Taekwondo the popular and fast growing traditional Korean Martial Art now holds its place as an international sport and is included in the next Olympic Games for the first time.

Taekwondo was first developed in Korea centuries ago as a personal defence against enemy attacks. This form of defence also served to improve the general well-being and physical fitness and confidence of the people practising it.

Over the years peoples awareness relating to health and fitness has become much more acute with the desire to look and feel good. More and more people of all ages now take part in some form of physical exercise to maintain and condition their bodies.

The mushrooming growth of health clubs and studios has helped fuel the insatiable desire to achieve total fitness. Taekwondo and other forms of martial arts are playing a leading role in this quest.

The aim of Taekwondo training is not only developing physical and technical perfection but more in combining the unity of mind and body but here we will concentrate on the physical aspect. Prior to any Taekwondo class or lesson your instructor / coach will ensure that students will undergo various sets of exercise including stretching techniques and general warming up before any intensive training to avoid injuries that could be caused by lack of flexibility and stiffness of joints / tendons and body muscles. However, although your instructor will insist on the student having a certain level of general fitness before allowing progress in the Art of Taekwondo the dedicated student owes it to himself and his instructor to maintain a high level of discipline and fitness away from the actual Taekwondo Class which may be only once or twice weekly.

Exercise is a prerequisite to general fitness and it requires regular practice to be fully effective in maintaining the bodies condition. You can never be too young or too old to exercise but it is very important to have a basic knowledge on what is required and how to achieve ones goal before starting out.

Some of the physical benefits of exercise are:

Improvement in cardiovascular function / heart / lung circulation. Improvement in respiratory function / lungs. Breathing is so important in Taekwondo techniques. Improvement in muscle condition / strength / stamina. Improvement in the flexibility and strength of joints / tendons and ligaments.

Taekwondo fitness or conditioning as we shall call it requires a well balanced body and level of fitness paying special attention to the following points:- Muscular Strength and Power.

In Taekwondo we need strong muscular strength to develop power in punching and kicking. Muscular strength is required in the legs / stomach and upper body. This can be achieved by the regular use of weight training / resistance training / isometrics. Weight training courses can be tailored to fit the individual and should be supervised.

In Taekwondo speed and agility is a decisive factor in all techniques which require explosive powers. Normally exercises which benefit the Taekwondo student will be practiced at Taekwondo classes and it is recommended that the student should consult his/her own instructor for advice on any extra exercises.

Endurance In Taekwondo

Endurance plays a vital role especially in competition in order to compete over a set period of time without suffering from fatigue. This type of conditioning can be best achieved through aerobic exercise and circuit training paying specific attention to Taekwondo disciplines i.e. running / kicking / jumping.

Flexibility

Flexibility is a basic and fundamental requirement to improving the students ability in Taekwondo. In Taekwondo it is important to develop flexibility in the shoulders / hips / knees and ankles. This is necessary for dodging / kicking / punching and all motions. A high level of warming up exercises is required in training to prevent injuries which can occur if a certain level of flexibility is not first achieved. The best methods of achieving this are by stretching. Stretching should be done on a daily basis in a warm environment suitably clothed. Stretching should not be overdone and rested when slight pain or ache is felt. Stretching exercises will be demonstrated by the Taekwondo instructor during classes. Further advice should be obtained from the instructor if required.

Finally: if the student has a good level of fitness then they will certainly enjoy their Taekwondo much more and it is essential if the student is considering competition. It is advised that the student should only exercise to the level they feel comfortable with, their body will tell them when they are doing too much. Also remember that rest is very important and students should avoid becoming fatigued. Remember : Healthy body = Healthy mind Exercise well and enjoy your Taekwondo!

Ralph Fenwick