At Fort Bend TaeKwonDo, I often get asked, how does martial arts benefit children? Perhaps you’ve even wondered this yourself! And while I know what the benefits of martial arts training are for children, I knew I really wanted to get to the heart of what we do at Fort Bend TaeKwonDo and go beyond the typical responses. So, I thought I’d list out some of the benefits our parents tell us they see with their child enrolled in our classes! Here is a brief list of what they say:
“Structured” Physical Activity
Notice I didn’t just say “physical activity”! It is easy for moms/dads to take their kids to the playground and watch them have free time for an hour or so. But not our parents! They have invested in something far more valuable for their kids! Our classes are made with the brain in mind and are therefore structured so that we are able to deliver the most up to date information in a manner that each age group can retain. So not only are our students getting the physical exercise they need stay fit and healthy; they are getting the intellectual stimulation they need to help them stay sharp at school!
Socially Positive Stress Relief
There is no doubt that the pressures of school academics and social pressures weigh on our kids releasing lots of cortisol which is retroactive to leading an emotionally stable lifestyle. This can be seen especially during back to school seasons. But the good news is that even after a stressful or busy day, our students are able to come to Fort Bend TaeKwondo where we have built a community in which they can feel safe, confident, and free to be themselves. Many students also create friendships here that will last a lifetime as well!
Powerful Positive Role Models
I am so proud and humbled that our families choose my team and myself to be positive role models in their child’s life. I take that seriously – which is why our instructors are trained to use the SKILLZ system. SKILLZ allows us to understand each child physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. We are also trained in positive reinforcement techniques that can generate results quicker than many traditional systems that often cause children to step backwards behaviorally.
Goal Setting
We all want our kids to have huge goals, and to achieve them. In our school our students learn that each major win is accomplished through smaller victories. Every class, our students work hard to earn a skill stripe which leads to them being able to test for their next belt rank. Our testings are actual testings – and sometimes, students don’t pass. Not passing a testing is hard for everyone involved – even me – but our students know that when they’ve passed testing, they’ve truly earned their new belt rank. This cycle continues to be reinforced and eventually they will know the elation that comes when they have their first black belt tied around their waist. This lesson is valuable beyond words and will help each child for many years in the future.
Self-Control
We help our students learn how to control their mind, their heart, and their body. And then, we take it one step further by teaching them how to handle their nerves when they’re afraid by teaching them how to calm themselves and make better choices instead of reacting out of emotion.
Sportsmanship & promote positive social interactions
We focus on building confidence while working in groups or with partners so that our students are comfortable working with and leading their peers through various challenges. “You win some, You lose some” is a fact of life. We help prepare our students to be courteous champions and even more importantly, also being proud when they do their very best or try something completely outside their comfort zone.
I hope this article has helped shed some light on how children benefit from taekwondo classes. Please feel free to reach out to me personally via email at [email protected] or via text message at (281) 454-3265 if you have any questions about how our classes could benefit your child!
Carol Chapman
owner and head instructor