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.