FOSTERS SELF-DISCIPLINE

One of the central tenets of all forms of the martial arts is an absolute focus on self-discipline. Today's kids are so accustomed to receiving instant gratification that lessons in self-restraint and discipline aren’t always easy to come by. Kids with a martial arts background, however, are continually reminded of the importance of self-discipline.

Ara is a shy turtle. Before joining the Tiger classes, he usually just stayed in his shell. Now he is making new friends and loves to do his forms nice and slow. His favorite move is a knife hand strike.

BOOSTS SOCIALIZATION SKILLS

Kids who don’t always thrive in highly social environments may find it easier to get to know people and make new friends when they’re in a room filled with peers who share a common interest. The kids on the playground may not always have much common ground, but devotees to the martial arts are able to get to know one another through shared pursuits. Partner-driven training can also foster camaraderie, as they force kids to pair off and build their skills together.

Baeoh is the funniest tiger ever. He has a big heart and loves to laugh. He is everyone’s friend but sometimes lacks confidence. His favorite move is a side kick.

ENCOURAGES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Limiting screen time is a great idea when it comes to getting kids off the couch and encouraging them to be more active, but it only goes so far. Enrolling an inactive child in such a physically demanding pastime not only discourages the sedentary lifestyle she’s used to, but also gives her an enjoyable activity that inspires her to keep moving.

Cheeri is the hardest worker in the class. Even though she always makes straight A’s, she is always trying hard to get better, maybe sometimes too hard. Her favorite move is a round kick.

LEARN TO SET AND ACHIEVE GOALS

Most forms of martial arts are based around an accomplishment system of colored belts that signify the wearer’s degree of skill. When your child strives toward each new belt, he’s learning valuable lessons about setting and reaching his goals.

Raon is the biggest one in his Tigers class. He is very strong and a great athlete. Although he always means well, and sometimes he leaps before he looks. His favorite move is the reverse punch.

INCREASED SELF-ESTEEM

Confidence comes with achievement, so your child’s self-esteem level will get a boost with every new move he masters and every belt he earns. Kids who struggle with a low sense of self-worth usually become more confident as time progresses while they’re enrolled in a martial arts class.

Suri comes from a big family of big eagles. He is small for his age and sometimes tries to act bigger than he really is. He always goes too fast, but is working on slowing down. His favorite move is a jump front kick.

INSTILLS A SENSE OF RESPECT

Learning any Songahm Taekwondo will require your child to show her instructor unflinching respect. Today’s kid culture doesn’t always include respect for authority, adults or those in advanced positions. When she goes to her Songahm Taekwondo class, though, your child will be learning lessons in respect along with new moves.

Choa is a rare phoenix. She is very pretty and likes it when the other animals do things for her. She is learning to do things for herself, and when she does, she is awesome. Her favorite move is a double knife hand block.

ENCOURAGES NON-VIOLENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Thinking that martial arts instruction promotes violent behavior is justified if your only experience with the activity comes from television or movies. In fact, many defensive styles teach kids peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution skills and emphasize the importance of avoiding a physical altercation.

Mir is a super smart dragon. He might not be the most coordinated, but he tries really hard. He is learning to control his strength. His favorite move is a spinning hook kick.

IMPROVING LISTENING SKILLS

In order to master the skills she’s being taught and advance through the belt ranks, your child will have to exercise superior listening skills. Kids who aren’t always adept when it comes to paying attention to what they’re told can benefit from the verbal instruction and one-on-one work in her classroom.

Narsha is the nicest cobra you ever wanted to meet. Even though she doesn’t have any arms or legs, she is one of the best Tigers in the class. She always works hard but keeps a smile on her face. Her favorite move is a tail strike.

DEVELOPS TEAMWORK SKILLS

Whether he’s breaking boards to get a new belt or sparring in a practice setting to master a new maneuver, there are few things that your child does in his martial arts classes that will be done on his own. Working together to learn new things and accomplish goals is an important life lesson for kids to learn, and instruction in the martial arts can help your child learn that lesson.

Baron is the highest rank in his Tigers class. He is a great leader, he just doesn’t know it yet. He is always willing to help. His favorite move is a palm strike.