An Example of What Happens When Rules Are Not Followed

Injury due to reckless sparring 

Nick's shin after a brutal sparring match

Above is an example of what happens when hard-contact sparring occurs during practices. According to Nick, this area suffered a fracture and was swollen. The swelling was as big as the size of his knee cap. 2.5 weeks after impact this area turned red/black, possibly due to blood clots. 

Importance of Following the Rules and Regulations

As lame as it sounds, in order to practice this sport safely, it is imperative to abide by the sports' rules and regulations!

For example, you should only practice your belt forms. The curriculum is designed so that you progress efficiently and safely through the ranks of Taekwondo. Just like you can't start learning multiplication before learning how to add, you can't progress on to advanced techniques before mastering the basic skills.
Remember to stay hydrated during before, after and during training sessions!

What does each belt color signify?

In Taekwondo, each belt represents a different stage in the students level of skill and training.
Here's a chart that explains what each belt color signifies.

         (http://www.bluecottagetkd.com/guppatterns.html)

Ways to increases flexibility

The key to increasing flexibility is to stretch DAILY!

The more often you stretch, the looser you muscles become.

Some key stretches in gaining flexibility:

Stretches for your Quadriceps

Quadricep stretches 

Quad Stretch while Lunging

Standing Quad Stretch

Sitting Quad Stretch

Stretches for your Hamstrings

Hamstring Stretches

Website for Various Stretching Exercises

Here's a reference to a website that has a bunch of useful information for beginners and advanced Taekwondo practitioners!

http://www.taekwondo-information.org/

This Taekwondo website will assist you in achieving your Taekwondo goals and teach you stretches and warm-ups that will lead to a lesser risk of injuries during practice/competitions.
The website breaks down stretching exercises as well as Taekwondo skills into those for beginners and those for advanced students.

In the later blogs, you will also find stretches that target specific muscle groups which are prevalent in Taekwondo!