Allowing your children to participate in Taekwondo is a fantastic way for them to explore and develop lifelong skills. Youth martial arts not only play an important role in exercise, but promote mental and psychological advances as well. The sports will keep your child physically active, while also instilling a sense of achievement and ethics as they practice consistently and work their way up to earning a black belt. It is also well-known fact that children who participate in sports are less likely to drop out of school, and become involved in drugs and alcohol activity, while they also more likely to excel in academic performances and sociability.
Official “Fitness Czar” for the City of Houston, 4 x #1 Fitness trainer in America, and HFR founder Samir Becic says: “Taekwondo is one of the best sports to educate young adults not only in martial arts and fitness, but also discipline, focus, and respect. I am glad my son Ares Max Becic is attending the Houston Center for Taekwondo!” Here are the Top 10 Health Benefits of Tae Kwon Do for Kids:
Builds Self-confidence: Due to the goal setting, positive encouragement and respect for values that are part of all Tae kwon do programs, the greatest benefit usually reported by martial arts students is greater self-confidence- which is paramount to young developing minds. Kids become more comfortable in all situations – whether they’re in danger or simply doing a task that takes them beyond their comfort zone — and they will discover they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.
Teaches great morals and values: Martial arts wisdom has it that after consistent practice, one becomes less impulsive and aggressive towards others. This reminds students of the right attitude, frame of mind, and virtues to strive for inside and outside the studio.
Healthy lifestyle fundamentals: Due to the total-body nature of Taekwondo, kids burn a lot of calories during every class. Instilling a pattern of regular physical activity is a great fundamental for kids to carry on throughout their lives.
Teaches self-control and discipline: Taekwondo teaches self discipline and self control by teaching difficult forms and kicks that require intense focus, training, and devotion in order progress through the various levels. Playing sports require young athletes to be disciplined in tactical, mental and physical aspects. In order to succeed in Tae kwon do they must demonstrate self-restraint, and behave in a controlled and precise manner. Good discipline translates to life situations in order to achieve goals and reach their fullest potential.
Improved cardiovascular health: Research has found that the only real way to improve the status of the cardiovascular system is by participating in activities that stress the heart, such as Taekwondo. Kids will improve their physical endurance as their hearts grow stronger.
Strengthens perseverance: Athletes are often placed in adverse situations, both during competition and practices. During these high-pressure moments, the children learn to persevere through those challenges, and because there are so many of these moments in martial arts, the child will learn to quickly adapt to these situations and take them in stride. Practicing perseverance at a young age with this kind of adversity will lead to better coping skills, and critical thinking and application skills in life when they are met with bigger challenges.
Teaches focus and stillness: As Bruce Lee pointed out, behind the punches, kicks and knees, a true martial artist learns to sit with himself and see where his weaknesses are. As martial artists, kids will learn what it is to be still, challenged and focused.
Improves reflexes: Research has found that by participating in Tae Kwon Do, kids not only improve their reflexes while performing the activity, but actually experience faster reaction times during all activities of your life. This is very important in a number of daily activities, and a great habit to instill in children.
Healthy Socialization: Sports and teamwork is a skill kids are going use for their entire lives, so it is important to learn the basics early. Taekwondo provides children important lessons in team dynamics. Everyone must work to achieve their goals, and competition allows children to sort through each others strengths and weaknesses to decide what strategy works best for the them and their friends.
Physical development: Children who participate in sports develop stronger muscles and bones, and the stronger you are, the less likely you will suffer from physical injury. A New Zealand study conducted in 2006 suggested participating in physical exercise before and during the onset of puberty helps reach peak bone mass, enabling them to develop stronger muscles and bones that will be the foundation for future growth.
