A lot, if you value your physical health! Tae Kwon Do is Korean Karate. It means The Way of the Hand andFoot (punching and kicking). There are basically four sectionsto the art: Toning, Sparring, Forms and Self Defense.
It is a well rounded exercise program that encompasses muscletoning, stretching and flexibility, increasing strength andstamina through aerobic sparring and mental challenges throughbecoming proficient at the patterns or forms.
Most classes start out with warm-ups. These exercises are thecalisthenics such as push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, trunkrotations, squat kicks and various leg stretches. For certainyou will tighten your abs and strengthen your arms just fromperforming the warm-up exercises. Before you know it, you’ll bedoing fifty knuckle or triangle push-ups at rapid-fire pace andwill be able to lean up against a wall and have someone lift yourleg up so that your toes touch the wall behind your ear. Tae KwonDo will definitely help you to become or to stay limber.
Sparring is fighting in a controlled environment. It’s notstreet fighting and all participants wear protective gear: helmet, gloves, shin guards and feet guards, called kicks. Usually you will spar in three minute rounds. It’s basicallykick boxing. Then a minute rest; switch partners, then sparagain and repeat. You will get extremely hot and sweaty. Jab,punch, upper cut, side kick, reverse punch, round house, hammerfist, bob and weave and repeat. It’s an excellent aerobicexercise.
Learning the forms or patterns can really tax your brain. Manyof the forms have 26+ different movements. It’s your job toremember them, in order, and learn them proficiently. In theory,by learning the forms, it’ll help you to become a better fighter.For example, one form might start out: high block, front kickpunch left; high block front kick punch right. Turn 90 degrees,down the center, knife hand left, knife hand right, knife handleft, spear hand. And so it goes. If you master these, when itcomes time to spar, you can implement some of these patterns intoyour match.
Many people enjoy Tae Kwon Do, or any martial arts for thatmatter, because it is an all inclusive exercise program. It’sfun, it’s challenging, and it’s an excellent way to get in or tostay in shape. As with any exercise program, start slowly andconsult your physician. If you haven’t participated in muchphysical exercise in a while, your muscles will definitely bevery sore for the first few weeks. Don’t be intimidated by theother students may appear to be in better shape that you are. Everyone started out as a white belt. Just have fun; and getmoving!
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
