Basic Taekwondo Techniques for Kids

Taekwondo is a Korean fighting art that focuses primarily on different striking techniques, such as kicking, punching, and blocking. Also, it contains an enormous variety of kicks, most of which are very high and performed at incredible speed. The origin of the name "Taekwondo" comes from Korean words: "Tae" meaning "foot," "Kwon" meaning "fist," and "Do" meaning "way" or "art." Therefore, Taekwondo can be translated to mean "the way of the foot and fist."

Taekwondo is one of the oldest forms of martial arts, generated in ancient Korean martial arts and then formalized into its current form in the 20th century. It is much more than just fighting. The Taekwondo Techniques combine physical training with mental discipline while showing respect to others, controlling oneself, and persevering through challenges.

Why Learn Taekwondo

Learning Taekwondo has numerous benefits, and here are a few of them:

Physical Fitness: It increases one's strength, flexibility, coordination, and general fitness level.

Mental Discipline: Students learn concentration, patience, and self-discipline.

Confidence: Self-confidence is developed through the attainment of goals and the mastering of Taekwondo techniques for beginners.

Self-Defence: Taekwondo gives students realistic skills in self-defense.

Principles of Taekwondo

Basic Stances

Stances are very essential in Taekwondo as they provide a general base of support for the execution of Taekwondo techniques for beginners. Some of the basic stances include the following:

Ready Stance Junbi

Description: This is the neutral stance readying one to do anything. Feet are shoulder-width apart with the arms relaxed at one's sides.

Purpose: This prepares one to act, hence facilitating an easy transition into another stance or execution of technique.

Stance: Stand straight with your feet parallel and your arms relaxed. The stance simply puts you in a balanced and ready stance for any technique.

Front Stance (Ap Seogi)

Description: This stance enables one to move quickly forward (with stability) for pushing, striking, and other attacking methods.

Execution: Step forward with one foot and bend the front knee, Back leg is pointed outwards about 30 Degree angle and our weight should be almost evenly divided between your legs.

Common Mistakes: Do not bend forward or backwards too much. Your front knee must not extend beyond your toes.

Rear Stance (Dwi Seogi)

Description: This stance is used to create defensive Taekwondo techniques and to generate counter-attacks.

Execution: The weight must be equal in the center and the front leg should also be bent.  

Benefits: Stability and execution of defensive moves effectively.

Horse Riding Stance–Juchum Seogi

Description: This is a wide stance mostly held to practice power and stability.

Implementation: The feet are far apart with the knees bent, dropping the body in a horse riding position. Your back is straight, with hands by your sides or in front.

Exercises: Do this stance often to establish strength in your legs and endurance. 

Taekwondo Kicks Techniques

Front Kick – Ap Chagi

Description: A simple kick to the midsection of an opponent.

Execution: Lift your knee, then straighten your leg out reaching with the ball of your foot. Quickly retract shrinking back as you bring your leg back ready to execute the next kick.

Drills: Practice this kick on a wall or pad to generate power and accuracy.

Roundhouse Kick – Dollyo Chagi

Description: The most powerful kick to an opponent's side.

Execution: Turn your body and turn around with your supporting foot, having a circular motion with your kicking leg, then hit with the top of your foot or shin.

Safety Tips: Be sure to turn your body properly to avoid injury. Always practice with a partner or a target pad.

SideKick Yop Chagi)

Description: A side-directed kick, breaking defense efficiently.

Execution: Lift your leg sideways, straight. Extend the kick by pushing your heel out while you are balancing on your standing leg.

Drills: Use a kicking bag or a shield for practice for aim and power.

Back Kick (Dwi Chagi)

Description: A kick executed by thrusting your heel backwards. Useful for self-defense.

Execution: Slightly turn around and kick back your heel. Be sure to look over the shoulder to see if your kick would have landed correctly.

Practice: Execute the technique first in slow, controlled movements.

Taekwondo Basic Hand Techniques

Punches: Jireugi

Front Punch: Ap Jireugi

Description: It is a standard punching technique applied in many different situations.

Execution: Chambered position → Punch forward straight. At the moment of impact, the fist is rotated and the arm is fully extended.

Form: Keep your elbow and your wrist straight for protection against injury.

Back Fist Punch: Bandae Jireugi

Description: A more solid punch with a hand on the opposite side, that is drawn back.

Implementation: Punch with your backhand while covering or guarding with your front hand. Rotate your body into the punch.

Practice: Speed and coordination development on partner or bag.

Blocks (Makgi)

Low Block (Arae Makgi)

Description: Block Applied against an attack to the lower level area of the body.

Performance: Using your arm, sweep downwards in a low arc, keeping your hand flat and your arm straight.

Drills: This should be practiced with an emphasis on timing and accuracy to block incoming strikes effectively.

High Block Eolgul Olgul Makgi

Description: Used to block high attacks or strikes to the head area.

Performance: Keeping your arm above your head, with a wrist straight block using the edge of your hand.dle of the body.

Application: Defense and counter-attack.

Mid-Arm Block (Momtong Makgi)

Description: Applied as a defense against strikes that come towards the mid

Method: Bring your forearm up and out in front of your body, protecting your chest and  Your hand should be parallel to your body, and your arm should be bent at the elbow.

Practice: Both in defense and setting up counter-attacks.

Basic Elbow Strike (Palgup Chigi)

Description: Used for close-range attacks.

Execution: Swing your elbow in a forceful arc to hit an opponent. Your arm must be bent and the focus should be on vulnerable areas.

Drills: This can be practiced on heavy bags for strength building and accuracy.

Taekwondo Training Techniques

Warm-Up Exercises: Warming up is always necessary before any Taekwondo session, not only to avoid injuries but also to get your body moving for the high-intensity activity that will follow.

Stretching: Dynamic stretches that will include your legs, arms, and back for flexibility.

Cardiovascular Exercise: Jumping jacks, jogging, or skipping rope to get the heart rate up and provide some endurance.

Joint Rotations: Rotate wrists, ankles, and shoulders to loosen them up.

Drills and Practice

Basic Drills

Repetitive Practice: Taekwondo Kicks Techniques and punches should be executed in the air and against a target repetitively to develop muscle memory.

Shadow Fighting: These Taekwondo techniques are practiced without a partner to increase form and speed.

Partner Drills

Controlled Sparring: Practice techniques on a partner in a controlled setting to develop timing and accuracy.

Technique Exchanges: Both parties take turns to demonstrate various techniques and to learn from one another.

Focus Mitt Drills

Using Mitts: This drill is done with a partner holding focus mitts for one to maintain hand speed and accuracy.

Combination Drills: These are combinations of kicks and punches put together to achieve fluidity and coordination.

Cool Down and Recovery: Cooling down helps your body recover and also reduces muscle soreness.

Stretching: These are static stretches that involve all major muscle groups.

Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing to relax your body and mind.

Hydration: Water should be drunk for rehydration and to aid in muscle recovery. 

Advanced Taekwondo Techniques and Progression.

Introduction to Advanced Kicks

Spinning Kicks - Dwi Hoorgee

Description: A far more advanced kick that involves a fully completed rotation of the body.

Execution: The spinning motion of the body while kicking adds power to the kick. Surprise your opponent with good form to avoid injury.

Drills: Begin slow and work on the technique rather than speed.

Axe Kick - Naeryo Chagi

Description: A downward kick where you bring your leg down in an axe-like fashion.

Execution: Bring your leg up high into the air and bring it down sharply towards the ground striking with your heel or ball of foot.

Safety: Be careful not to be too wild as you can overstretch if out of control.

Patterns and Forms

Poomsae

Importance: Forms are a series of pre-arranged movements that facilitate the process of practicing Taekwondo techniques to achieve form.

Overview: Start with the simplest forms and move forward to the more intricate ones as one progresses in rank.

Practice regularly: The perfecting technique is achieved by performing forms regularly to depict some improvement in one's training.

Taekwondo in Practice: Tips and Guidelines

Safety First

Proper Gear: Always wear proper protective gear, helmets, gloves, and shin guards to keep one safe from injuries.

Safe Practice: Attempt all Taekwondo  techniques under supervision, taking due care of all the safety measures.

Prevention of Injury: Warm up before practice; use correct Taekwondo techniques; and monitor your body to prevent overtraining.

Goal Setting

Setting of Goals: Setting clear achievable goals in your Taekwondo training will keep you motivated.

Keeping Record of Progress: Noting down the progress and, at the end of each session, noting down the things that went well or the areas that may need more practice. It keeps you motivated and encourages you further.

Joining a Taekwondo School

Find a School: Locate a good Taekwondo school that has an accredited instructor with good reviews from other customers.

Choose Your Instructor: Your instructor should be experienced, and you should find a teaching style that fits your learning needs.

Benefits of Classes: Structured classes will help in giving you guidance, discipline, and a greater ability to learn and practice techniques.

Conclusion

Taekwondo is a comprehensive program of physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-improvement. If children acquire stances, kicks, punches, and basic Taekwondo techniques for beginners at the core of their practice with good training habits to back these up, then they can gain all possible advantages this active martial art can offer. After all, Taekwondo is not about fighting; rather, the skills learned extend out of the dojo and into real life.

Embrace this learning journey of Taekwondo with zeal and commitment, and it will not only enhance your skills in martial arts but also make meaningful contributions towards well-being.

FAQs

1. How to do taekwondo step by step? 

Start learning basic stances and footwork, progress into simple Taekwondo techniques like kicks and punches, and move on to forms and sparring only after you feel comfortable with the aforementioned.

2. Can a 5 year old learn taekwondo?

Of course, a 5-year-old can learn Taekwondo. Classes for pre-school-age children focus on simple motor skills, life skills of discipline, and activities that will introduce the young child to martial arts.

3. How to teach a taekwondo class?

Organize the class with a warm-up, technique drills, and cool-down, providing concise instructions and positive reinforcement that will keep the students interested and motivated in the subject matter

4. How to do a basic taekwondo kick?

Bring your knee up and extend your leg forward, striking with the ball of your foot, then quickly retract your leg back into stance.

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