Martial arts have become an integral part of our popular culture through video games, movies, and reality shows. It’s natural for our youngest ones to develop an avid interest in the martial arts with all that exposure. We channel that interest into positive programs that promote the ideals of discipline, respect, and confidence through activities designed to increase aerobic capacity, sharpen motor skills, and increase focus.
CLASS STRUCTURE
Students are introduced to basic techniques in a more structured environment. “Belt” tests at the end of the term allow students to work toward tangible goals and showcase their newfound skills! Each session of the program consists of a 30-minute class. Students will learn a more formal curriculum of basic blocks, kicks, and Taekwondo's punches, but there is no physical contact between students. Many practice drills are conducted on kicking pads and shields. Students are taught lessons in the proper time and situations for the use of their new-found skills. A belt promotion system whereby the students will earn different color belts upon completing certain skill sets and quarterly belt promotion tests in which students earn striped belts will reinforce positive behavior and serve as incentives for improvement.
We continue developing our students’ behavior, character, and gross motor skills through a more focused and disciplined curriculum. You can expect your child to learn the following:
BEHAVIOR
Respect for the learning process through a formalized and uniformed class setting
Respect for teachers through formalities such as bowing and handshakes, and addressing them with “Yes, Sir!” and “Yes, Ma’am!”
Respect for each other and other socialization skills such as bowing
Cooperation through taking turns at activities
Concepts of non-violence through lessons in using the techniques learned only for defense.
Respect for parents
CHARACTER
Responsibility for oneself and one’s actions
Discipline and a positive work ethic
Good manners and respectful behavior
Cooperative attitude toward teachers and fellow students
MOTOR SKILLS
Basic kicks, punches, blocks and stances, and introduction into forms (prearranged sets of kicks, blocks, punches, and stances)
Running
Jumping
Stepping (forward, backward, and side)
Balancing
GOAL SETTING AND FOLLOW-THROUGH
The importance of setting specific achievable goals and following through to achieve those goals will be reinforced through a test at the end of the semester in which students will perform in front of the Master Instructors, Instructors, parents, and their peers.
Upon successful completion of each group test, students will earn belts as tangible symbols of their accomplishment.