About Palmerstown Taekwon-Do School
Palmerstown Taekwon-Do School was established on 22nd September 2009 to providing first class tuition in ITF Taekwon-Do to the community of Dublin 20 and the surrounding areas.
The key objectives for Palmerstown Taekwon-Do School is to provide an environment where members can; significantly improve physical fitness and wellbeing, increase levels of self confidence and enjoy a broad variety of events such as regional, national and international championships, training camps and seminars. We are members of Traditional Taekwon-do Ireland and the ITF.
What is Taekwon-Do
Put simply, Taekwon-Do, or the ‘Art of Hand and Foot’ is a Korean martial art which utilises scientifically devised hand and foot techniques to provide a unique system of unarmed self defence. Taekwon-Do was originally developed using a combination of techniques from Japanese Karate and the ancient Korean arts of Taek Kyon and Soo Bahk Do. The founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi, refined and developed these movements and through extensive scientific research and development, Taekwon-Do has evolved into one of the most effective martial arts in the world.
The worldwide governing body for the art, the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was established in 1966. The art was introduced to Ireland in 1968 by Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha
Today, Taekwon-Do has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world because anyone, regardless of age, sex, and size, can benefit from it’s training.
Taekwon-Do for Children
To encourage a child to participate in regular structured exercise is to give them a gift for life. Research has proven that children who participate in sporting activities as children are far more likely to continue with exercise throughout their adult life.
Taekwon-Do is considered by many experts to be a “life leveller”. Regular training encourages a physical and mental natural balance. It evens out attitudes, emotions, and actions.
If a child is short-tempered, Taekwon-Do training with emphasis on the tenets of Taekwon-Do can encourage increased tolerance.
If a child is aggressive, structured training will promote increased calmness. If a child is meek, Taekwon-Do training will increase his/her assertiveness.
If a child is anti-social, the Taekwon-Do training programme will encourage them to become more friendly, through social interaction and training based on teamwork and co-operation.
If a child is weak, regular training will make him/her significantly stronger. If a child is impulsive, training can encourage him/her to know the time and place for patience.
These developments will occur gradually, but parents often find that children become more focused with increased levels of concentration due to the continual setting and achieving of goals, which is a key part of Taekwon-Do training.
Taekwon-Do has no age limits and is a very good sporting activity for children. Taekwon-Do for children is specifically tailored to support a child’s physical and social development.
The focus is on helping children build themselves physically, and on instilling character, self-esteem, effort, concentration, sincerity, respect, self-control, and etiquette.
It is a fun, safe system of self-improvement and personal development that is highly recommended by parents, physicians, and educators.
Taekwon-Do training for children focuses on developing core skills, including; speed, agility, quickness of movement and thought, stamina and coordination.
Health Benefits of Taekwon-Do
As well as the self-defence aspect, Taekwon-Do also promotes general health and well being. The training helps to strengthen and tone the muscles of the body without producing large bulky muscles. The high repetition-low resistance movements develop a longer, leaner, and more flexible musculature. As well as increasing cardiovascular fitness, the training serves as an invaluable tool for improving flexibility, co-ordination, sharpening reflexes and controlling weight. Since the body sets it’s own limits, injuries and strains are rare and the student’s physical condition paces himself/herself automatically. The entire muscle system of the body from the fingers to the toes is brought into play.
Aspects of Taekwon-Do
SELF DEFENCE
Taekwon-Do provides the student with an excellent method of self-defence. It enables them to defend themselves against an attacker from a distance as well as at close range. By using the many kicking techniques available, the Taekwon-Do practitioner can prevent the attacker from grabbing or striking them. If the attacker is able to grab them, then there are a variety of close range techniques, which include joint locks, releases, pressure points, throws, and takedowns that the student can use.
Therefore, a well-trained student will feel confident and prepared to defend himself or herself in any situation.
PATTERNS (Tul)
Patterns are a series of pre-arranged blocks, kicks, and strikes, against imaginary opponents. The purpose of patterns is to develop technique, balance, breath control, co-ordination, and power. In these patterns lie the true beauty of Taekwon-Do - combining power and grace. There are twenty-four patterns in Taekwon-Do which range from 19 to 72 movements each.
The novice learns one pattern at each colour belt level while black belts learn up to three at each degree stage.
SPARRING (Matsogi)
There are many different forms of sparring in Taekwon-Do, including pre-set, semi-free, and free sparring. They all place students against each other with the purpose of improving distance, timing, balance, speed, and strategy in a controlled environment. The students are allowed to execute a wide variety of attacking and defending techniques against each other. Contact in sparring is not permitted due to the power developed in the techniques.
BREAKING
The purpose of breaking is to enable the student to develop confidence, focus, power, and concentration while properly executing a technique. Breaking also allows the student to see the amount of power that they are capable of developing through training in Taekwon-Do. The more advanced breaks demonstrate the beauty and difficulty of the flying and kicking techniques that separate Taekwon-Do from other martial arts.
COMPETITIONS
Although, Taekwon-Do is primarily a martial art, there is also an optional sporting side to the art. The Traditional Taekwon-do runs regular local and national tournaments catering for all ages and grades, and the highlight of the year is the National Championships. At black belt level, the opportunity is available to compete in the ITF European and World Championships.
Philosophy of Taekwon-Do
Taekwon-Do promotes peace, harmony, and ultimately a better society. Unfortunately, many people believe that the martial arts spawn violence. When properly and responsibly taught, this is not true. The Taekwon-Do student is trained to avoid conflict at all costs and only to use their skills when all other measures have been exhausted. The philosophy of the art can be summed up by the 5 tenets of Taekwon-Do:
1. Courtesy
2. Integrity
3. Perseverance
4. Self Control
5. Indomitable Spirit
Taekwon-Do is fun!
Taekwon-Do is an extremely enjoyable activity, and the classes are not only great fun, but Taekwon-Do is a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
**New members always welcome**
Palmerstown Sports Complex
(Behind Pobilscoil Iosoide)
Tuesday 6-7 pm
Saturday 10-11 am
Contact: 085 7632935
