Taekwondo and Health

What are the cons-indications to the practice of Taekwondo?

taekwondoDr Brouland: The cons-indications depend on the level at which is practiced Taekwondo martial art or competition. For level martial art, there is virtually no cons-indication, except a severe brain injury, psychiatric problems or bodies in odd numbers (only one eye, only one testicle ...). In fact, Taekwondo is accessible to everyone, as it can be practiced in a "soft", ie mostly through the practice of movements. Thus we see deaf people or with back problems do Taekwondo. At competition, there is a bit more restricted because the shots are worn. The against-indications then relate primarily to serious foot problems, ankle or back.

Doctissimo: What are the health benefits related to the practice of Taekwondo?

Dr. Brouland: The health benefits are those of any in sport. Taekwondo developing more flexibility and coordination. Like all martial arts, this sport will also develop monitoring and self-control.

Doctissimo: What are the most common injuries?

Dr. Brouland: Injuries that predominate are those of the face: lip wound, head injury without loss of consciousness, fractures in severe cases. They are due to strokes prohibited fists or kicks worn. We also found bruising in the foot and the forefoot, because the leg is used both to support and typing. These foot injuries are essentially found in the average levels of competition, where the shots are sometimes poorly executed. During the meetings, injuries are rare: the referee or coach may stop fighting if the level difference between the two adversaries is too large, thus avoiding serious accidents. The proof in the 2000 World Cup Taekwondo, which brought together 30 nations, there is not a single hospitalization.

Doctissimo: What are the age limits?

Dr. Brouland: Taekwondo can be practiced at any age, practice adapted to each case. One can start from 5 years. Up to 12 years there is no hit. There is also no upper limit. Veterans continue the competition, with specific rules (no kicks above example plastron). I know of people over 60 years who practice Taekwondo. Generally they tend to work the technical side.

Doctissimo: What are the necessary protective equipment?

Dr. Brouland: The protections consist of a breastplate, a helmet, forearm protectors, a genital shell and shin guards.