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METRO WORKOUT

The right moves to fitness

Photo: M. Moorthy

A perfect WAY To stay fit

Last week, while revisiting and exploring my childhood neighbourhood, the old market, the nearby streets and the dingy lanes, I spotted a building with a “Tae-Kwon-Do” board that made my search easy for this week’s metro workout.

As I step into the building, I bump into M. Ganesan, General Secretary and Chief Coach of the Tiruchi District Amateur Tae-Kwon-Do Association. We get talking about the benefits and the sport’s origins dating back 2000 years.

“Taekwondo is a highly effective form of self defense that helps in building a strong and athletic body, high degree of mental clarity, and develops communication skills,” he explains, adding that it is also an “an incredible mixture of stretching muscles to their limits and stressing them anaerobically.”

Motivated, I kickstart my session on a rainy evening. It begins with some basic warm up exercises for 15 minutes, followed by the “Cheriyat” or the attention mode which requires bowing before the master. Gearing in to the ready stance, “Zumbi”, I am then initiated into the basic punches – middle, upper and lower punch aimed at solar plexus, face and lower stomach respectively.

“There are different types of punches and the type of punch used depends on the position of the puncher and the opponent and the desired effects. The punches are identified by the way that a punch is thrown and the point of impact of the punch,” Mr.Ganesan explains. He further tells me that every punch consists of variant punch techniques and teaches me the “single and double punch” each in the mentioned set of punches.

To start “Blocking”, the defensive action used to stop an opponent’s attack, takes a while. But I slowly pick up all the movements for avoiding contact intended by the opponent. After carefully observing the ‘blocking’ move by the master, I manage to perform the low, upper block, inside and outside blocks.

I graduate to the next level – the much awaited ‘Kicking’. Among all other martial arts, Taekwondo is predominantly based on kicking. I am taught the middle slap. Initially, I am hesitant but with lot of cheering from my batch mates, I am able to do the ‘kick’ right.

Through with the moves, the master instructs us to get back into the relaxed position. Then I bow to the master, my batch mates and the place to show my respect. And at the end of it all, I do feel a swell of pride within me. For, I achieved in doing what I thought was not possible.

For further information, contact: Mr. M. Ganesan: 94431-76788

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