Can you learn Taekwondo at any age?

When you think of Taekwondo, you probably picture professional athletes such as Jade
Jones, Bianca Walkden and Mahama Cho.

Whilst these athletes are in their prime, they have been practising their craft for a long time.
Not everyone who takes up Taekwondo has the skill or the desire to become a world-class
athlete. Many people don't even consider trying Taekwondo until later in life.

There are no age limits when it comes to learning the art of Taekwondo, but you may want to
consider the following factors before starting on your Taekwondo journey:

What are your Taekwondo goals?

At Peak Performance, we cater for all ages and abilities. Whether you want to compete,
meet new people or improve your fitness, our coaches will help you achieve your goals.

Do you have any existing health conditions?

We would always advise adults to seek advice from their GP before starting any new
physical activity, particularly if they have a pre-existing health condition.
Here's an overview of some of the sessions we run at Peak Performance Taekwondo
Academy:

Little Kickers (5-7 year olds)

Designed to create a fun and enjoyable environment, the Peak Performance Little Kickers
sessions are perfect for children to learn without pressure.
The main objectives of this programme are to develop motor skills such as coordination,
proprioceptive skills and understanding. We also implement behavioural principles of martial
arts to nurture discipline and focus.

These classes are a great way to help young children develop a love for sport and fitness.
Taekwondo is also a great sport to help improve resilience, discipline and self-belief.
Our martial arts classes for children are structured to teach a range of abilities, so there's no
need to worry if your child has never done martial arts before.

Children and Cadets (8-13 year olds)

At this age, there is a lot of pressure on young people. We've designed our Cadets
programme to help equip our students with the mental strength and tools needed to succeed
inside and outside the sport.
We help children of this age to build solid friendships and a support network where they feel
welcomed, supported and respected.
We focus on helping our Cadets build resilience and confidence to navigate their early
teenage years.

Our Taekwondo classes are a great way to nurture leadership, teamwork and discipline.
Designed to teach a range of abilities and motivations, whether they want to get fit, make
friends or train for our national and international competitions, we will ensure your child is on
the best programme to achieve their goals.

Juniors and Adults (14 years +)

Our adult sessions focus on developing self-esteem and a positive self-image, with an
emphasis on improving physical fitness and self-defence techniques.
Designed to teach a range of abilities, you don't need to worry if you or your child have never
done martial arts before!

We will buddy you up with another student in your first class who will be able to offer help
and advice. Our classes vary week to week, from body conditioning to learning taekwondo
patterns and sparring to get ready for competitions.

Where can I find out more?

Based in Wimbledon, we have members from all over South West London, including
Tooting,Putney, New Malden, Roehampton, Kingston Upon Thames, and Raynes Park, Earls Court, we also have members who travel as far as Wembley and Gants Hill.
We offer all newcomers the opportunity to book a free trial, so whatever your age, if you're
interested in giving Taekwondo a try, head to our homepage to find more book your
free trial here

5 Reasons Taekwondo is a Good Post-Lockdown Activity for Your Child

With our studio opening up on the 12th of April after weeks of lockdown measures, we are so excited to welcome you and the kids back to in-person Taekwondo training! The last year has taken a toll on our mental and physical health, and without a doubt, it has been particularly difficult for the kids. In this post, we are listing five benefits of enrolling your child in Taekwondo post-lockdown:

1. They need a break from the monotony

For the past year (it’s been a whole year!), children have shown how truly resilient they are. Between homeschool routines, cancelled events and the Zoom life, it’s time for them to experience a break in the monotony. Taekwondo will provide children with an outlet for pent-up energy. They will start working slowly towards a goal, finding direction and motivation in the process, and every new milestone that they reach will provide them with a new sense of accomplishment. 

1. They need space to socialise safely

Our studio is open with strict social distancing measures in place, and after weeks of isolation, children will have the opportunity to learn and play in a group setting. Children will have the chance to meet new people, interact with their instructors, collaborate with their peers and form new friendships.

1. Taekwondo helps with self-esteem 

While working on building confidence and self-esteem is essential all year round, there hasn't been a more crucial time to focus on our children's mental health. Taekwondo is not only a physical sport; students are taught essential life skills through the Five Tenets of Taekwondo that help them in all areas of their practical lives. Working on their physical health, learning a new skill and focusing on reaching their goals all contribute to increased self-esteem and confidence.

1. Taekwondo classes provide a consistent physical activity 

As children get older, their schedules get heavier and physical activity can often take a backseat. With weekly Taekwondo classes, students are committed to blocking out time for sports. Taekwondo training results in increased stamina, better concentration and improved muscle strength. 

1. Taekwondo teaches patience

Children have gotten used to a slower pace of life in the last year. Taekwondo is an extension of that lifestyle as the slow advancement towards a new belt teaches patience. This is a fundamental characteristic to build up in children as they are increasingly encouraged to seek instant gratification. In Taekwondo, children are slowly introduced to complex techniques; they learn the fine details of each move and mastering them takes time.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Taekwondo training at our studio in Wimbledon and to walking you through our process if this will be your first time here. Get in touch for more information today! 

Top Ten Martial Arts Styles

What martial arts styles are the most popular? Which martial arts style is the one for you? While there are over 170 martial arts styles in the world today, this blog post focuses on the ten most popular styles, including Taekwondo, with video links to demonstrate the differences in each. 

1. Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu 

Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu translates from the Japanese to mean “the gentle art.” It is a martial arts form based on grappling techniques that focus on taking the opponent to the ground and gaining a dominant position through chokes and joint locks.  

Intro to Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu

1. Kung Fu

Kung Fu is an umbrella term for various Chinese martial art styles, including Shaolin and Tai Chi. These substyles have their own philosophies, principles and techniques but are mainly focused on strikes and kicks.

6 Kicking Techniques - Shaolin Kung Fu

1. Judo 

Derived from Jiu-Jitsu, Judo is a Japanese martial art that translates to the “gentle way.” It also uses throwing and grappling techniques using control holds, arm locks, choking and pinning techniques. Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964.

5 Basic Judo Throws

1. Karate

Karate, literally translating to “empty-handed,” is an unarmed self-defence martial art. It is based on striking, kicking and defensive blocking using the arms and legs. Strength, spirit, timing and tactics are all equally important in Karate. 

Introduction to Karate

1. Boxing

Boxing is a combat sport where participants wear protective equipment such as padded gloves and fight, predominantly using their fists, in a ring. There is debate about whether boxing qualifies as martial arts or not, although it ticks off all the requirements for a sport to be considered a martial art. 

Basics of Boxing

1. Wrestling

As one of the oldest sports in history, wrestling is also considered by some as the base of all Mixed Martial Arts. It uses grappling techniques to gain a superior position and subdue one’s opponent. There are many different styles and categories of wrestling, including freestyle and professional wrestling.

The Rules of Wrestling Explained

1. Tang Soo Do

Similar to Karate and Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do schools use hyung (forms) to teach kicking techniques, endurance, balance and coordination. Tang Soo Do is a traditional and defensive martial art, best known for its kicking combinations. 

What is Tang Soo Do

1. Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a combat sport developed from a combination of karate and boxing. It uses kicking and punching techniques for self-defence or as a combat sport. 

Kickboxing Basics

1. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is more commonly known as an internal martial art as its power comes from the mind, more than the muscle. It is practiced in slow motion to allow students to develop the proper techniques. The ultimate aim of Tai Chi is to cultivate harmony between the inner and outer self.

Tai Chi for Beginners

1. Taekwondo

Taekwondo originated in Korea and is a self-defence martial art that translates to “the way of hand and foot.” It is one of the oldest martial arts and has been an Olympic sport since the ’90s. 

Introduction to Taekwondo

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TAEKWONDO IN BULLET POINTS

Taekwondo has grown rapidly in popularity over the years. Today, over 30 million people practice Taekwondo all over the world. When did it start, and how did it get to where it is today? Let’s have a look!

The literal meaning of Taekwondo:

• Taekwondo is derived from three Korean words: Tae (foot), Kwon (fist) and Do (way/method). 

• Taekwondo means “the way of foot and fist,” describing the punching and kicking techniques that characterize the martial art. 

• The name was suggested by General Choi Hong Hi, who is recognized as the father of Taekwondo.

The history of Taekwondo:

• Taekwondo, as we know it today, is a blend of the various styles of martial arts that existed in Korea and its surrounding countries. Some of these martial arts styles include Karate, Kung-fu and Subak.

• Taekwondo is traced back to 50 B.C.

• During this time, Korea was made up of three rival kingdoms: Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje. The men of these kingdoms were trained in martial arts to protect their people and lands. 

• Silla, the smallest of the three kingdoms, is credited with spreading Taekwondo across Korea. Silla was always under attack by Japanese pirates, and selected Sillian warriors were given special training in Tae-Kyon, a sub-style of Subak. These warriors became known as the Hwarang. 

• The Hwarang set up a military academy where they taught Taek-Kyon, history and philosophy. They lived by a strict code of honour. 

• In 1909, and for the next 36 years, Japan invaded Korea and occupied the country. Korean language, books and military arts were banned. 

• This caused an increased interest in Subak, and Koreans practiced martial arts in secret and were exposed to Karate and Chinese martial arts. 

• When the Japanese finally left in 1945, martial arts schools opened up in Korea, each teaching a different aspect of Tae-Kyon. 

• Eventually, nine schools emerged, including Tae Soo Doo and Soo Bahk Do. 

• Around 1955, most of the Kwan masters decided to merge their styles and were named Tae Soo Do, later changed to Taekwondo. 

Taekwondo and the Olympics:

• The journey to bringing Taekwondo to the Olympics was a gradual one, beginning with Taekwondo’s admission to the American Athletic Union (AAU) in 1974. The AAU adopted the standards of WT. 

• A year later, in 1975, Taekwondo became an affiliate of the General Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF) which works closely with the Olympics. 

• Five years later, Taekwondo was recognized by the International Olympics Committee (IOC).

• In 1980, Taekwondo was one of the primary events in the World Games, an international competition specifically for non-Olympic events. 

• Two years later, Taekwondo was designated an official demonstration sport for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, and for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.

• In 1986 and 1987, Taekwondo was included in the World Cup, the Asian Games, All-Africa Games, and the Pan American Games.

• The IOC adopted Taekwondo as an official Olympic sport for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia in 1994. 

What to know about World Taekwondo (WT): 

• Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) is the first Taekwondo association, founded in 1959.

• In 1966, some members of the KTA formed the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).

• The World Taekwondo Federation (WT) was formed in the early 1970s. 

• WT is a member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and  International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

• WT’s mission is to: “Develop and grow Taekwondo throughout the world, from a grassroots level all the way through to an elite level, to provide all with the opportunity to play, watch and enjoy the sport regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity or ability.”

Peak Performance Taekwondo is an Olympic Martial Arts Academy with highly qualified and experienced coaches. For more information on how to join classes online or in-person, get in touch below: 

Phone - 07961534525

Email -  info@peakperformancetkd.co.uk

Address - Wimbledon Park Hall: Arthur Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8AQ

The Five Tenets of Taekwondo

Answering your FAQs: What are the five tenets of Taekwondo and what do they mean?

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines tenet as: “a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true

especially: one held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession.” 

The martial arts are more than a series of well-timed kicks. Taekwondo focuses on the entire being, on the development of the entire individual. It is meant to build character along with physical strength, to teach values that extend to other areas of a person’s life. A successful black belt will not only be fluent in the movements that make up the sport but will also embody the five essential tenets of Taekwondo. 

So, what are the five tenets of Taekwondo?

1. Courtesy

2. Integrity

3. Perseverance 

4. Self-Control

5. Indomitable Spirit

What do the five tenets of Taekwondo mean?

• Courtesy (Ye Ui):

Defined as : behaviour marked by polished manners or respect for others.

In a nutshell, courtesy is to treat others as we would want to be treated. Our Taekwondo studio is a space of mutual respect - students pick up on the courtesy extended to them by their coaches and are expected to maintain it with their senior and junior classmates. Courtesy includes maintaining politeness in everyday conversation, refraining from ill-speech and being mindful of good manners at all times. Courtesy also refers to tolerance and acceptance of all beliefs and approaches. 

“Courtesy is a silver lining around the dark clouds of civilization; it is the best part of refinement and in many ways, an art of heroic beauty in the vast gallery of man’s cruelty and baseness.”

― Bryant McGill

• Integrity (Yom Chi):

Defined as : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.

To live with integrity is to be honest with ourselves and loyal to our values. In our studio, students are taught to deal with honesty both inside and outside of the classroom, to differentiate between right and wrong. A person with integrity is courageous enough to both stand up for what is right and to admit when they are in the wrong - when we live with integrity, we listen to our conscience and are not afraid of it. An important aim of Taekwondo is to build the ability to judge the appropriate use of our skills.

“A martial artist has to take responsibility for himself and accept the consequences of his own doing.”   

― Bruce Lee

• Perseverance (In Nai)

Defined as : continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. 

In other words: never give up! One of the most important teachings of Taekwondo is patience and perseverance in the face of hardships with the determination of achieving our goals. This not only translates to success in Taekwondo training but extends to all aspects of a person’s life. Through the hard-work, success and failure of their Taekwondo training, students learn how to deal with these things effectively outside of the studio. 

“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

― Thomas Edison 

• Self-Control (Guk Gi)

Defined as : restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires.

Taekwondo teaches the virtues of both physical and emotional strength. A true master of martial arts is able to keep a level head at all times, with no space for unrestrained anger. To enforce this value, students of Taekwondo are slowly introduced to sparring, with an initial focus on calculated and controlled responses. Students are taught to appreciate Taekwondo as a defensive art as opposed to an aggressive fighting technique. 

“The best fighter is never angry.”

― Lao Tzu

• Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul boolgool)

Defined as : incapable of being subdued. 

Indomitable Spirit is the consequence of applying all the other tenets in your life. A person with an indomitable spirit is able to persevere through everything in life by reaching into their inner strength. They are courageous and graceful in the face of both wins and losses, they have the capacity to give their all in everything they do. 

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”   

― Neale Donald Walsh

The five tenets of taekwondo teach essential life skills to children and adults alike. How do you exercise these principles in your daily life? What skills are you looking to hone in on this year? 

To find out more about Peak Performance Taekwondo Academy or to join an online or in person class, get in touch:

Phone - 07961534525

Email -  info@peakperformancetkd.co.uk

Book a free trial

Address - Wimbledon Park Hall: Arthur road, Wimbledon, SW19 8AQ

4 reasons to start Taekwondo Today

Are you tired of going to the gym and not seeing the result you want? Taekwondo will help you shed the pounds, get strong all whilst learning a new skill.

1) Whip your body into shape

Taekwondo, known for its high-intensity training. Kicking pads is one of the most enjoyable ways to let off some steam whilst having a full-body workout.

Burn over 600 calories in an hour kicking pads. Combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT or Tabata). You'll see your legs and abs toned in no time.

The official GIPHY channel for Team Coco. Watch CONAN weeknights @ 11/10c on TBS Network. #CONAN



 2) Improve your self-confidence

 You will see your flexibility, fitness, and techniques improve with regular training. By kicking harder, higher, and faster you will see your confidence improve.

Achieve new belts by challenging yourself in gradings. You'll be able to show how much your skills have improved and you may even climb the belt ranks. Imagine how you would feel receiving a black belt one day

Discover & share this Karate GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

3 Improve your flexibility and mobility

 As we get older and we move into desk jobs, we lose our flexibility in our muscles and mobility in our joints. This can lead to developing issues in your back and hips. Taekwondo incorporates stretching and mobility exercises in every class. In a matter of weeks, you'll see improvements.

Discover & share this Infomercial GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

Develop will power.

Taekwondo will test you. As you progress through the belts you will learn harder moves. Spinning kicks, aerial kicks, and board breaking will challenge you. It will take weeks and months to sharpen your skills, and even then there's always room to improve.

Discover & share this The Resident on FOX GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

4 Reasons you should get your child into Taekwondo

At Peak Performance we take a holistic approach to learning martial -arts and in particular the art of Tae Kwon Do. Martial arts are great for learning discipline, respect for others and a fun way to engage in physical activity. Here are 4 of many benefits that Tae Kwon Do can bring.

• Getting Self Motivated & Working towards goals

In life we all have something want to work to, this requires consistency, perseverance and drive. These traits are developed and nurtured at a very young age. Now, we all know your average toddler has incredible heart, think about when they are learning to grab or walk, they are determined to reach their goal. The setup of Taekwondo with competitions, passing gradings to get your next belt requires individuals to be able to self motivate themselves in order to reach their goals. Taekwondo is a lifestyle that exists outside of training.

• Teaching them that it is okay to fail, you can always get back up

While training, you are bound to lose a competition, even if it is a friendly, perhaps fail a grading and not always be able to reach the goals set out. While positive reinforcements are important to recognise accomplishments of children, it is equally important to ensure they are prepared to deal with failure. That they are taught that it doesn’t define them and they can keep trying.

• Social Skills

It is likely that your child will be attending a Taekwondo club with children from other schools. At our club we encourage pair and group work, weather that is holding kicking pads for each other or helping put body armour on. Taekwondo is a great way to help kids learn how to navigate mixed ages and learn how to work in teams.

• Teaching them that you have to sometimes do things you don’t like

At Peak Performance we take a holistic approach to learning the skill of Taekwondo. It is inevitable that children will like some parts more than others, Taekwondo teaches them that sometimes we have to persevere through tasks regardless of if we like them because of the greater vision of what we are trying to achieve.

Our training consists of:

• Poomsae - traditional patterns

• Body Conditioning

• Sparring

• Pad work

• Self-Defence

• Leg control