Our programs have a strong focus on personal development. The foundations of our morals, values and core character traits are formed in our early years. For this reason, the programs at Myung’s Taekwondo Academy are an essential way to enhance the growth and personal development of young students of all ages.
5 REASONS YOU SHOULD ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN MARTIAL ARTS
In this article, we want to help you understand the taekwondo values and benefits for kids so that you can make an informed decision. Martial arts training is more than a helpful way to get kids away from electronic devices. Here are our 5 D’s to help you understand the benefits of martial arts for kids:
1. Discipline
Taekwondo instills a sense of discipline and self-confidence that can carry over to all aspects of life. Learning self-discipline is a lifelong journey for many; some may not ever even realize how little discipline they have until they step into a dojo.
A dojo is a place that commands respect, focus, and honor.
In many martial arts traditions, students of all ages must show honor (often bowing) to their instructor as well as other classmates. Such a simple gesture sets the tone for what’s in store. It serves as a reminder to everyone that martial arts demand focus, respect, and self-restraint – all things that qualify as excellent life skills.
In most martial arts schools or academies, an ethos of honor and prompt obedience to instructions permeates the atmosphere and students catch it quickly. Many parents note an increased level of compliance at home once their child begins practicing a martial art.
2. Determination
Determination and perseverance – core values of taekwondo. Like many individual sports, martial arts students often set measurable personal goals.
Many martial arts traditions use a colored belt system of ranking. Each belt represents a certain level of proficiency and often requires some test or qualifying examination to obtain. Seeing other students wearing higher-ranking belts often compels kids to strive for the next level.
Not only does ranking fuel determination, but the physical demands of martial arts also develop kids’ ability to sweat, strain, and push themselves beyond their limits. Whether engaging in group conditioning such as push-ups or grappling with a classmate for a three-minute practice round, kids quickly learn to force themselves to work harder than ever before. Book your free trial class today!
3. Development
Taekwondo developes increased energy, better health and fitness, greater coordination, and higher self-esteem. Also, it provides many other advantages such as learning social skills, competitive awareness, speed & quickness, and much more. In general, the very name of this discipline refers to putting your fists under your feet, a fancy way of referring to maintaining control, seeking peace, and aiming to stop fights rather than start them. If your aim as a parent is to train your child to be a peace-keeper, Taekwondo might be an excellent style to explore.
4. Defense
The most obvious reason why you should learn martial arts is that it teaches you how to defend yourself. Violence can affect all of us. It is important to be prepared for such occurrences, and the crux of training is to learn fighting skills.
Disclaimer – your kid will learn to do things that might freak you out at first.
Unlike youth basketball or swimming lessons, your child will learn to punch, kick, grapple, block, and more. Even though it takes place in a controlled and monitored environment, the very nature of martial arts is, to various degrees, aggressive.
One of the core values and benefits of martial arts for kids is that it redirects their natural impulses toward aggression and channels them in constructive, helpful, and beneficial ways. All the martial arts disciplines primarily focus on self-defense rather than self-promotion, humility rather than bravado.
5. Dedication
Our Martial arts school challenges kids in a useful ways.
Children as young as 4 are able start learning important life skills from martial arts in a fun and positive environment. One of the first and most important skills to learn, is that of dedication. Caring enough to commit to leading a healthy lifestyle, involving eating the right food and exercising comes from the guidance, wisdom and routine that martial arts training provides.
If your child learns how live a healthy, balanced life, it is likely to stay with them into adulthood.