Category: Highlights

Taekwondo tradition is based upon positive human values such as self discipline, good conduct, decent behavior, sincerity, honesty, and integrity. Below are steps on what it means to be a Tae Kwon Do student and what you would do every class.

1. State the student creed. Though all may share a prevailing theme, it may differ among schools.

2. Show courtesy and respect to the instructor and all other students at all times. Black belts should be referred to as ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’. At the end of any exercise where you have worked with a partner or group, you must bow to your partner or to the members of your group and say ‘Thank you’.

3. Persevere: exercises are often tough and there will be many times when you want to give up, but to persevere is to carry on regardless.

4. Adopt an indomitable spirit: it is likely that you will suffer setbacks at some point during your practice of Taekwondo, but it is important not to let these put you off. ‘Fall Seven times, stand up eight’.

5. Be sensible: don’t over train or try to continue with an injury.

6. Grade whenever possible: don’t miss a grading, prepare yourself properly and be ready for it on time.

9. Compete in tournaments: put your skills to the test against new people. Watch other students and pick up tips.

10. Do extra exercise outside your Taekwondo classes to build fitness, strength and flexibility.

11. Eat sensibly: make sure your diet is high in protein for muscles and carbohydrates for energy (especially on training days).

13. Drink water: before, during and after training. Dehydration can seriously affect your performance.

14. Practice everything you are taught. Go over all the patterns every week to keep them fresh in your mind.

15. Stretch so that you don’t damage your muscles.

For more information on our Miami Tae Kwon Do classes, contact Better Families by calling 305-663-1882.

Many experts agree, Tae Kwon Do is a healthy sport for all those who participate, especially children, who gain a number of physical and mental benefits through the practice. Some children start as young as three years old and see improvements in physical strength and balance, concentration, discipline, self-confidence, and even reduced aggression. Recently, the mother of a developmentally challenged 7 year-old boy shared his very inspiring story online- a story that highlights just how strongly Tae Kwon Do can impact a life.

The young boy’s name is Noah Hoover, who was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and suffers from a medical condition called hypotonia, decreased muscle tone resulting from malfunctioning nerve impulses in the brain. To combat the decline of muscles and to help develop movement, Noah attends weekly sessions of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. His mother also placed him in Tae Kwon Do classes, hoping that it would instill focus and drive in him.

“I really think that Tae Kwon Do has really pushed him to get where he really needs to be,” Shelly Hoover said. “When he first went to Tae Kwon Do, it was hard to even watch him because he was struggling so hard to even balance on one foot. Going from that to being able to do all of these moves is great.” Now, it is hard to notice any difference in level between him and his friends.

If you’re interested in our Miami Tae Kwon Do classes, contact us today! It is never too late to get started on the rewarding journey that is learning and mastering a martial art. Our emphasis is on establishing discipline, respect and courtesy in each student. This concept is built into every aspect of Tae Kwon Do instruction through the positive reinforcement of Martial Arts protocol. For more information on our school, contact Better Families by calling 305-663-1882.

When looking for a martial arts course for their children, parents often wonder about the differences between Tae Kwon Do and Karate. Here are some quick bullet points that illustrate the basic differences between the two.

Taekwondo
• Martial art style that emphasizes spectacular kicks. Punches and hand/arm strikes can sometimes receive less focus.
• Developed in Korea.
• Often taught by Korean immigrants (in America). Your child is likely to learn some Korean (i.e. how to count in Korean).
• Taekwondo is an Olympic sport. Therefore students will often be encouraged to spar according to Olympic rules (in a controlled environment and with protective gear).
• Different terminology (i.e. Uniform = Dobok, School = Dojang, etc.)
• There are different styles/schools within Taekwondo (such as WTF and ITF).
• Not a “soft” martial arts style such as Tai Chi.
• Not a “grappling” martial arts style such as Judo.
• Will teach your child basic self-defense.

Karate
• Martial art style that emphasizes punches, strikes and kicks. There tends to be more emphasis on punches and strikes than Taekwondo.
• Developed in Japan.
• Often taught by Americans (in America).
• Karate is not an Olympic sport. Judo is currently the only Japanese martial art in the Olympics.
• Different terminology (i.e. Uniform = Gi, School = Dojo, etc.)
• There are different styles/schools within Karate (such as WKF and WUKF).
• Not a “soft” martial arts style such as Tai Chi.
• Not a “grappling” martial arts style such as Judo.
• Will teach your child basic self-defense.

Both forms of martial arts are beneficial physically and mentally and can improve coordination, balance, discipline, among other things. If you’re trying to decide what’s best for your child, it is important to look past technique and into the establishment providing the education that will change your child’s life.

Better Families’ emphasis is on establishing discipline, respect and courtesy in each student. This concept is built into every aspect of Tae Kwon Do instruction through the positive reinforcement of Martial Arts protocol. The program builds confidence and character by providing students with control over their bodies and developing their ability to stand up to peer pressure and other intimidating situations. No matter the age level, our programs are exciting, motivating, and fun!

For more information on our Miami Tae Kwon Do classes, call us at 305-663-1882.

Better Families is a Miami Tae Kwon Do school located on 5754 Bird Road in South Miami that has been in operation since 1989. Our mission statement is to promote fitness and self-discipline among families through the teaching of martial arts, namely the system of Tae Kwon Do developed by well-known martial artist Jhnoon Rhee. It applies a philosophical approach to martial that emphasizes not only physical strength but integrity, confidence, ethics, and academic performance.

We have programs available for all level of martial artist, from beginner to expert, and offer Children, Teen, and Adult programs to include entire families in our dojo. They are designed to teach our students a high level of Martial Arts with many other benefits. Better Families will help each and every student maximize their potential by bringing out the best in themselves. Our curriculum was designed to fit all levels whether beginning or advanced.

Our emphasis is on establishing discipline, respect and courtesy in each student. This concept is built into every aspect of Tae Kwon Do instruction through the positive reinforcement of Martial Arts protocol. The program builds confidence and character by providing students with control over their bodies and developing their ability to stand up to peer pressure and other intimidating situations. No matter the age level, our programs are exciting, motivating, and fun!

Black Belts Schools of America has described our group as being “among America’s top most prestigious martial arts schools” and several of our instructors have received accolades, including our founder and director, Master Mary Beth Klock-Perez. Over 600 families have been served by the studio, which formally encourages the participation of beginners. In addition to selling sparing equipment, Better Families regularly provides birthday party services for children.

For more information on our Miami Tae Kwon Do classes, contact Better Families by calling 305-663-1882.

Tae Kwon Do, a martial art that originated in Korea, is one of the world’s most popular martial arts. Mimi Johnson of the of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness recommends 6 years of age as a good starting age for kids taking martial arts, although some classes will take children as young as 3 years old. Below are the great benefits of Miami Tae Kwon Do for children.

Physical Strength and Balance
One of the main benefits of Tae Kwon Do is improving a child’s strength and balance. Because Tae Kwon Do depends on kicking, practitioners learn to balance their weight on one leg to leave the other one free to strike. This also helps strengthen the muscles of the torso. Tae Kwon Do can also help improve coordination. Arm and leg muscles become stronger as a child practices strikes.

Concentration
Learning the patterns and sequences of Tae Kwon Do requires concentration and attention, and sparring requires focus on both one’s self and one’s opponent. Tae Kwon Do teaches breathing and meditation techniques to assist in learning focus.

Discipline and Respect
Tae Kwon Do students must learn to follow directions from an instructor and are expected to show respect to the instructor. Students are also expected to show respect to their opponents before and after a sparring match.

Self-confidence
As children dedicate themselves to a goal in Tae Kwon Do- say, learning a particular strike, earning a belt or practicing how to break a board- they gain confidence as they observe their own progress and increasing mastery. This self-confidence can then be carried over into other areas of your child’s life.

Reduced Aggression
Tae Kwon Do will not teach your child self-defense skills to directly deter bullies, but taking Tae Kwon Do might prevent your child from becoming a bully. A study published in “Psychology in the Schools” in 2008 showed that martial arts participation reduced aggression in boys. The study also showed an increase in bystanders choosing to intervene in a bullying event after taking a martial arts course.

For more information on our classes, contact Better Families by calling 305-663-1882.

Besides an outstanding Miami Tae Kwon Do education and mastery, there is one thing you are guaranteed to have when you become part of Better Families: fun. Over the weekend, a number of our students and instructors made their way to Dadeland Mall and participated in a hypnotic “at form” flash mob performance in the continuous effort to open up to our community and add member to our family. Great job to all those involved; we nailed it!

If you’re interested in our Tae Kwon Do classes, contact us today! It is never too late to get started on the rewarding journey that is learning and mastering a martial art. We have a variety of programs suitable for all ages, as well as South Florida’s most dedicated instructors that will cater to your individual needs and abilities. Our emphasis is on establishing discipline, respect and courtesy in each student. This concept is built into every aspect of Tae Kwon Do instruction through the positive reinforcement of Martial Arts protocol. The program builds confidence and character by providing students with control over their bodies and developing their ability to stand up to peer pressure and other intimidating situations. No matter the age level, our programs are exciting, motivating, and fun!

Black Belts Schools of America has described our group as being “among America’s top most prestigious martial arts schools” and several of our instructors have received accolades, including our founder and director, Master Mary Beth Klock-Perez. Over 600 families have been served by the studio, which formally encourages the participation of beginners. In addition to selling sparing equipment, Better Families regularly provides birthday party services for children.

For more information on our Miami Tae Kwon Do services, contact Better Families by calling 305-663-1882.