Why Taekwondo Is Great for Kids
Searching for an activity that builds your child's confidence and fitness? One of the key benefits of Taekwondo for young kids is the boost in fitness, focus, and respect while keeping kids engaged.
Physical activity and discipline is combined with fun, to ensure your children benefit from Taekwondo classes. Taekwondo is designed for kids of all ages, so there's no need to worry about suitability or safety.
Discover the top benefits of Taekwondo for kids by reading this guide.
Physical Fitness Benefits for Kids
Taekwondo is a great workout for your children, because it makes sure that kids stay active without feeling like it's a chore. At the same time, kids can build on their strength through their kicks, stances, and blocks. Martial arts are known to improve kids' aerobic capacity, flexibility, as well as promoting their heart health.
The cardiovascular workouts in a Taekwondo class for children, such as warm up drills and sparring, help kids stay healthy by getting their heart rate going and burning calories.
To add to the above, studies have shown that practicing Taekwondo patterns enhances motor skills, which is great for growing bodies.
The physical benefits from children doing Taekwondo are almost endless, but we've summarised a list of five top physical benefits of Taekwondo for kids below.
5 Physical Benefits of Taekwondo for Kids:
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Aerobic capacity
- Enhanced motor skills
- Cardiovascular health
Mental Health and Emotional Benefits
Aside from the physical benefits of martial arts for kids, there are numerous mental health benefits for kids participating in Taekwondo classes.
A study conducted in England found that Taekwondo is linked to notably improved emotional self regulation in children. This means that children who attend Taekwondo classes are able to manage their impulses and disruptive emotions better.
Good self regulation in kids is often associated with higher academic achievements in school, due to the increased ability to concentrate and maintain discipline. On the same topic of school - learning patterns during poomsae practice sharpens concentration, which in turn helps children with schoolwork. Parents have often reported better behaviour and grades as a result of their child joining Taekwondo. You can ask your child's instructor how Taekwondo supports learning. Your child could become the next success story!
Likewise, martial arts like Taekwondo give kids the confidence boost they need. By being able to master a kick or earn a new belt, a child's self-esteem can improve. It is especially important that kids are self confident and believe in themselves as they start to navigate their own way through life and deal with any challenges they may face.
Ultimately, Taekwondo classes for kids reduce anxiety and promote emotional resillience, leading to better mental health for children. Help your child overcome their shyness and improve their focus through enrolling them in a free Taekwondo trial class for kids near you.
Discipline and Respect Through Taekwondo
How does Taekwondo teach kids discipline? By teaching children the basic martial arts values, kids will adopt important life skills.
The most important martial art value is discipline, which translates into a lifelong habit. Taekwondo teaches kids discipline by expecting etiquette in class. For instance, kids are expected to come to class on time, in a clean and tidy uniform, and follow all the club rules. Following the rules in a Taekwondo class teaches kids the essential life skill of self-control.
Students at a Taekwondo class are also required to show respect to instructors and peers. One way in which this can be expressed is by bowing to instructors to foster humility and courtesy.
In turn, kids can then apply this discipline and respect in school and to family interactions.
Social Skills and Community Building
Taekwondo classes are highly beneficial for kids by teaching them vital social skills. Partner drills in a Taekwondo class for kids teaches them how to collaborate and communicate. By bonding over shared goals, they create lasting connections. Many kids make lifelong friends at their Taekwondo club!
In addition, the inclusive Taekwondo community welcomes kids from all backgrounds which help them become more empathetic toward other people.
Pro tip: encourage your child to attend club competitions and events for extra bonding opportunities with their peers.
Safety and Suitability for Kids
Taekwondo is a very suitable sport for kids, and the necessary precautions are always taken. At Windsor Taekwondo, our instructors are certified by British Taekwondo, and so they ensure a safe and supportive environment. Our instructors understand that kids learn at their own pace, with no pressure. Windsor Taekwondo designs the class programs to ensure kids have fun, while teens have the opportunity to learn advanced skills. All drills are controlled to establish safety for any young children attending the Taekwondo classes.
If you're not in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and are unsure about a how to choose the right Taekwondo club for your kids - look for certified instructors, age appropriate classes, and a welcoming vibe. Make sure that the Taekwondo club uses appropriate equipment and supervises the drills.
Remember, you can always test a Taekwondo session to see if it fits your child.
Getting Your Child Started with Taekwondo
Getting ready for your child's first Taekwondo class is easy. Here’s the checklist:
• What Your Child Should Wear: Opt for loose, comfortable sportswear. Simply a set of tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt works.
• What Your Child Should Bring: Pack a water bottle for your child!
• Equipment: Clubs typically supply pads or other equipment for beginners. No need to buy your child any supplies yet!
• Mindset: Prepare your child to arrive with an open mind. Remind them they don’t need to be fit or perfect to start Taekwondo.
• Pro Tip: Bring your child to the class 10 minutes early to meet the instructor and ease their nerves.
Check with your local Taekwondo club for specific requirements. Not sure what to expect? Read our beginner’s guide to Taekwondo for more tips.