TOPIC :- TAEKWANDO

Taekwando is one of the modern martial arts which encourage a person to develop and build up muscles, improve self defence skills and mental alertness and be more fit physically and mentally.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF TAEKWANDO:-

Taekwando  in Korean language means the art of using both legs and fists to kick and punch an opponent for attack and self defence. It was originated in Korea around the years 50B.C. and was made popular in 1392 during the Yi  -dynasty as a military training method.

Modern Taekwando  was founded by a Korean army officer named General Choi Hong Hi who introduced it to his country’s army in 1966.
It then started growing and has become popular as one of the martial arts in the world today.

In 1973,the World Taekwando  Federation (W.T.F.) was found in South Korea. By 1980,W.T.F was reorganized by the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C) and it became a demonstration sports at the Olympics in 1988. In the year 2000,Taekwando  became one of the Olympic events in Sydney Games in Australia.

TAEKWANDO IN NIGERIA

   Taekwando was introduced in  Nigeria by a Taekwando expert known as Aikpa Aime in 1975. The Nigerian armed forces laid much emphasis on the technique called Unarmed Combat (U.A.C) in their training programme, which made taekwando more relevant.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, employed the services of two Koreans, Jhoo Rae Park and Moo Cheun Kim as Taekwando instructors in the Nigerian army in 1983. It made the development of taekwando more rapid.

With this,in 1986,the Taekwando Federation of Nigeria (TFN) was formed. In 2007,it was introduced to Secondary School Curriculum by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council(N.E.R.D.C).

BASIC SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES OF TAEKWANDO:-

1. Stance:-
         It is the correct way of positioning the body in readiness to launch or initiate attack.
    Types Of Stance:
     a. Cat stance
     b. Frog stance
     c. Ready stance
     d. Horse riding stance

2. The Kicks:-
            These are the effective use of legs to kick the opponent’s trunk,head and side to bring him down.
      Types Of Kicks
        a. Jump spin kicks
        b. Jump kick
        c. Multi-rotational  kicks
       d. Side kick
       e. Spin kick

3. The Punches:-
           Punches are the use of knuckles, palms and ‘sword hand’ to hit the opponent.
        Types Of Punches
     a. Sword hand technique
     b. Open hand technique
     c. Arrowhead technique
     d. Door knock technique
     e. Knuckle hit technique

4. Dodging:-
        This is the quick body reaction to escape an attacking punch or kick.

5. Blocking:-
       This involves the use of hands and legs to create a blockage against offensive action.

OFFICIALS IN TAEKWANDO

1. The referee
2. Judges
3. Time keeper
4. Stewards
5. Paramedical staff

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT IN TAEKWANDO:-

1. Taekwando arena
2. Shin guard
3. Stopwatch
4. Trunk protector
5. Head protector
6. Groin guard
7. Forearm guard
8. First aid box
9. Bell
10. Taekwando outfit

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF TAEKWANDO:-

1. Every taekwandoist should put on the recommended outfit with its right type of belt.
2. There are six types of belts that are recognized according to their status. These are white, yellow,green blue,red and black.
3. The decision of the referee is final.
4. The playing arena should measured 10 metres  square (10m by 10m).
5. No taekwando title holder is allowed to fight in the street,except for self-defense.
6. Protective equipment like shin guard,trunk protector, head shield,mouthpiece and forearm guard should be used during competition.
7. A contest shall last for three rounds with one minute rest in between the rounds.
8. No contestant is permitted to remove the outfit of his opponent.
9. The referee has the power to deduct or cancel points or disqualify any contestant for breaking the rules.
10. You don’t hit an opponent below the belt,except the legs.

IMPORTANCE OF TAEKWANDO:-

1. Taekwando helps to build strength and stamina.
2. It helps in training of the armed forces personnel.
3. It assists in the physical development of an individual.
4. It helps to develop self-defense skills.
5. It promotes total wellness of an individual.
6. It promotes social interaction through competition.
7. It creates a means of livelihood for the trainers and participants.
8. It encourages an individual to have self-reliance and self-confidence.
9. It keeps the youth busy and helps to curb youth restiveness.

Mr Onyenakasa Chinedu Chrys.