I LOVE taekwondo! In my opinion there is no better activity for you and your child to participate. Practicing the art is not only extremely fun but very beneficial as well. Now at this point I’m sure you are already aware of the health benefits such as improved flexibility, strength, and cardio performance. I’m also sure that you are aware of the discipline and self-control gained through training with us, especially for children. But those are just a few reasons why taekwondo is amazing. So here are my favorite reasons why EVERY person needs taekwondo training in their life.
Teamwork
I was just talking to a parent during class last night about how the martial arts, and taekwondo especially, tend to attract students who struggle in social settings. Most of our students have struggled with other sports and activities, feel uncomfortable in social situations, and/or feel disconnected from their peers. Through taekwondo training our students find a positive peer group, often for the first time in their life. While all of our students are evaluated on their own skill and performance taekwondo is very much a team sport. We train together. We laugh together. We cry together. We celebrate together. We achieve together. As the Matrix trilogy ever so eloquently said, “You don’t really know someone until you fight them.” Well get to know people on a daily basis J
Attitude
I love the Karate Kid. In that movie Daniel is being bullied and begins martial arts training to learn to defend himself. This is a familiar story for many of our students. However, this is where the story loses familiarity. Daniel then continues to be bullied and has to use his newfound skills to handle the ever-increasing dangers. Our students generally do not get bullied after beginning their training. Why? Because they experience a total and complete shift in attitude. They become more confident. They look at situations differently. They stop thinking of themselves as victims and begin to develop a champion’s mindset. They believe there is nothing they can’t achieve. This change in attitude positively affects every aspect of their life.
Effort
So many individuals in our culture are scared of striving for greatness. We watch movies, read books, and daydream always living vicariously through those who have put forth the effort to achieve their dreams. Our taekwondo students learn from day one that with hard-work and effort they can achieve their goals. Whether the goal is short-term like earning a new stripe, mid-term like earning a new belt, long-term like earning their black belt, or life-long by becoming an instructor there is no limit to what can be accomplished with effort. The best part is that putting forth effort is not limited to our taekwondo school. Our students become great students in school, successful in the workplace, and positive contributors in the home and society.
Kicks
The benefits of taekwondo are not all intangible. Kicking is fun! From simple front kicks to jump-spin kicks taekwondo kicks are amazing! Kicking targets is fun, and kicking people in the head is awesome! Even getting kicked can be exciting.
Wood
There is no more satisfying feeling than kicking or striking a solid wooden board and feeling it break. Hearing the sound of the “crack”, smelling the puff of pine scent, and watching the slow-motion fall of board halves is something that every person should experience.
Out of Your Comfort Zone
Let’s face it – taekwondo forces students out of their comfort zone. Choosing to step onto the mat instead of sitting on the couch is difficult. Training and sweating can be uncomfortable. Standing in front of someone who is aiming kicks and punches at you while you defend yourself is generally something that we try to avoid. Even kicking and punching someone else can be difficult because we’ve been taught not to do these things since we were toddlers. But each step out of your comfort zone leads to a new stronger you.
No Fear
I’m not trying to say that by training in taekwondo students become totally fearless. However, the confidence gained through achievement in our program leads our students to a belief that they can accomplish anything. They can overcome anything. Once martial arts students develop this mindset it removes the fear of the unknown. They aren’t afraid of trying something challenging. They aren’t afraid of bullies. They aren’t afraid of pursuing their dreams.
Defense
Well this one is obvious. Now there are those out there that will say taekwondo is a “sport” and therefore not self-defense. While they are correct that taekwondo is a sport in that it has rules to promote safety they could not be more wrong. Taekwondo is an extremely effective form of self-defense. Any of our techniques are capable of inflicting significant damage to an attacker and ending a defense situation. Just because we have rules such as kicking above the belt only doesn’t mean that a taekwondo kick can’t be used to strike the knee or groin if one needs to defend himself.
Opportunity
Martial arts training offers students opportunities of all kinds. Our students have the opportunity to travel and compete in tournaments around the country. They have the opportunity to become instructors and develop leadership skills. Perhaps the most exciting thing is that martial arts are forever. Unlike other sports the martial arts offer people the opportunity to train at all ages and with all ability levels. I’ve had the honor of tying black belts on students in their 60’s and 70’s. I’ve trained with instructors in their 80’s and 90’s. There is no age limit. I’ve trained students with down-syndrome, autism, and ADHD. I’ve trained deaf students, amputees, and even blind students. Martial arts is for everyone!
How amazing! Martial arts is the perfect activity for everyone. So, in closing, I will summarize why I believe that all children, adults, and families should participate in our program.
Teamwork
Attitude
Effort
Kicks
Wood
Out of Your Comfort Zone
No Fear
Defense
Opportunity
