It’s no secret that everyone can benefit from getting involved in sports and physical activities, but did you know that Taekwondo classes are especially great for kids? Sometimes it can be difficult to find an activity or outlet that is both fun and beneficial to their overall development — but this is far from the case when it comes to Taekwondo. More than a mere outlet for kids to expand their endless supply of energy, Taekwondo classes can do a lot for kids in terms of their well-being. From boosting self-esteem and inculcating better self-discipline, to helping them in social situations and respecting others, there are many ways that kids can benefit from enrolling in these classes. Let’s explore how enrolling your kids in a Taekwondo class could be the best decision you make for them!
1. Boosts Self-Esteem
Encouraging kids to participate in activities outside of their homes or school is one of the best ways to boost their self-esteem — the same applies to Taekwondo classes. Given the positive encouragement of peers and respect for the art that plays an important role in the practice of Taekwondo, your little ones are bound to develop a plethora of lifelong skills.
While learning new techniques and mastering all the moves might seem daunting and impossible at first, the mere act of going beyond their comfort zone and learning beginner skills like balance and coordination will inevitably make your child feel proud of themselves and gain more confidence as a result. This is only amplified when they progress through the ranks and master more difficult moves. Moreover, the fact that they have to set achievable goals to move up the belt levels will teach them that hard work does pay off, developing a sense of accomplishment as they ace each goal.
2. Demands Self-Discipline and Control
Taekwondo encourages kids to practise discipline and control as they learn new techniques. This is because learning new things during Taekwondo classes does not simply involve repetition of what is taught by the instructors. Rather, they have to observe the rules, focus on their training and devote their time and energy to make progress. When learning various forms and kicks, they also have to be more aware of their bodies, learn self-restraint, and behave in a controlled manner — this teaches them how to be respectful while simultaneously being assertive when needed. Therefore, by mastering the core principles of Taekwondo, children can learn how to better express themselves both physically and mentally — a skill that comes in handy in other aspects of their lives.
3. Sharpens Social Skills
While most parents might not instinctively enrol their kids into Taekwondo simply to make friends, it is one of the benefits that naturally come with being part of the class. Even though most things have to be done individually, training sessions are oftentimes done in groups, which allows them to build relationships with others who share similar goals and interests as them. Through drills and exercises, kids learn how to work together as a team which helps foster cooperation, understanding, patience, empathy, communication skills and mutual respect for each other’s abilities.
And just like any other sport, kids will eventually learn the importance of team dynamics — a skill that is crucial well beyond their adolescent years. In addition, they will be constantly surrounded by role models who teach respect and encourage excellent behaviour.
4. Teaches Moral Values and Respect
Even in Taekwondo classes for beginners, respectful behaviour is one of the core values taught at most dojos, so it’s safe to say that kids who attend these classes will pick up on this important lesson quickly enough! From respecting their instructors and peers alike, your child will learn not only how important respect is but also why it should be given freely as well as earned from others through hard work and dedication.
5. Improves Focus & Concentration
Taekwondo classes require students to focus on their shape and form while simultaneously concentrating on breathing techniques. This in turn helps increase their mental focus and concentration levels significantly over time. But that’s not all! Kids will learn the valuable lesson of controlling their emotions during stressful situations when things don’t go according to plan. Not only will this boost their ability to stay focused on the task at hand but also strengthens their perseverance and improves their mental health. In a day and age where there are so many distractions in the form of social media and the like, Taekwondo’s ability to nurture in kids the ability to focus, concentrate and look within, ensures that your child becomes healthier in all aspects of their lives.
Enrol Your Child in KTMA’s Taekwondo Classes in Singapore
All in all, Taekwondo classes offer numerous benefits for kids such as improved self-esteem, greater control over their bodies through self-discipline practices, better social skills due to positive role models surrounding them inside the dojo, and most importantly respect for others. With all the physical and mental benefits that Taekwondo offers children, it’s no wonder why so many parents in Singapore have long chosen to enrol them in classes!
If you would like to do the same, look no further than KTMA. The Taekwondo school for every body and every style, we offer Taekwondo classes for kids from the age of three. Make an appointment with us today and have your child attend a trial Taekwondo class at any of our KTMA locations across Singapore.
