“I teach Taekwondo in a structured way that makes it available to as many people as possible. I teach nine classes a week: childrens, mixed adults, University students, as well as private tuition by appointment.
It is important to me that each new member that comes into one of my classes feels right from the start they are entering a friendly, disciplined and safe environment in which they will learn the martial art.
Although I take all my classes personally, I do have a team of very experienced black-belt coaches who welcome new members and are ready to answer questions and put people at their ease. I want students to enjoy the lesson and feel confident about how they are being taught.
I work to keep my students motivated by varying their training, different lessons will either be focused on or be a combination of: studying the grading syllabus, awareness and self-defence, stretching and strengthening exercises, sparring, circuit training and bag work.” Mr Alan Sparks, 2010.
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a martial art, a form of unarmed combat practised for many centuries in the Orient. Taekwondo is the Korean art of self defence developed from a number of Korean arts like Subak and Taekyon, dating back over 2,000 years. In its present form Taekwondo became perfected in Korea this century being named and founded by Major General Choi Hong Hi, 9th Dan, in 1955.
Translated from Korean “Tae” literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. “Kwon” means a fist, mainly to destroy or punch with the fist. “Do” is a well known term meaning way, method or art.
Putting these terms together Taekwondo is generally interpreted as meaning: The Way of Hand and Foot
Benefits of Taekwondo
There are many benefits of Taekwondo.
Self Defence: First and foremost it is a highly effective form of self defence.
Physical Fitness: Physical activity includes aerobic (blocking drills and patterns) as well as anaerobic activity (sparring), strength training (pushups), and stretching (kicking drills). Regular practice will help you develop your body, maintain your health and give you more energy.
Mental Clarity: Taekwondo demands a firm control of mind over body. While Taekwondo is a fighting art, it does not encourage violent living. For many people, the strength of will and clarity of thought that is developed through training goes beyond Taekwondo into day to day life.
Aspects of Taekwondo
Taekwondo training consists of the following specific areas:
1) Patterns
2) Self-defence
3) Sparring, boxing and footwork
4) Fitness training, stretching and strength building
5) Power breaking
