Taekwando: The Sport of Korea

 Taekwando

You are walking down a dark alley, and notice a suspicious person walking behind you.  Are you able to defend yourself if, for some reason, you were attacked?  I am going to tell you how to do two basic kicks from a type of Martial Art called Taekwando.

 Modern Taekwando is a Martial Art that began in Korea in 1945.  Koreans were interested in eliminating Japanese influences from their country following World War II.  Taekwando was designed to unite the various Martial Art schools and styles into a single style.  Taekwando is the national sport of the country of Korea. 

.One of the most effective moves you can use is called the round kick. Before you attempt to do a round kick find a room with plenty of space so you don’t hit anything. To perform an effective round kick, the Martial Artist assumes the guard stance.  To do this make a fist with your right hand and hold it next to your face.  With your left hand also make a fist and set it about 2 inches in front of your right fist. Now for your legs, with your left foot take a step forward and slightly to the left so that your feet are at an angle to each other, and facing forward. Your right foot should be at an angle turned slightly to the right.  After you have assumed a guard stance, pivot on your left foot while bringing your right knee around.  Your left foot should be turned so that it is facing the left wall.   Extend your right leg so that the top of your right foot is facing the wall.  Set your right leg down in front, and then slide your right leg back to its original position.  Slide your feet together, and extend your arms out straight to either side.  To finish snap your arms down to your sides so that your hands are placed on your waist pointed down, with your elbows slightly bent and bow.

An equally effective move is the forward kick.  This is performed by going into the guard stance as described above.  Lift and bend your right leg, then extend your leg, and point your foot so that you are kicking with the ball of your foot.  Then set your leg down in front and slide it back to its original position.  To finish, slide your feet together, straighten your arms, snap them down to your sides and then bow slightly.

With these two maneuvers you are equipped with skills to defend yourself if you need to. However, even if you are highly skilled at Martial Arts, I advise you stay away from dark alleys especially if there are suspicious people around. Taekwando is a valuable skill, and if you find it interesting and wish to pursue it further it is well worth the time and effort you invest in it.