Children can benefit socially, physically and emotionally from taking martial arts classes. I saw a noticeable change in both of my kids in the four months that they took taekwondo classes. Few of these changes happened immediately, but most were built up over time. My kids didn’t understand how good taekwondo was but I saw the changes.
Taekwondo: Observe
Our taekwondo teachers love to have fun fun and run around with the kids. At the same time, though, when the class gets serious, teachers expect kids to change gears and pay attention. It was a learning process that only took a month to get down to.
In taekwondo training, not fear. The owners never yelled at the kids and never scared them. But when they are leaving, the owner will bring out the next belt and ask them if they want to be pushed to a lower level. Kids usually behave in a strange way.
My kids are expected to address everyone in taekwondo class as “sir” or “ma’am”. This carried over into his daily life. When we ask them to take the toys away, I now get a big “Yes, ma’am” from both of them. I don’t think I heard wrong!
Taekwondo: Discipline
Compliance is enforced and discipline is expected. When it comes to children, it is difficult to maintain discipline. The discipline is defended by observation in taekwondo. Younger children observe how old people behave and are praised, so they also strive to achieve the same praise.
Assisted position is very important in taekwondo. My kids understood the emotion when “I did my best sir”. It doesn’t matter how well they do, the kids know that as long as they do their best each and every then that’s the most important part.
Taekwondo: Coordination
Coordination is essential when mastering techniques and movements in taekwondo. Kids learn balance as they kick and jump. They also learn hand-eye coordination to hit targets while running.
I noticed a huge improvement in my son’s coordination the second week of class. He’s gone from awkward, kicks and punches to having a fluid technique. This coordination involved his running, throwing and catching the ball, riding his bike.
Taekwondo also teaches proper form through exposed movements. Kids have to coordinate their feet with their hands and focus on steps.
Benefits of Taekwondo: IncreasedSelf Esteem
Taekwondo increases self-esteem, not because my kids think they can defend themselves, but because of the pride they feel when they master a new movement or exercise.
My youngest son, who is five, has learned that he doesn’t win everything. The nation always looked down on him because he couldn’t beat his older brother. When his taekwondo master found them across the floor, my son groaned. In the middle of the race he lifted the bottom and half crawled to the finish line. The Lord gave him another start and explained to the class why it is more important to finish the right way than to win.
I have heard my younger son say this to himself when he is trying to finish his homework or just playing outside. Now, therefore, instead of sighing, while he knows himself well and has performed the right way well, he completes it.
We immediately saw the benefits of taekwondo for our children. These benefits extend beyond race to everyday life without them even realizing it.
