Taekwondo is the traditional Korean Martial Art of self-defense. It dates back to ancient Korea. Tae means to kick or smash with the foot while Kwon means punching with the fist. It involves the application of long stances, punches, kicks, as well as the physical and mental discipline. While Taekwondo is not ideal to learn solely or independently, training at home still helps give the learner a head start for future learning.
Learning taekwondo at home is still possible, but you will need to polish it up by working with an instructor later. According to the experts, practicing taekwondo techniques at home increases a person’s skill set. The added time and ability to adopt one’s own pace helps with the learning process. However, you still need a professional’s feedback to improve yourself and learn better.
Things to Keep in Mind When Learning Taekwondo at Home
Here are the things you should remember when taking Taekwondo lessons online or at home:
Try the Basics First
Know about the basic stances through online videos. It is crucial to learn to stand properly, balance and shift the weight before you move on the more intricate moves. The Front and Back Stance are the most common positions you should learn first. The same goes for basic strikes. The front punch is the first thing to learn while practicing strikes. Also, remember that the power of strikes lies in the speed and not the muscles. Punches are executed in a way that only the first two knuckles connect with the target.
Keep Practicing the Blocks
As for the blocks, the basic ones are high, middle, and low blocks. Learn each on in both back and front stances until you get familiar with it. After mastering the said moves, move on to the front, side, and roundhouse kicks. After mastering these kicks, you will be completing the final elements of the basic taekwondo technique. Every move has certain strengths and weaknesses. All of the basic moves require you to strike with different parts of your feet. Be mindful of these details while you practice the techniques at home. Also, regardless of the type of move, your major focus should be on speed, balance, and leg extension.
Find an Open Space
Many people differ on the question of whether taekwondo practice should be indoors or outdoors. Whatever it is, the main concern should be the space. You should practice this art in a spacious area to be comfortable while you train. Moreover, just like in any taekwondo class, your practice should start with warm-ups and stretches. Then do some conditioning exercises before starting on the kicks and stances. You also need some motivation to do all the work to maintain discipline and routine. Discipline is the key to learning martial arts. Doing practice one day and then leaving it on the other is not the way to go. So, find a source of your motivation to ensure efficient training.
Find a Good Online Resource
There are a plethora of online learning resources for taekwondo. However, not all of them are good for beginners. You might get started from these online videos and classes, but look out for a proper training school in your locality to master the art. There are many good schools and training centers that teach you effectively without being a burden on your wallet. As for online courses, YouTube is the best resource to teach you. Many people pay for online taekwondo courses, but many free resources are as effective as those.
How Frequent Your Training Should Be At Home?
Your training schedule depends on your routine and other activities. However, if you are serious about learning the art, you need to practice regularly. In the taekwondo classes, the students usually go for two to three days a week. However, even they are advised to practice daily at home. Hence, try to practice daily or at least three days a week—whatever time suits you. Moreover, pay attention to details. Practicing incorrect punching or kicking techniques can result in injury. After learning the basics online, it is prudent to enroll in a proper class or get the guidance of a professional instructor.