Thames Valley Pro Taekwon-Do

MARTIAL ART & FITNESS TRAINING

In the A – Z of Taekwon-Do, B is for Balance


EQUILIBRIUM (Kyun Hyung) is also for BALANCE

Balance is of utmost importance in any type of athletics. In Taekwon-Do, it deserves special consideration. When in a sparring situation, by keeping the body well balanced, a kick or a punch will be more effective and precise. Conversely, the unbalanced postion will be unstable and easily made unstable. The stance therefore, should be centred yet flexible, for both offensive and defensive movements.

Equilibrium is classified into both dynamic and static stability. They are so closely inter-related that the maximum force can only be produced when the static stability is maintained through dynamic stability.

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To maintain good equilibrium, the centre of gravity of the stance must fall on a straight line midway between both legs with the body weight distributed equally. Or alternatively, if appropriate the centre of the foot to concentrate the body mass through one foot.

The centre of gravity can be adjusted according to body weight. Flexibility and knee spring are also important in maintaining balance for both a quick attack and instant recovery.

One additional point to consider; the heel of the rear foot should never be off the ground at the point of impact. This is not only necessary for good balance but also to produce maximum power at the point of impact.

Balance is something that is often mentioned in personal development and well-being circles. It is said you should eat a balanced diet, live a balanced life and seek a good work/family balance and strive for good mental health.

Life Balance

Good mental health is characterised by a person’s ability to fulfil a number of key functions and activities, including:

  • the ability to learn
  • the ability to feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions
  • the ability to form and maintain good relationships with others
  • the ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty

Experts believe exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. Exercise also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy, try to make physical activity that you enjoy a part of your day.

“It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigour.” Marcus Tullius Cicero

What does being physically active mean?

We all have different reasons for being active. The types of activity we do usually falls under these headings:

  • Physical activity. This can describe anything we do that involves moving our bodies.
  • Exercise. Any physical activity could be considered exercise, but when we talk about doing exercise we usually mean activities we do deliberately for fitness or training, rather than something that’s part of our daily routine.
  • Sport. Sport usually refers to physical activities we do on our own or in a team for competition or fun.

Mental Health Awareness Week was in May and there are some informative and helpful websites  where you can read more, Mental Health Foundation and why being active matters, read more  here on the Mind website

How does excerise help your life balance? Write and let us know we’d love to hear your opinion.

Look out for our next article the letter C of our A to Z of Taekwon-Do.

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