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The Purple Guide to Learning Taekwondo in 10 Days
A 10-day starter plan to learn the basics of Taekwondo, decide if it fits your life, and take your first real step toward black belt.
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: First Day
First Day
You're reading this because somewhere in your head, you've got a picture of Taekwondo - white uniforms, high kicks, the snap of a board breaking. Maybe you watched the Olympics and thought, "I could never do that." Or maybe you walked past a dojang in your town, saw kids in belts, and wondered if there's a version of it for you. Here's the truth: on day one, you are not doing a 540-degree spinning kick. You are not breaking boards. You are learning how to stand properly, and that's harder - and more interesting - than it sounds.
Clear some space that's about the size of a doormat that's too big - six feet by six feet if you can manage it. You don't need any equipment. You don't need a uniform. You don't even need shoes. If you've got a bare floor that isn't slippery and you're wearing clothes you can move in, you're ready. Jeans that don't stretch will be a problem. Sweatpants or shorts are ideal. No socks, because you'll be pivoting on your foot, and socks will make that slip.
Start by just standing. Really. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides. Notice how you're standing right now. Most people stand with their weight evenly on both feet, their knees slightly bent without thinking about it. That feels stable. Now do the opposite: shift your weight onto your left leg until your right foot could almost lift