TaeKwonDo for Family Fitness
An Organized Sport in which the Whole Family can Participate
Looking for a sport in which the whole family can participate and get fit? TaeKwonDo is the answer. According to the American TaeKwonDo Association, TaeKwonDo is a “non-aggressive and ethical system of self-defense” whose focus is “to provide students the highest quality martial arts instruction available in a safe and positive learning environment that people of all ages can enjoy.”
The key to making this activity “family” fun is to find a studio that offers family classes. TaeKwonDo works well as a family activity because it is a sport in which the participant can move forward at his/her own pace. Participants that are already fit and very driven can move through the levels of belts at a faster pace. Others can take a slower approach and move through the belts when their strength, coordination, and skill level are ready.
Self-Defense
For girls and women of all ages, an added benefit of TaeKwonDo is that they have an opportunity to practice and learn self-defense techniques. Punching, kicking, breaking boards, blocking, and learning escape techniques all add to the self-confidence of girls and women enrolled in the class.
Unlike traditional team sports, TaeKwonDo is considered an individual sport. The curriculum and forms (specific sequence of movements) for each level of belt is mastered by each participant at his or her own pace. Individuals can spar (in full protective gear when their skill level is high enough) against other participants of the same level belt or higher when they are ready. Participants are actively engaged in the class at all times with little or no “sitting and waiting” for their turn. There are no “starters” or “bench sitters”. Everyone is moving (great fitness benefit) throughout the class.
Physical Benefits of TaeKwonDo
Developing core strength is another key benefit to this sport. Every block, punch, and kick requires that the core muscles of the abdomen and back contract to stabilize the trunk. Another challenge is that the student is taught how to throw multiple punches at a time, punch in high and low planes, and master kicks in all directions. All of these together develop a very strong core set of muscles for the participant.
Other physical benefits of TaeKwonDo include improved:
- flexibility
- cardiovascular fitness
- upper and lower body strength
- balance
- coordination
- endurance
Character Lessons
Along with physical fitness benefits, TaeKwonDo also provides tremendous character lessons. Teaching respect is an important goal and top priority of the sport. Each instructor is addressed as “Sir” or “Ma’am”. Each command given to the class is followed by a “Sir” or “Ma’am” from the students. Students are taught to respect the instructor as well as each other.
Discipline and focus are also key benefits of this sport. Students are required to memorize and perform “forms” in order to move up to a higher belt. Although these movement sequences are practiced in class, students need to be disciplined to practice on their own at home in order to successfully move through the program.
Developing self-confidence is another important benefit of TaeKwonDo. As students master specific skills, they have the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery in front of peers and family. Each skill mastered is a small step towards developing self-confidence. As students progress, they will also have an opportunity to break boards. This in and of itself is a tangible self-confidence builder.
TaeKwonDo is a great family activity because it is designed for people of all ages and abilities. Families can workout together in the studio, and then practice at home. Last and maybe most important, children benefit from watching their parents participate in physical activity. Fitness becomes something that families “do”, rather than something that parents “talk” about.
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