Taekwondo

taekwondo

The Korean martial art of taekwondo combines striking and grappling techniques with self-defense tactics. A full-contact combat sport, taekwondo has a reputation for promoting strength and fitness as well as self-confidence and discipline.

A taekwondo match typically lasts three two-minute rounds. If the score is tied after those rounds, the fighters move into a “golden point” round. The first fighter to score with any technique wins the match.

Taekwondo is a dynamic sport that develops the large, powerful muscles of the legs and core. It also teaches the coordination required to rely on the body’s natural strengths in order to maximize the impact of the hard striking surface of a hand or a foot.

While taekwondo focuses on leg power, speed is an equally important factor. The faster the punch or kick is thrown, the greater the power delivered. Speed can even be more effective than mass in some cases, since the human body is designed to move as fast as possible in order to escape from danger.

Some taekwondo styles use electronic scoring systems where contact to legal target areas will register points. This system measures the force of a blow and will register a valid strike only if the impact is recognized by two or more judges. Kicks to the trunk protector or head will not receive any points, and kicking below the waist is strictly prohibited.

Developing the right balance of power and speed is the key to success in taekwondo. To develop the latter, taekwondo practitioners focus on strengthening the lower and core muscles as well as improving their cardio. Stretching is also a big part of this training, especially on a daily basis. The hamstrings, for example, must be stretched in order to gain the flexibility required to perform Taekwondo kicks and throws.