Other Benefits include:
- stress relief
- social interaction
- general health improvement
- self pride
- students learn to respect others and themselves
What are the benefits of Taekwondo for Children?
Taekwondo is a fun way of providing regular physical activity and helps to develop coordination, strength and discipline in children. Taekwondo will help children build self-confidence, learn to interact with others and develop team spirit. Taking part in gradings will encourage children to develop mental focus and achieve their goals.
What age can my child start taekwondo?
Taekwondo training involves a certain amount of concentration and discipline, experience shows that it is generally less suitable for children below the age of about 7 years old, who may prefer less structured activities. Some children, however may take to practising taekwondo at a younger age so to a certain extent it depends on the individual.
Am I too old to practice taekwondo?
Taekwondo training is about personal development and achieving new goals. As such there is no maximum age limit to practice taekwondo and we welcome people of all abilities and ages.
I am a complete beginner, what should I expect?
A typical class would start with a warm-up, including basic stretching exercises. As a beginner, the first few lessons will focus on learning basic taekwondo techniques such as punching, blocking and basic kicks. There is a strong emphasis on developing fitness (you will be lead into this gradually at a pace appropriate to your needs) with general exercises to build aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility and coordination. With a little more experience you will learn a wider range of kicks, patterns and sparring exercises, which will involve working in pairs with partners of a similar level.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (for example a T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms) and bare feet for your introductory lessons. If you decide that you wish join the classes and become a member you will be able to buy a club uniform, which should then last you until blackbelt.
How often are gradings & what are the benefits?
Gradings are conducted four times per year by the Chief Instructor (Grandmaster T.K. Loh), which ensures that all students and clubs in the association are meeting the same exacting high standards. Regular grading and progression through the belt system will provide you with well-defined goals to achieve and help your abilities to constantly develop and improve.
Will there be opportunities to take part in competitions in the future?
Taking part in competitions may not be in your plans at the moment, but as you develop your practice and begin to see results, you may be interested in testing your sparring with players from different backgrounds (It would typically take at least a year's experience to get to a suitable level). The Traditional Taekwondo Association holds national competitions twice a year, which are open to all members.
