I’ve always been a lover, not a fighter, so martial arts, boxing, sumo wrestling, have never been up my street. I’ve rarely found myself in situations where I’d need to break someone’s wrist behind their back or roundhouse them in the face, but in the spirit of trying new sports, and going a little bit out of my comfort zone, I opted for taekwondo and a taster session in the world of combat sports.
My short hamstrings have often let me down, I used to regularly injure them playing football if I hadn’t warmed up properly, something I have paid much closer attention to over the last few years. Unfortunately, not being able to kick your height does hold you back a bit in TKW, and probably most other martial arts. Also, being able to remember the combinations so they are second-nature is important, and I struggled a bit learning which foot to put where, what to do with the hands, and when I was supposed to bow and recite the TKW code.
First timer's recommendation – If you’re flexible and good at learning combinations, this could be a sport for you. Don’t buy all the gear until you’re sure, and remember, it’s not for using in the pub car park.
Enjoyment - 30%
Success - 35%
Will try again - No
