Adult Martial Arts Classes: Answers to Your Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido Questions

I'm excited to share a few simple yet effective methods to significantly improve your flexibility from the comfort of your own home. Flexibility is not just about stretching—it enhances your overall well-being, reduces the risk of injuries, and keeps your muscles functioning optimally. Here’s how you can start improving your flexibility today:

1. Start with Dynamic Stretching 

Dynamic stretches are a great way to kick off your routine. These are active movements where you gently stretch your muscles to their full range of motion and are not held in the end position. Examples include leg swings, arm circles, and gentle walking lunges. This type of stretching warms up the muscles, making them more flexible and less prone to injuries. I recommend dedicating about 5-10 minutes to dynamic stretching, focusing on major muscle groups to get the blood flowing.

2. Move to Static Stretching 

After your muscles are warmed up, it's time to ease into static stretching. This involves stretching a muscle to its farthest point and then maintaining that position for about 20-30 seconds. You might try stretches like the seated toe touch for your hamstrings, the pigeon pose for your hips, and the cat-cow stretch for your back. It’s important to stretch gently and avoid any bouncing, which can cause muscle strain. Consistency with these stretches, performed regularly, will enhance your flexibility over time.

3. Incorporate Movement-Based Activities 

Yoga and Pilates are excellent for not just improving flexibility but also for integrating strength and balance into your routine. These activities emphasize controlled movements and can help target both the major and minor muscle groups. There are plenty of online classes available that cater to all skill levels, making it easy to start even as a beginner. Engaging in these activities for even 10-20 minutes a day can lead to noticeable improvements in your flexibility.

Remember, the key to success with increasing flexibility is consistency. Make these practices a regular part of your daily routine, and you will see gradual improvements. 

Don’t forget the importance of staying hydrated and managing stress, as these factors also play a crucial role in maintaining healthy, flexible muscles.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress and how well these tips work for you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.

Why is flexibility important for adults?

1. Injury Prevention: Increased flexibility helps to prevent injuries by allowing joints to move through their full range of motion, thereby reducing the chances of strains and sprains. When muscles are more pliable and less tight, they are less likely to tear under stress.

2. Pain Reduction: Flexibility can alleviate pain, especially in areas like the back, shoulders, and neck. Tight muscles often lead to poor posture and alignment, which can cause pain. Stretching helps relieve muscle tightness and reduce discomfort.

3. Improved Physical Performance: For athletes or anyone engaged in physical activity, flexibility can enhance performance. Greater flexibility allows for easier and deeper movements while performing activities, improving both the quality of performance and the efficiency of movements.

4. Enhanced Daily Functioning: Flexibility improves daily activities by making it easier to reach, bend, or stoop during routine tasks. This can make it less challenging to perform activities like tying shoes, gardening, or even cleaning.

5. Aging Gracefully: As people age, they naturally lose muscle elasticity and joint mobility. Maintaining flexibility can slow this process, helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life by ensuring they can continue performing daily tasks and activities with less difficulty.

6. Stress Relief: Stretching and flexibility exercises can also be relaxing, offering a break from the mental stresses of daily life. The physical act of stretching can help to release tension both physically in the muscles and mentally.

7. Improved Posture and Balance: Flexibility aids in correcting posture by lengthening tight muscles that pull areas of the body away from their intended position. Better balance and posture mean a lower risk of falls and related injuries, which is particularly important as adults age.

How can martial arts training improve one's flexibility?

1. Taekwondo:

   • High Kicks and Stretching: Taekwondo is well-known for its emphasis on high kicks and rapid movements, which require and thus enhance flexibility, particularly in the legs, hips, and lower back. Regular practice involves dynamic stretches and techniques that challenge the range of motion.
   • Forms and Patterns: The forms (poomsae) in Taekwondo involve sequences of movements where precision, extended motions, and fluidity are crucial, aiding in improving overall body flexibility.

2. Muay Thai:​

   • Dynamic Movements: Muay Thai involves a lot of dynamic movements such as high kicks, knees, and clinching techniques which require the body to be flexible. Training often includes stretching routines to improve flexibility to execute these movements effectively.
   • Clinch Work: The clinch, a core aspect of Muay Thai, requires practitioners to manipulate their opponents while maintaining balance and control, which improves muscular flexibility and endurance.

3. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ):

   • Ground Techniques: BJJ focuses heavily on ground fighting, which involves a variety of positions that often require practitioners to stretch and contort their bodies in ways that naturally improve flexibility, especially in the hips, back, and shoulders.
   • Guard Positions: Techniques like maintaining or escaping the guard position involve significant leg and hip flexibility. Practitioners often stretch their legs in various angles and positions, which can greatly enhance lower body flexibility.

In all these martial arts:

• Regular Stretching Routines: Most martial arts classes begin and end with stretching routines designed to prevent injuries and improve performance. These stretches are both static (holding a stretch) and dynamic (moving through a range of motion), which are crucial for developing flexibility.
• Repetition and Consistency: The repetitive nature of practicing techniques and drills helps gradually increase the range of motion and flexibility. Consistent practice ensures that these gains are maintained and enhanced over time.

Overall, the varied movements and demands of martial arts like Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu necessitate and cultivate increased flexibility, which not only benefits martial arts performance but also enhances general physical health and the ability to perform daily activities with ease.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Somnath Sikdar

President, Dragon Gym

"Be The Coffee."

 

Korean Karate, often referred to as "Taekwondo," has a complex origin story that intertwines with the martial arts history of Korea and influences from Japanese Karate. The development of Korean martial arts is a long and evolving process, significantly impacted by Korea's historical, social, and political changes.

Historical Background

1. Ancient Korean Martial Arts: Korea has a rich history of martial arts dating back to ancient times, with practices like "Taekkyeon," "Subak," and "Gwonbeop" being recorded in historical texts and murals. These arts were primarily focused on foot techniques, hand strikes, and throws, laying the groundwork for future martial arts development in Korea.

2. Japanese Occupation (1910-1945): During the Japanese occupation of Korea, the practice of Korean martial arts was suppressed, and Japanese martial arts, including Karate, were introduced and widely practiced. Many Koreans trained in Karate during this time, either in Korea or in Japan, where they were exposed to various Karate styles.

Development of Korean Karate (Taekwondo)

1. Post-World War II Era: After Korea regained its independence in 1945, Korean martial artists who had trained in Karate and other martial arts began to open their own schools, known as "Kwan." These Kwans taught styles that were influenced by Japanese Karate but also sought to reincorporate traditional Korean martial arts elements.

2. Unification and Naming: In the 1950s and 1960s, efforts were made to unify the various Kwans under a single national martial art. In 1955, a committee of martial arts masters and scholars selected the name "Taekwondo" (태권도) to represent this unified Korean martial art. "Taekwondo" translates to "the way of foot and fist," highlighting the art's focus on kicking and punching techniques.

3. International Spread: Taekwondo's formalization and the establishment of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) in 1959 helped promote the martial art both nationally and internationally. The founding of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) in 1973 and Taekwondo's inclusion in the Olympic Games as a demonstration sport in 1988 (and as an official medal sport in 2000) further elevated its global status.

Conclusion

While the term "Korean Karate" might be used to describe early forms of Taekwondo that were influenced by Japanese Karate, Taekwondo has developed into a distinct martial art with its own philosophy, techniques, and international recognition. It reflects a blend of traditional Korean martial arts principles and the influence of Japanese Karate, symbolizing Korea's resilience and cultural identity.

Is Tae Kwon Do Mostly a Kicking Art? Understanding the Emphasis on Kicks in Sparring

Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art, has garnered a reputation for its high-flying kicks and dynamic footwork. For those in Phoenixville, PA, Exton, PA, and Berwyn, PA, who have observed or participated in Tae Kwon Do classes, especially at DG TKD, the emphasis on kicks during sparring sessions might raise a question: Is Tae Kwon Do primarily a kicking art?

The Roots of Tae Kwon Do

To understand the prominence of kicks in Tae Kwon Do, it's essential to delve into its roots. Historically, the Korean peninsula's terrain is mountainous, which led to the development of strong leg muscles among its inhabitants. This strength was harnessed and integrated into their martial practices, resulting in a martial art that emphasizes leg techniques.

Beyond Just Kicks

While kicks are undeniably a significant component of Tae Kwon Do, it's a misconception to label it solely as a kicking art. Tae Kwon Do classes, like those at DG TKD, teach a comprehensive range of techniques, including punches, blocks, and strikes. The art also emphasizes patterns (known as "poomsae" or "forms"), self-defense, and breaking techniques.

Kicks in Sparring: A Strategic Choice

When it comes to sparring sessions in places like Phoenixville, Exton, or Berwyn, especially at renowned schools like DG TKD, kicks become a primary tool for several reasons:

1. Reach and Distance: Legs are longer than arms, providing a greater reach. This allows practitioners to strike opponents from a safer distance.
2. Power: The legs, being stronger than the arms, can deliver more powerful blows, making kicks a formidable weapon in sparring.
3. Diversity of Techniques: Tae Kwon Do offers a wide array of kicking techniques, from fast roundhouse kicks to spinning hook kicks, giving practitioners various options to surprise and outmaneuver opponents.

In Conclusion

While kicks are a dominant feature of Tae Kwon Do, especially in sparring sessions, it's essential to recognize the art's holistic approach. Those attending Tae Kwon Do classes in Phoenixville, Exton, or Berwyn, especially at DG TKD, will attest to the comprehensive training that goes beyond just kicks. It's an art that beautifully blends tradition, technique, and strategy.

Sometimes the most important questions are those we ask of ourselves. By determining your personal goals and expressing them to us, you have the opportunity to be sure that our program is the right fit for you. So take a moment to discern your personal goal. Whether your goals pertain to your fitness, health, or mental and emotional well-being, you can use that introspection to your advantage to make sure you get everything you hoped for from our classes and more. The system taught in our classes is a philosophy of mental discipline and self-control with the intent of influencing a student’s behavior, encouraging participation in the community, and promoting the betterment of society. So, chances are, we can find a way to help you reach your goals.

Physically, you will be healthier and stronger than ever, plus you will learn valuable and practical self-defense. A strong body builds a strong mind.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS:

• Increase endurance and stamina through rigorous training and Dan-Jun breathing
• Increase balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility
• Control weight through exercise and proper eating habits

Mentally, you will build inner strength and become a more powerful and confident individual. A positive mental attitude provides the best ideas for self-improvement.

MENTAL BENEFITS:

• Increase self-confidence and self-esteem
• Attain total control of mind over body
• Improve power of concentration
• Increased self-discipline
• Awareness of better living through physical fitness

Hapkido (also spelled Hap ki do or Hapki-do) is a dynamic and somewhat eclectic Korean martial art. In the Korean language, hap means “harmony,” “coordinated,” or “joining;” ki describes internal energy, spirit, strength, or power; and do means “way” or “art.” Thus, Hapkido translates literally as “joining-energy-way,” but it is most often rendered as “the way of coordinating energy” or “the art of coordinated power.”

Hapkido prides itself on effective self-defense and as such, employs joint locks, pressure points, throws, kicks, and other strikes. Hapkido is an authentic Asian martial art of total self-defense; it deals with countering the techniques of other martial arts as well as common “unskilled” attacks.

Although Hapkido contains both long-range fighting and infighting techniques, the purpose of most situations is to get near for a close strike, lock, or throw. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, avoiding the use of strength against strength.

Taekwondo (also spelled Tae kwon do or Taekwon-do) is a martial art originating in Korea. An amalgamation of Chinese, Japanese, and traditional Korean fighting styles, Taekwondo has become the world’s most commonly practiced martial art and is the national sport of Korea, as well as an Olympic sporting event.

In Korean, derived from Hanja, tae means “to strike or smash with the foot;” kwon means “to strike or smash with the hand;” and do means “art of” or “way of.” Hence, Taekwondo is loosely translated as “the art of hand and foot” or “the way of the foot and the fist.” Taekwondo’s popularity has resulted in the divergent evolution of the art. As with many other martial arts, Taekwondo is a combination of combat technique, self-defense, sport, exercise, entertainment, and philosophy.

Although there are great doctrinal and technical differences among private Taekwondo organizations, the art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, using the leg’s greater reach and power to disable the opponent from a distance. In sparring, kicks such as turning (roundhouse), 45-degree, front, axe and side are most often used. Advanced kicks include jump, spin, skip, and drop kicks, often in combination. Taekwondo training also includes a comprehensive system of hand strikes and blocks, but generally does not emphasize grappling.

When you come in for your orientation, make sure to wear workout clothes that allow you to easily move around. For future classes, come in your Dragon Gym uniform and bring your belt! Shoes are not permitted on the gray mats, but may be worn on the black mats, which is our dedicated strength training floor. Should you have any specific questions about what to wear or bring to your particular martial arts class, just ask any instructor or fellow student.

We offer our Adult Martial Arts classes six days week and several times a day. However, we start all new students with a free, no-obligation orientation lesson with one of our certified instructors. This gives you a chance to see what our program is all about, and our staff the chance to recommend the best program for you. Just give us a call at 610-363-7575 and we’ll be more than happy to help you get started.

Not at all. When you join Dragon Gym’s Martial Arts classes, you become part of something much greater than just a workout program: you become part of an incredibly supportive and encouraging community. We've helped hundreds of people of all sizes get in the best shapes of their lives while learning the art of Taekwondo. Our system is progressive and will work for anyone who commits to it. You will never be expected to do more than what you are currently capable of, and you will never feel embarrassed or left behind.

The Adult Martial Arts program taught exclusively at Dragon Gym HQ combines some of the best aspects of traditional Taekwondo and Hapkido. In addition to these arts, Master Sikdar has incorporated essential basics from western boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Finally, students learn to strength train using both barbells and kettlebells. 

The goal is to develop a well-rounded martial artist: one who can kick, box, grapple, and defend themselves all while getting in great shape, having fun learning new skills, and challenging the mind and body.

Nope! Our Adult Martial Arts program is completely progressive. We teach you everything need to know in order to safely and effectively train in martial arts. We take great pride in being a “technique first” system. This means our program is based first on safety and helping you develop perfect technique. Many people who take our classes have never done martial arts before, but quickly fall in love with it.