So you want to take up Taekwondo - Fantastic

Welcome to Taekwondo for Beginners.

If you've just decided to take up Taekwondo or thinking about it then you're in the right place. Usually so many questions run through your head. Well you're in the right place.

So many people who think about getting into martial arts like Taekwondo, don't because it's shrouded in mystery. Sometimes they walk away desperately wanting to get into it but just think there's no way they could manage it.

Stop right there!

This page is here to show you there is no real mystery - anyone can do it. We're here to show you how.

The recent Olympic coverage has created a a lot of interest in Taekwondo.

So bookmark this site and visit again because there's so much more to come as well as additional pages on how to succeed in different aspects of Taekwondo

First Things First

Some things you don't need to worry about

Anyone can succeed and enjoy Taekwondo.and not only succeed at it but also enjoy it.

All too often people want to get into martial arts (including taekwondo) and walk away because they think they're too old or too inflexible. Some get a little further and visit the dojang and see fantastic displays and whilst they're in awe of what they've just seen, they feel they could never get there.

For a start, you're never too old. I've seen people start Taekwondo at 40 years old and reach 5th Dan Master grade. I've also seen young people attend for 5 years and make no real progress. What matters is the effort you're willing to put in.

Also if you've visited a dojang and you've seen a great session just realise not everyone started out looking that way. They got that way by working at it and by being willing to learn. There's a saying in Taekwondo - A black belt student is just a white belt student who never quit.

One more thing - don't listen to the critics. They'll tell you not to do taekwondo but to do this martial art or that martial art because that's the only proper martial art. The truth is that so many people say that but miss the real truth of successful martial arts. The real truth is not the martial art but what you do to develop yourself with the martial art you've chosen.

Your First Steps

What to Do Next

If you're starting out in Taekwondo (or are looking to start out) there are some key steps to becoming successfuly interested in Taekwondo there are a number of things you can do.

Firstly try and find a local club in the phone book. Get your list of questions and worries and check it out. You need to feel comfortable to succeed. See the section on finding a good club

Once you've picked a club and have become involved understand there are some early things you can do and decide to keep doing to really help you make as much progress as possible. These are:

1)Get over the awkward phase
2)Concentrate on your basics (technique & stances)
3)Improve your general conditioning (fitness)
4)Work on your flexibility

This lens will have a section for each of the above. In addition look out as we may add new lenses which go into more detail on some of the above points.

Bookmark this site - It's going to grow and new articles and information will appear on here to keep it fresh. Also some additional pages are planned around some key areas to enable you to succeed and grow as Taekwondo student.

I'm currently developing a social network site for Taekwondo students around the world. There is so much we can learn from each other about the sport and the art. They aren't all in easy reach of us so I thought it would be a good idea to get together.

Whilst it's a small number now, who nows how big it could grow and how much we could all benefit if it grows.

You can find it at

www.ning.com/totaltaekwondo

How to Pick Your Club

Picking a good, reputable clubs is vital to your success in Taekwondo.

Look out for the top tips coming soon.

How to get over the 'awkward' phase

One of first things to do when starting Taekwondo is to get over what many call the awkward phase. That's the point where you start and nothing seems to work. Learning any new skill involves an awkward phase and Taekwondo is no different.

Too many people quit because they don't like not looking like Jet Li or Bruce Lee by week two.

Why?

The main reason is people think everyone is looking at them as they do their sessions. Too often they think the that all the senior grade students will be looking at them and laughing inside. I know because I thought exactly the same. The awkward phase is the sensation we feel inside that we stand out like a sore thumb.

The truth is no-one is looking at you in that way. In my club there was a number of senior grade students who all told me the same thing. Don't worry. No-one is laughing. We've all been where you are and know how how it feels because it is so new. Everyone at a good club is there to encourage and support.

Being new is great because so many people want to pass on their Taekwondo knowledge to help you develop. Lap it up.

To get over the awkward phase just decide inside to keep going. Concentrate solely on what you're doing. Think about what your doing each time you make a move. Not only will you keep learning something because you're playing your moves out, your focus will become internal and you'll stop seeing people looking at you.

Another small trick is to talk to people. Say hello, say thank you for advice and ask questions. This will mark you out as a good student willing to learn. People will be eager to share their knowledge with you.
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