Class Structure

NOTE: The term technique used below is general and applies to blocking and stances, as well as foot and hand striking techniques.

THE WARM-UP: This involves exercises designed to raise the students overall fitness levels, to release all major joints and to strengthen muscles needed to perform the complicated techniques within Taekwondo. It is essential so as to minimise injuries during the rest of the lesson. The warm-up can also take the form of an aerobics workout to music. Fitness is essential as taekwondo is a very physically demanding martial art on all the parts of the body, so we have to condition our bodies accordingly.
STRETCHING: Takes place immediately after the warm-up and involves exercises to give the flexibility needed to perform the vast variety of kicking techniques of taekwondo without injuring yourself. Some of the stretching exercises can involve working in pairs with each partner helping the other to push themselves further.
BASICS: This involves doing techniques using the hands and feet from various stances either on the spot or moving backwards or forwards. It can also involve practicing techniques against pads (applying full power to the technique) or with a partner. Doing basics is the backbone of the class as this is where you learn new techniques and how to do them correctly and practice them safely. To become proficient at Taekwondo you need a good foundation to build on; basic stances / blocks / strikes and kicks give the student this foundation. The higher a students grade then the more complex and demanding the basics become.

PATTERNS: These involve learning / doing a set movement of techniques. Each pattern is different and has a set number of movements and techniques. The techniques needed for the patterns are practiced and perfected in the basics. A student is required to learn and demonstrate a new pattern for each new grade. A pattern is performed either to an instructors count or in the students own time. Patterns enable a student to demonstrate and practice correct techniques, stances and power. The higher a students' grade, the more complicated / difficult / demanding the pattern becomes.
1 STEP & 3 STEP SPARRING: This involves practicing blocking and counter attacking techniques with a partner who steps forward with one punch (1 STEP) or steps forward three times with one punch on each step (3 STEP). The techniques used are taught firstly in basics before being applied to this exercise. 1 step & 3 step sparring teaches focus, control, technique and application of technique. Again the more advanced a student becomes, so the techniques become more advanced. A student is required to demonstrate either or both 1 & 3 step sparring at a grading.
SELF DEFENCE: This involves the teaching of techniques used to disable an armed or unarmed attacker. The techniques taught are of a more practical nature and involve releases, locking, throwing, striking & disarming an attacker. Before any self-defence technique is taught the student is shown & taught how to fall properly by means of break falls. This part of a class is taught on crash mats and the students work in pairs. This exercise teachers timing, self control and techniques which can help them in a dangerous situation. It also gives the student a lot of self confidence. Again a student is usually required to demonstrate this aspect of taekwondo at a grading.
LIGHT / NO CONTACT SPARRING: This involves sparring with a partner using / practicing techniques learnt and putting them to use in a practical but controlled sparring bout. Beginners spar with no contact but senior grades spar with light contact demonstrating their control and timing. There have to be rules to control the sparring bout and to avoid unnecessary injuries; these are no punching to the head, no kicking below the belt and no open handed techniques. Sparring usually takes place towards the end of the lesson and again it is required for gradings (lower grades usually spar against the most advanced grades so as the advanced grades can help and look after the lower grades). Appropriate body armour / pads must be worn.
BREATHING: This involves exercises designed to develop a students Ki energy, which when used in co-junction with properly executed techniques increases a students power. Meditation is also taught along with the breathing exercises to help focus a students mind and to increase concentration and focus. These exercises also promote a students health and well-being.
BREAKING: This involves breaking specially designed break boards / wooden boards / tiles and bricks with either the hands or feet. This demonstrates that a student has developed power, focus and timing through doing a correct technique. The higher the grade, the more complicated the technique which can involve multiple breaking and/or jumping and flying techniques. Higher grades are usually asked to demonstrate breaking techniques at their grading.
COMPETITION TRAINING: This involves specific training for Full Contact competition fights (wearing chest, head, forearm and shin protectors), and or technical competitions, which involve Patterns, 1 Step Sparring, Self Defence and Breaking categories.