WHAT IS TAEKWONDO?
A lot of parents shudder in disbelief when their child mentions the words "karate" or "martial arts." Broken furniture, mangled brothers and sisters, and holes in the walls are usually the first images that pop into a parent's head. Because of the myths and misunderstandings surrounding the martial arts, parents can be forgiven for worrying that Taekwondo lessons will turn their kids into mutant ninja turtles or Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers.

The ATA Black Belt Academy and the Karate for Kids program teach a martial art called Taekwondo. While we can't comment on other martial arts, we can give you a look at what we do.

Taekwondo, which is interpreted as "the way of the hand and foot," is a Korean martial art derived from centuries-old systems of unarmed self-defense. Despite what you may think from the movies, Taekwondo is entirely non-aggressive and encourages ethical and disciplined behavior.

Since its introduction to the West in the 1960s, Taekwondo has grown in popularity and now is the world's largest martial art. Currently, there are over 150,000 students ranging in age from three to over eighty years old training with the American Taekwondo Association, the world's largest centralized martial arts organization. These students train in over 800 affiliated ATA Black Belt Academies throughout the country and the world. Back to top

HOW CAN YOUR CHILD BENEFIT?
Taekwondo is unique in athletics, not just because it teaches self-defense, but also because it is a total learning activity. To get a better idea of what we mean by total learning activity, let's compare Taekwondo with many children's team sports.

Most beginning sports programs must by necessity assume the new players already possess the basic physical skills for the game. The ability to run, throw a ball, and other simple hand-eye coordination skills are taken for granted. Many children, however, are underdeveloped in these skills, which prevents them from really taking part in the game. They end up as "bench warmers," and only the "naturals" gain a full enjoyment of the sport.

Children learning Taekwondo begin by practicing the basic skills that are the foundation of the art. These skills, which help build their coordination and balance, allow the children to be active in their sport as they progress, instead of just sitting on the bench. These fundamentals are the building blocks of all athletic skills and allow every child to progress, no matter what abilities he or she first brings to class.

And unlike many other activities, Taekwondo not only develops physical skills but also helps students progress mentally and spiritually. The Karate for Kids program rewards children not only for their athletic accomplishments, but also for academic achievement, community involvement, and other personal growth.

Taekwondo and the Karate for Kids program are designed to teach children values that are important in the Taekwondo school as well as in the outside world: courtesy, respect, integrity, loyalty, honesty, perseverance, and self-control--to name just a few. Back to top

HOW DOES KARATE FOR KIDS TEACH DISCIPLINE?
When you first visit a martial arts school, much of what you see may be new to you. One of the more subtle things you'll notice is the air of dignity and discipline in a class.

Students are taught to treat one another with respect, to bow to their partners before and after working together, and to call one another "Sir" or "Ma'am." This behavior is especially emphasized in the interactions between instructor and students.

These practices are part of the tradition of Taekwondo, and they help create a constructive, disciplined learning environment in which students respect one another and come to know that they deserve respect themselves. And while the idea of "junior" and "senior" ranks may strike some as undemocratic, the junior students look to the senior ones for guidance, and the senior students learn to set a positive example and to take a leadership role in the class--and out of it.

You probably have seen a similar atmosphere of tradition and discipline in the Boy Scouts. Their oath and salute would surely seem strange if seen in isolation but they enhance the total program and give it an order that allows the child to learn effectively.

The discipline you see in our class often turns into self-discipline outside of class. Usually, when children first start Taekwondo, it's the parents who love the discipline and the children who are drawn by the fun and challenge of the martial art. Later, after the children have acquired respect for others--and more importantly for themselves--they will develop a sense of personal commitment. This commitment and discipline are often reflected in the things they do in their everyday lives. A lot of parents, for example, notice changes in their children's school work and in their self-control and patience with other children.

Another benefit associated with our style of training is improved self-confidence. Any child can do Taekwondo--each at his or her own level of proficiency--and everyone can progress and feel a sense of accomplishment. This allows children to gain confidence in their own abilities while learning to deal effectively with peers and adults. Back to top

WHAT MOVEMENTS ARE INVOLVED?
Taekwondo incorporates a variety of self-defense techniques such as blocking, kicking, striking and punching. Many of the techniques, such as spinning and jumping kicks, have no counterpart in other martial arts and are unique to Taekwondo. After watching a class it's easy to see why Taekwondo has a reputation as one of the most physically challenging of the martial arts.

Athletic ability increases the longer the children take lessons. As it does, the children's overall coordination continues to grow as does their ability to defend themselves. What begins as an odd assortment of uncoordinated movements soon turns into a knowledge of self-defense that can last a lifetime. Back to top

HOW DO I START MY CHILD?
New beginners are starting every day. Each new student starts slowly and progresses at his or her own pace. Most children should begin by attending twice a week with each class lasting about an hour.

Don't be concerned if your children are a little nervous or think the techniques look too difficult: they will be in class with other beginners just like themselves. The instructor will do everything possible to make sure this nervousness disappears as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your interest, and we hope you decide to make Karate for Kids a part of your child's educational and recreational activities. Back to top