of self-defence martial arts, has a theological side to the art, and not just physical. In time, again, if you decide to persevere, you will then be informed of something called "grading systems"; the Instructor will probably mention this briefly at the beginning of the class. In order to be promoted to a higher rank, a student will be required to demonstrate certain techniques that he or she has been taught; a requirement of ten push-ups on the knuckles (males only) hands (beginners/woman/children). After you have performed and carried out each of these tasks, you will then be instructed to approach the Instructor, who will the go on to proceed with a set of questions; this can be anything to naming certain types of blocks, kicking techniques, how many movements in a pattern, what the belt colors mean, etc...

The first two classes are generally free (you may have to ask about payment from either the Instructor, or simply ask at your nearest sports club, regarding information).

Once the class has finished, you will line up, according to belt color/rank. There may be the possibility of the Instructor asking some questions. This is not meant to intimidate you; it's merely showing the Instructor that you are learning what you are being taught. The sooner you get your head round to learning your theory and also your patterns, the Instructor will appoint you eligible to participate in a grading after so many months.

Taekwon-Do has become an important part of my life, since I first started two years ago. I have noticed little differences in myself; my confidence levels have grown, because, if the time ever comes, I know I can use what I have been taught. I have made some wonderful friends from the class; my stamina is and fitness levels are also improving, too. I am even hoping to reach the rank of fourth degree black belt, so I can then go on to teach students of my own; passing on knowledge of a martial art that has only flourished to such popularity during the last fifty years.

Taekwon-Do really is an incredible, great sport. It is highly recommended to anyone, of all ages, to seek out a self-defence class; either Taekwon-Do, Karate, Kung-Fu, Muay-Tai...All these Arts mentioned will teach you how to defend yourself. So, get involved!

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