By Raffles Taekwondo Exco ’19
Ever wanted to stay active but finding it difficult to cope with schoolwork and various other commitments? Looking for a CCA that allows you to have fun with friends while picking up self-defence tips? Look no further, for Raffles Taekwondo is just the CCA for you!
So first of all, what is Taekwondo? Taekwondo (태권도) is a Korean martial art which focuses on a range of kicks (high kicks, fast kicks, spinning kicks, etc.) as well as self-defence techniques (punches and blocks) which can help you to defend yourself in the face of danger. Physically, Taekwondo is an enriching sport which develops strength, speed and flexibility. In addition, it teaches core values such as discipline and develops in one a positive mental attitude.
You would start at the white belt level before moving on to the yellow, green, blue, brown and eventually the black belt level. There are two main components in Taekwondo: poomsae and sparring. Poomsae is a defined set of defense-and-attack motions, with a distinct form for each colour belt to instil accuracy, precision and mental discipline in practising. Sparring, on the other hand, is the practical application of techniques in a face-off against another exponent. It is first introduced at the green belt level, to ensure that the fundamentals have been mastered.
If all this sounds intimidating to you, fret not! There are absolutely no entry prerequisites and most of our current members started off as white belts. All you have to do is to show up with an interest to participate and learn. You will only have to buy your own uniform (dobok) and eventually sparring guards when you reach the green belt level.
Right now, our coach is Sir Henry Tan, who is a 10-time national champion and SEA Games gold medalist, and was on the Taekwondo national squad in his younger days. So you can be rest assured that you are being taught by one of the best taekwondo exponents in Singapore!
Additionally, you could also get a chance to represent our school in the annual Inter-School competitions if you train hard enough! What’s more, there are multiple national Taekwondo competitions for you to participate in through our club.
Trainings are held externally at HomeTeamNS Balestier (a 10 minute walk from Toa Payoh Interchange) St Teresa’s Taekwondo. For those who may be apprehensive towards CCAs with heavy commitments, this isn’t one of them. Trainings are only once a week on Fridays, normally from 4pm to 5pm, but may increase in frequency to up to three or more times a week closer to competitions and gradings (where you will be promoted to the next belt level).
We will be having 2 trial sessions on 15th and 22nd February where you can attend and see how our regular sessions are conducted. You can sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MIMlPmutcLIyTCzMhh8vYnitBQATcMi7wdtOlMevFtw/viewform?edit_requested=true So do come down and join us!
For any enquiries, do email us at rafflestaekwondo@gmail.com!
We hope to see you soon!
