What age should you begin studying or practicing Tae Kwon-Do? I’m a firm believer in the younger the better.
Toddlers
We have a Tigers program for 3 to 5-year-olds. It’s a Romper Room type setting where we get kids to love Tae Kwon-Do and to develop confidence, discipline, focus, and respect. Kids today do not get off the couch enough and play like we use to. They need to be physical, but not what I like to call “stupid physical” where they start throwing kicks and punches thinking they’re going to leave the building and start crushing people.
Our goal is to get them to love martial arts and to begin learning the proper way. Parents love this approach. They notice changes in their child’s focus and attitude, especially in aspects of respect and discipline.
Kids
Our regular kids program is for age 6 to approximately 12-year-olds. Here we learn basic Tae Kwon-Do skills, concepts, and techniques. Some martial art schools will tell you a 6-year-old can take down a grown man. That’s just not true, unless, of course, they’re lucky enough to kick him in the groin.
So at this age we’re laying down the foundation for the future, as well as learning techniques to prevent bullying. Some of the goals for this age group include:
- How to hold yourself so you’re not a target
- How to be a good person
- How to build personality traits and characteristics to help develop the students into young adults
The children will be very physical in class. They’re learning how to kick and punch, as well as channeling their energy in a positive way. We talk a lot about life, being a good person, doing the right thing. We’ll teach them the Tenets of Tae Kwon-Do: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit. We want to make sure they take this home and make it a part of their everyday life.
Teenagers & Adults
Our classes for teenagers and adults deal with the study of true martial arts — honing the perfect technique, developing the person’s character and spirit. It’s not about being the strongest, the fastest, or the smartest. The person that combines all different aspects of their training will become the best black belt. In a real life self-defense situation, you need to be mentally ready as well as physically ready. The key is to develop the body and the mind to work together.
Start when they’re ready
So, start your child as soon as they’re ready and show interest. There really isn’t a bad time to begin. The most important thing is that you do begin.
Master Gorino’s Tae Kwon-Do offers a trial program for individuals and families in Buffalo, NY and the surrounding areas that allows you to get a feel for the different classes, meet our instructors, and experience our dojang. It’s a great way to see if Tae Kwon-Do is right for you. To learn more or to sign up, register online or call (716) 836-KICK (5425) and a member of our team will follow up with you on next steps. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Pil-Sung!
