Martial Arts:
Here’s why you should hould add the Korean martial art to your must-try must try list!
Six reasons to try taekwondo
#1 It teaches self-defence defence
Taekwondo comes from the e words tae, meaning “foot” or “to step on”, kwon, which means “fist”, and do, which means a “way,” y,” or technique. At its core, taekwondo is a mode of selfdefence and, knowing how to protect yourself can certainly come in handy in dangerous situations.
#2 It’s a cardio workout
This type of martial art involves punching and kicking movements, ovements, and core strengthening exercises, rcises, which means an overall body workout that hat blasts calories. The added bonus? It’s a major stress tress buster.
#3 It enhances coordination ordination and balance
In addition to being a physically ally challenging workout, taekwondo can increase physical ysical coordination and balance, says J H Kim Taekwondo wondo Institute’s Master Lai Han Seng, who has over two decades of coaching experience. From developing body and spatial awareness, and learning how to control movements, to improving reaction times and gross motor skills, coordination, balance and flexibility can all be greatly enhanced with taekwondo training.
#4 It improves concentration
Mental strength is crucial to taekwondo, as a lot of concentration is needed to learn, practice and control the various moves. Whether you’re mastering a move or trying to break a board, you’ll need to spend time focusing on perfecting one particular task, thus honing your mental acumen, which can benefit you in your everyday life.
#5 It increases self-discipline
Learning taekwondo takes a lot of discipline and practice, and involves a whole lot of goal setting. According to Master Lai, the structured rank system of taekwondo allows participants to take control of their own progress, giving incentive to set and accomplish goals. He adds that taekwondo helps in “developing self-control and selfdiscipline on a path to achieving inner harmony”.
#6 It builds confidence and self-esteem
In addition to the feel-good factor that results from getting in shape and toned, there’s a sense of confidence that can come from learning and perfecting a skill. Also, knowing you can hold your own in a rough situation doesn’t hurt!
J H Kim Taekwondo Institute #02-02/03 The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road 6463 0323 | tkd-bukittimah.com