Little masters

According to General Choi, Hong-Hi, the discipline and techniques of Taekwondo establish a sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve in all true practitioners. He should know, as he founded Taekwondo. Principles such as those General Choi mentions are exactly the kind of principles we should aim to instil in our children, to ensure that they become compassionate and responsible adults. It’s no surprise then, to learn that Taekwondo has one of the highest rates of childhood enrolment.

Physically, Taekwondo can play a key role in the development of motor control and coordination. It helps children to become comfortable in their bodies, and they learn of their limitations and how far they can push themselves physically. Children who are in tune with their bodies and who are comfortable with their physicality are generally more confident and self-assured than other children. The discipline and respect inherent in Taekwondo prevents this confidence from developing into unchecked arrogance and aggression.

Studies have proven that the focus children acquire from Taekwondo helps them perform better academically. They are able to block out distractions and attend to the task at hand. Discipline in the dojo also spills over into school and home, which means that children who practice Taekwondo realise their responsibilities and obligations, and are self-motivated to fulfil them. The physical exercise also increases the flow of oxygen to the brain, promoting concentration and clear thinking.

Advancement in Taekwondo doesn’t come easily. Mastering new moves requires lots of hard work, but the satisfaction of finally getting them right proves to children that hard work pays off. Once learned, this lesson can be applied to everything in life. Children grow up believing that they can achieve anything that they put their minds to, and that challenges are mere stepping stones to success, rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Taekwondo is also a good way for children to learn that respect is earned rather than demanded, and that to earn respect is better than to create fear. Children are not only taught to respect others, but are given the opportunity to earn respect in turn. Perseverance in the face of adversity, and consideration for all others regardless of rank, gains children the respect of their peers, as well as their instructors. Through this they learn the worth of integrity and self-respect, which are qualities that are rarely regained once they are lost.

One of the uncompromising principles of Taekwondo is that the skills gained are not to be used in anger or for self-promotion, but rather to promote peace and protect others. Once children understand this and incorporate it into their lives, they are well on the way to becoming well balanced, fully functioning adults, and goodness knows the world has a dire need for more people like that.

Recommended sites:

http://tkdtutor.com/02Taekwondo/Children.htm

http://www.taekwondo.co.za/TKD_MoreAbout.htm

http://www.blacktaekwondo.com.au/taekwondo/children.html