For fun, I've recently started Tae Kwon Do. My first lesson is tonight, through our local Park District. It's a class of about 10 people, of various levels, and it's an hour class. First of all, I know NOTHING about Tae Kwon Do. What should I wear? I have a minor knee injury, will this stop me? I wear glasses, should I not wear them? (I can't see at all without them) What do I take? What are the classes like?
2007-10-02 10:18:45 · 6 answers · asked by ♥♥PinkFuzzySocks34♥♥ 3 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
Q: First of all, I know NOTHING about Tae Kwon Do. What should I wear?
A: At my school we are issued uniforms which amount to something similar to pajama pants (light and loose in the legs) and either a v-neck uniform shirt or a t-shirt. Basically if you're wearing something that won't restrict your movement at all you'll be fine. Oh - and based on your screen name I'll assume that you too are a female and therefore I would recommend a sports bra (you'll do enough bouncing to not want a regular bra).
Q: I have a minor knee injury, will this stop me?
A: I had knee surgery a few years ago and am currently having some pain in my other knee but I still attend class 3 to 4 times a week. Most of the things we do are actually helpful in making my knee feel better (the repaired one actually feels fantastic after 3 years to TKD). Just take it slow when you're beginning. You're body will tell you the difference between good pain (muscles, working out achy joints) and bad pain (causing further damage).
Q: I wear glasses, should I not wear them? (I can't see at all without them)
A: So do I and aside from sliding down my nose from sweat it hasn't been a big issue. On sparring night I used to wear my contacts but I stopped once I reached a high enough belt that the people I was sparring against had enough control over their own techniques not to kick me in the head.
Q: What do I take?
A: I'm not really sure what you mean here, sorry.
Q: What are the classes like?
A: Where I go an hour long class consists of stretching/warm up (jumping jacks, a few laps around the room, and stretching), then perhaps some target training (kicking upright bags, "pork chops" (hand targets), etc), some technique practice (new ones or perhaps combinations of old ones), conditioning (pushups, crunches), and then a 2 minute thought of the day type thing to pull it all together.
I hope this helps. Tae kwon do is terrific if you find the right school/instructor. That part is important in order to get what you want out of it. Some schools are sparring focused, some are more focused on the martial art side of things, etc.
2007-10-03 10:43:38 · answer #1 · answered by M K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would wear some sweats with a leotard top underneath your t-shirt. They will usually give you enough room for the most part and you can always take your jacket or top off if you start to get overheated. My female students wear the same usually under their uniforms since gis tend to billow open some. Drink a little water half an hour before hand and a little after and that will help prevent soreness.
As for your glasses wear them now but later when or if there is any contact you will not want wear them probably. Most of my students invest in a set of rec specs for sparring and it keeps your good glasses from getting bent or broken. Enjoy.
2007-10-02 10:32:12 · answer #2 · answered by samuraiwarrior_98 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok...first tip... stop worrying. just relax. It's your first time, don't be nervous. I wear glasses and I take Taekwondo. Though some schools may require you to get contacts, I still wear them. Just see what they say. I'm a 4th degree blackbelt and there are head kicks. but it should matter for you. I also had surgery on my ankle because I broke it about 5 months ago. But I still take it. Just do rush yourself. Just take a chill pill and just go with the flow. Follow the rest of the class. as for clothing, just wear long sweat pants with a plain white/black t-shirt and that will do. Also, bring a water bottle or 2. Maybe Gatorade. The first day of Taekwondo should be a breeze. they may talk about a routine they do everyday, like stretches and you might warm up a bit, but it shouldn't be too hard!!! Good Luck!
2007-10-02 17:46:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
tkd is fun, you're going to have a good time. alot of hard work depending on your school. i wear glasses as well and im blind as i dont know what but i would take them off for about 20 minutes so i can refocus my eyes. i had several injuries but with tkd it help improve them, so dont worry about them for the long run. take you vitamins and bring or drink alot of water, your going to need it and finally these classes are draining!!! but you'll leave feeling good that you did. i use to take 4 hours a day of tkd
2007-10-03 02:21:06 · answer #4 · answered by Batman M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first off your waisting your time taking this sport unless you plan on going to the Olympics cause you can not defend yourself with those moves.. trust me.. I come from a family of Black belts and all my Parents friends and my brothers friends are Black belts I have seen alot of disciplines and that one sucks big time.. you will feel like you waisted your time try something like Karate. Just the mere fact that you dont have the proper attire is no good either. If you want to learn self defense I would take up Karate, or NInja Ru ,
2007-10-02 10:29:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 9⤋
your probly in your class.
stay with it.
2007-10-02 15:05:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋