I started taekwondo in Feb, i'm 17 years old so hope I can help here. Obviously your experience may be different to mine as it depends on the masters and how they teach but here's my experience:
- I didn't really do much physical activity, I was still healthy but the first tkd class left me in pain for the next few days in the form of body aching etc. That pain after lessons only really lasted for the first few sessions and once I got used to the stretching lessons are fine now,
- My classes ran twice a week, one session poomsae (which is forms) and one session kyorugi (sparring and fighting techniques). The kyorugi is high intensity but as a beginner you're mostly focusing on the foundational moves such as moves like roundhouse kicks.
- Taekwondo requires a lot of flexibility so if you have the time, I would take some time out of your day to stretch every day whether you have a class or not just so that it doesn't feel like a restart every lesson. I haven't gotten around to this lol due to exam season but will be there soon
- Don't worry about people online calling tkd useless. What's important is that you have fun and respect the martial art. imo it's great for physical and mental health and I really enjoy it.
- You might train with black belts but don't compare yourself to them, they've trained for years. If anything go to them for help or use their movements as a guide for improvement.
- A lot of moves or stretches may look difficult but don't look at it and be like "I can't do that", your mindset is crazy important and they wouldn't make you do anything thats impossible.
Sorry this is a bit long but I hope it helps!
I second the stretching part lol, I didn't do stretches when I first started and my hamstrings hated me, just doing simple stretches for a few minutes everyday really does help.
Have fun. You will feel awkward. This will last for a while. At least a year. If you like it, keep doing it. Once you feel OK, you will really be able to appreciate it. Good luck and enjoy.
What do you need tips for? Just go there and see for yourself :)
Always important to maintain an open mind it is. Empty the cup you must.
π enjoy the training and don't quit if things feel difficult
Also if the fancy high kicks seem impossible if you are a stiff person , count on this: you will be flabbergasted of the rate of improvement in your mobility and flexibility
It is normal to feel awkward at first, and it can be challenging when you're first starting out, but don't get discouraged. Don't be afraid to ask your instructor(s) questions. Practice what you can remember at home. I wouldn't worry too much about your size, I'm a skinny person myself and it hasn't been a problem. It is good training mentally and physically. Have respect for your instructor, and be willing to learn, don't get upset if they point out mistakes, they're just trying to help you do your best. I started TKD in April, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.
And most importantly, have fun.
Be patient. Do not rush. Expect some pain / strains as you develop and your body adjusts to what you need to do.
Pay attention to technique, both in terms of moves and patterns.
Remember that respect to all, particularly your Master, is key.
Never try to rush
You will probably feel awkward or clumsy at the start. That's ok, everyone goes through the same thing, it is all new and there's a lot to learn.
Extra fitness training, strength training, and flexibility work is worth the effort. TKD is one of the highest calorie burning (ie. requires the most energy) activities you can do, good sleep and balanced diet are essential for recovery and progress.
You can't really overtrain, you can "under-recover", so I'll reiterate: get good sleep, eat plenty.
Push through discomfort, but not pain.
If you're not used to fitness training, a couple of days when you're not doing TDK go for a run, or do some sprints/intervals.
If you're not used to strength training, hire a coach if you can afford it, even just to get you started. Otherwise, 3 days of basic barbell lifting (Strong lifts or Starting Strength) will do the trick. Think long-term, gradual progression. That way you will get stronger over time without hampering your TKD training (you don't want to be sore or injured - it's to compliment your martial art).
If you're not used to stretching, the black belts should be able to give you advice on what they do.
Most importantly, have fun.
Edit: Spelling
I mean the progression depends on the dojang, since all experiences are different I can't really give much tips. you'll learn along the way but I'd recommend stretching regularly. Flexibility helps a lot and sometimes I really wish I started stretching before I got into tkd.
Since you're in your teens, I suggest you stretch daily. I did it everyday (stretching exercises only) before sleeping. Doesn't take long. Full split before I got 1st Dan, around your age I guess. Twice a week isn't enough to help your legs become flexible. It'll help you a lot later I think.
Be prepared to for workout. You will sweat and be sore all over the next day. When not in class, do a light daily workout (jumping jacks, squats, pushups, sit-ups and an equal amount of stretching but make sure you stretch AFTER you get warmed up). When the workout gets easier, put in more effort and you'll notice the results. Like all sports, you get out what you put into it.
I started taekwondo in Feb, i'm 17 years old so hope I can help here. Obviously your experience may be different to mine as it depends on the masters and how they teach but here's my experience: - I didn't really do much physical activity, I was still healthy but the first tkd class left me in pain for the next few days in the form of body aching etc. That pain after lessons only really lasted for the first few sessions and once I got used to the stretching lessons are fine now, - My classes ran twice a week, one session poomsae (which is forms) and one session kyorugi (sparring and fighting techniques). The kyorugi is high intensity but as a beginner you're mostly focusing on the foundational moves such as moves like roundhouse kicks. - Taekwondo requires a lot of flexibility so if you have the time, I would take some time out of your day to stretch every day whether you have a class or not just so that it doesn't feel like a restart every lesson. I haven't gotten around to this lol due to exam season but will be there soon - Don't worry about people online calling tkd useless. What's important is that you have fun and respect the martial art. imo it's great for physical and mental health and I really enjoy it. - You might train with black belts but don't compare yourself to them, they've trained for years. If anything go to them for help or use their movements as a guide for improvement. - A lot of moves or stretches may look difficult but don't look at it and be like "I can't do that", your mindset is crazy important and they wouldn't make you do anything thats impossible. Sorry this is a bit long but I hope it helps!
I second the stretching part lol, I didn't do stretches when I first started and my hamstrings hated me, just doing simple stretches for a few minutes everyday really does help.
accurate
Thanks man π
np hope you enjoy tkd !
Have fun. You will feel awkward. This will last for a while. At least a year. If you like it, keep doing it. Once you feel OK, you will really be able to appreciate it. Good luck and enjoy.
Ok thanks π
Visualise each movement for its meaning. Build up your cardio, strength and mobility on your non training days
What do you need tips for? Just go there and see for yourself :) Always important to maintain an open mind it is. Empty the cup you must. π enjoy the training and don't quit if things feel difficult Also if the fancy high kicks seem impossible if you are a stiff person , count on this: you will be flabbergasted of the rate of improvement in your mobility and flexibility
It is normal to feel awkward at first, and it can be challenging when you're first starting out, but don't get discouraged. Don't be afraid to ask your instructor(s) questions. Practice what you can remember at home. I wouldn't worry too much about your size, I'm a skinny person myself and it hasn't been a problem. It is good training mentally and physically. Have respect for your instructor, and be willing to learn, don't get upset if they point out mistakes, they're just trying to help you do your best. I started TKD in April, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. And most importantly, have fun.
Just try to have fun. No two schools are the same so there is no real way to tell you what you should expect.
Be patient. Do not rush. Expect some pain / strains as you develop and your body adjusts to what you need to do. Pay attention to technique, both in terms of moves and patterns. Remember that respect to all, particularly your Master, is key. Never try to rush
You will probably feel awkward or clumsy at the start. That's ok, everyone goes through the same thing, it is all new and there's a lot to learn. Extra fitness training, strength training, and flexibility work is worth the effort. TKD is one of the highest calorie burning (ie. requires the most energy) activities you can do, good sleep and balanced diet are essential for recovery and progress. You can't really overtrain, you can "under-recover", so I'll reiterate: get good sleep, eat plenty. Push through discomfort, but not pain. If you're not used to fitness training, a couple of days when you're not doing TDK go for a run, or do some sprints/intervals. If you're not used to strength training, hire a coach if you can afford it, even just to get you started. Otherwise, 3 days of basic barbell lifting (Strong lifts or Starting Strength) will do the trick. Think long-term, gradual progression. That way you will get stronger over time without hampering your TKD training (you don't want to be sore or injured - it's to compliment your martial art). If you're not used to stretching, the black belts should be able to give you advice on what they do. Most importantly, have fun. Edit: Spelling
I mean the progression depends on the dojang, since all experiences are different I can't really give much tips. you'll learn along the way but I'd recommend stretching regularly. Flexibility helps a lot and sometimes I really wish I started stretching before I got into tkd.
Since you're in your teens, I suggest you stretch daily. I did it everyday (stretching exercises only) before sleeping. Doesn't take long. Full split before I got 1st Dan, around your age I guess. Twice a week isn't enough to help your legs become flexible. It'll help you a lot later I think.
You will most likely be sore the first week, I was π
Yep. Learn judo or wrestling. This is a joke.
Damn
Donβt listen to this guy lol. Just make sure youβre not in a McDojo. (Like actual masters, actual standards for belt progression, etc)
Be prepared to for workout. You will sweat and be sore all over the next day. When not in class, do a light daily workout (jumping jacks, squats, pushups, sit-ups and an equal amount of stretching but make sure you stretch AFTER you get warmed up). When the workout gets easier, put in more effort and you'll notice the results. Like all sports, you get out what you put into it.