Children can benefit socially, physically, and emotionally from taking martial arts classes. I have seen a significant transformation in both of my kids in the four months that they’ve been taking taekwondo classes. A few of these changes happened instantly but most of them have been building over time. My kids have not realized how they are benefiting from taekwondo but I have seen the changes.
Benefit of Taekwondo: Respect
Our taekwondo masters love to have fun and run around with the kids. At the same time, though, when class gets serious, the masters expect the kids to change gears and pay attention. This was a learning process that took only a month to sink in.
In taekwondo respect comes from discipline, not fear. The masters never yell at the kids and never try to intimidate. However, when they are goofing off, the master will bring out the next color belt down and ask them if they want to be demoted to a lower level. The kids normally behave wonderfully after that.
My kids are expected to address everyone at taekwondo class with a ‘sir’ or a ‘ma’am’. This has carried over into their everyday life. When I ask them to pick up their toys, I now get a loud, “yes, ma’am” from both of them. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of hearing that!
Benefit of Taekwondo: Discipline
Respect is enforced and discipline is expected. When you are dealing with young children, discipline can be hard to maintain. Discipline is maintained by observation in taekwondo. The younger children watch how the older ones behave and get praised for it so they also strive to achieve the same praise.
Positive reinforcement is very important in taekwondo. My kids have learned a move that goes along with, “I did my best, sir.” It doesn’t matter how well they did, the kids realize that as long as they do their best each and every time then that is the most important part.
Benefit of Taekwondo: Coordination
Coordination is essential when mastering the techniques and movements in taekwondo. Kids learn balance while kicking and jumping. They also learn hand-eye coordination by punching targets while running.
I noticed a huge improvement in my son’s coordination by the second week of class. He went from awkward, jagged kicks and punches to having a fluid technique. This coordination has carried over into his running, throwing and catching a ball, and riding his bike.
Taekwondo also teaches proper form through their stepped movements. The kids have to coordinate their feet with what their hands are doing and concentrate on the steps.
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 move or routine.
My youngest son, who is five, has learned that winning isn’t everything. He always despised races because he was never able to beat his older brother. When his taekwondo master had them belly crawl across the floor, my son groaned. Halfway through the race he lifted his bottom up and half crawled to the finish line. His master made him start over again and explained to the class why it is more important to finish the right way than it is to win.
I have heard my younger son say this statement to himself when he is struggling to complete homework or just playing outside. So now, instead of groaning, he knows that as long as he had done his best and finishes the correct the way he has done a good job.
We saw the benefits of taekwondo instantaneously in our children. These benefits are carried beyond class an in to their daily lives without them even knowing it.
