Taekwondo: What Is It and How Does It Benefit Your Children?
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Tae Kwon Do, popularly known as Taekwondo, is a Korean martial arts technique that has been around for more than 2,300 years.

Due to the exhilarating nature of the activity and the multiple health benefits that come with this sport, Taekwondo is a popular practice enjoyed by children and adults in over 190 countries across the globe.

Taekwondo is extremely beneficial for the practicing individual, as it promotes self-discipline, builds physical and mental strength, and leaves them with a healthy dose of confidence.

What Is Taekwondo?

Derived from the Korean words, “Tae” which means foot, “Kwon” which means fit, and “Do” which means way of, Taekwondo in English means “the way of the foot and fist.”

The exciting sport teaches you the art of self-defense and is one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world that trains your mind, body, and spirit to come together as one.

How Can Children Benefit?

Taekwondo boasts many health benefits and can be extremely beneficial for children. The strength training and discipline required for training can boost your child’s self-esteem and help them learn how to defend themselves in dangerous situations.

1. Self Confidence

Taekwondo training comes with many levels and goals for children to succeed in. As your child advances to the higher levels and becomes more skilled in the sport, his or her feelings of accomplishment improve his or her self-confidence.

Your child’s training isn’t solely for the dojo, but stays with your child for the rest of his or her life.

2. Respect

Taekwondo teaches children to respect their elders and peers. Students bow to their teachers before class and instructors constantly put emphasis on the importance of respecting others and your self.

The training itself comes with challenges and movements that need to be performed with style and grace. Even though there are punches and kicks, you perform these techniques with a certain type of respect that you learn as you train.

3. Self-Discipline

Martial arts training requires a lot of discipline and focus to complete the different techniques. Children are required to wear a uniform and follow protocol when practicing this sport which further aids to disciplining them.

Children have to learn to adhere to instructions and be attentive during their training in order to meet their objectives in a timely manner. Not only does this enhance their self-discipline, but you can see an improvement in the child’s concentration and focus.

The next time you see your child studying by themselves, or performing household chores without being told to, you can thank taekwondo for teaching them the importance of discipline.

4. Self-Defence

Your child will benefit from learning how to defend themselves if they are stuck in a difficult position. Taekwondo teaches you how to defend yourself from attackers and gives you the upper hand in dangerous situations.

Your child’s training could be very handy in the future and might even save their life.

5. Mental and Physical Health

Technology has made all of us lazy. Children tend to stick to their screens than go outside, and this really impacts their health and fitness.

Taekwondo helps children stay fit and avoid a sedentary lifestyle from the start. Their training is also a form of exercise that builds overall strength and maintains healthy bodies.

Exercise is also known to boost brain function that will be beneficial to their studies as well as other aspects of life.

The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.

References:

(n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2018, from https://msu.edu/~spock/history.html

Cespedes, A. (2018, January 30). What Are the Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids? Retrieved April 12, 2018, from https://www.livestrong.com/article/338321-what-are-the-benefits-of-martial-arts-for-kids/

5 Benefits of Taekwondo for Kids. (2017, November 27). Retrieved April 12, 2018, from https://www.rodalewellness.com/fitness/benefits-taekwondo-kids/slide/1