What is Taekwondo?
In summary
 | As the world's most popular martial art, Taekwondo is regarded as a highly skilled, beautiful and effective martial art. Taekwondo includes kicking, sparring, punching, forms and blocking techniques, philosophy and much more. It incorporates a high level of fitness, flexibility and co-ordination - which can be attained by all as all. It's a full body workout - every muscle group in the body is used in Taekwondo. Taekwondo is a great body toner and weight regulator. Through practicing these techniques a high knowledge of self-defense can be acquired and we strive to teach respect and courtesy. Age bears few limits - students can start as young as 6 years old and there is no limit. Boys and girls, men and women - this is a martial art for all! Some are drawn to Taekwondo by its acrobatic flair, some by the effectiveness of the techniques or the sheer beauty and philosophy of Taekwondo. Self-control, discipline, self confidence and knowing there are no boundaries or limits in life are just some of the benefits we encourage. |  |
Let's step back...
Taekwondo began in Korea as far back as 50 BC, developing from an ancient artform called Taek Kyon. Meaning "the art of kicking and punching" it evolved and changed through the years into what it is today. There are many organisations under the umbrella of "Taekwondo" - within TANI the two main bodies International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), which is the federation involved in the Olympics.
It's a tough sport. It has been used in warfare for its battle field techniques (Korean War circa 1952). There are many sides - it's not just all about the kicking and it demands respect, discipline and a raw challenge aspect.
We ask - do you think you could do Taekwondo? Do you think you have the ability, or at least the foundations? If you have the desire to learn, the will to strive and the want to succeed then we are at your service to develop that, encourage that and grow that.
Why taekwondo?
So why choose taekwondo over other martial arts?
We recognise that lack of knowledge is a huge factor. It's quite ironic though, as Taekwondo is a huge international sport with many organisations reaching all four corners.
If you want to grapple then Jujitsu, Ninjitsu and Judo federations might be for you. However these are not practical with two or more opponents. Taekwondo scores again in this count!
If you want to learn fast, effective stricking techniques, develop balance, flexibility, concentration, focus, power, calculated attacks and defense (in real-life situations as well as in the ring) then you may just be looking for us. We apply a philosophy of the fastest, most effective route from A (leg on the ground) to B (foot scoring to opponents face).
It's all about YOU - get social, get involved!
There is more to taekwondo than just paying your fee, kicking and leaving. We aim to provide a vibrant social aspect to the association and be highly active in competitions on local, national and international scales. We have annual association dinners (for the TANI network) and each club organises their own socal calendar - BBQ's, nights out, pub quizzes and more! We encourage a lively social atmosphere for people to make friends, really feel a part of their club and boost the training sessions - a happy taekwondoite is a harder training taekwondoite!
Social events and the general running of each club is all down to their Club Committee. The Committee roles include secretary, treasurer and more. The committee is formed on a voluntary or 'asking' basis - if we have someone in mind who we think would be perfect for a role, we ask! Involvement is encouraged, but never forced - if you want to help out and have the time, step up!
We are enthusiastic about anyone who wants to do more for their club too. Whether that be getting involved in promoting your club and thus TANI by bringing a friend, handing out flyers, being a part of the demo team, expressing interest in becoming a class assistant...even setting up your own club and becoming a teacher - there are a range of areas you can get involved in!
Talk to secretary@tani.org.uk or directly to Bertie Nicholson if you think you have something to offer, an idea...or you just want to find out more! Alternatively, speak to your club instructor, collaborate/brainstorm/refine comments/ideas and email them to Bertie.
What ever skills you have, ideas, feedback, area of interest...we want to know! We warmly embrace anyone who wants to help out in the growth and promotion of TANI and thus the TANI network of (currently) 32 clubs!
Prestige
To put it simply, it's a beautiful and graceful martial art - but in no way "easy", "soft" or "prancy". If you've ever been on the receiving end of a bichagi (45 degree turning kick which aims for the 'floating ribs' - the soft bit between the base of the ribs and top of the pelvis) you'll know!
Taekwondo has a long history and developed massively since its beginning in Korea in 50 BC. Its use in battle, in self-defense and in competition proves its versatile nature. You discover that taekwondo it much more than just kicking and that there is always something to improve upon and learn - which means it never gets tiring or boring! For many, it's a way of life, for others it's a way of getting fit - but in the past this has transformed into a love for the art once they realise everything taekwondo has to offer! Many a time we have heard "I joined taekwondo to get fit and tone up...but then I really got into it and now I love it!" - each time we hear it is just as good as the first time - we know then that we're doing a good job! And we always want to do better!
Up to date
If there is a new training technique, a seminar on sport related issues which we can apply to Taekwondo (training, stretching, nutrition etc), a change to the grading syllabus - the way we do a block or a kick - then you can be sure that we know about it! Taekwondo, especially when we consider its Olympic status, is incredibly active and up-to-date with the latest in faster, more efficient technique. All changes are filtered down immediately from Korea across the world. We strive to keep in tune with the development of Taekwondo so that we can provide the best training for our members. We adapt techniques from sprinters, for example plyometrics, to 'awaken' other muscle groups so that we can be faster in fights, and we keep engage with such organisations as Sport NI for the latest in physical development - hydration, nutrition etc.
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