Taekwondo (TKD), one of my main martial arts of choice, is among the most popular martial arts in the world. It’s main tenets are courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and having an indomitable spirit. The art is derived from three Korean words, tae kwon do…
- Tae, meaning foot or kick
- Kwon, meaning fist or punch
- Do, meaning the art of
…so tae kwon do classes teach the art of the fist and foot. I’ve also heard it described as the art of the foot and hand.
Originating from Korea, Taekwondo is known for its fast, high, and powerful kicking techniques, making it an exhilarating martial art to practice. Today, millions of people around the world practice Taekwondo, and its even recognized as an Olympic sport. Students practice TKD lessons not only for self-defense but also for personal development, mental focus, and overall well-being.
What makes Taekwondo particularly appealing is that it’s accessible to individuals of all ages, from preschool taekwondo to taekwondo for adults and even family taekwondo. Whether you’re new to martial arts or looking for a fun and engaging way to get and stay fit, taekwondo classes are a structured, goal-oriented approach that promotes both physical and mental growth.
What to Expect in ATA Taekwondo Classes
American Taekwondo Association (ATA) schools offer a welcoming and structured environment for students of all skill levels. (Note: I’ll take a moment here to shamelessly brag that I’ve trained with ATA for several years and have just recently earned my first degree black belt.)
The ATA, which teaches Songham Taekwondo, follows a curriculum that emphasizes traditional values like respect, self-esteem, courtesy, and perseverance while teaching core martial arts techniques.
Here’s what you can expect in typical ATA Taekwondo classes:
Warm-Up and Stretching: Classes usually begin with a thorough warm-up to get the body ready for physical activity. This may include light cardio exercises such as jumping jacks, running, or skipping, followed by stretching exercises that focus on flexibility, especially in the legs, given the kicking techniques students are expected to learn during class.
Basic Techniques and Forms (Poomsae): After the warm-up, students practice basic techniques, including kicks, punches, and stances. These are essential for building coordination and precision when striking. In ATA Taekwondo, forms, or “poomsae,” are an important aspect of training.
These are choreographed sequences of movements that simulate defense and attack scenarios, helping students understand the application of techniques.
Weapons Training: Students will begin practicing with a variety of weapons, doing weapons drills. Among them are the nanchaku, bo staff, commas, and combat sticks.
Self-Defense and Sparring Drills: Self-defense is a core component of Taekwondo training. Students practice defending against various attacks, learning how to counter strikes, grabs, and even weapons in some advanced classes, like Legacy and Leadership.
Breaking Techniques: Breaking boards is an exciting aspect of Taekwondo training. It helps students understand the power and focus needed to execute their techniques effectively. This exercise also builds confidence as students progress to breaking more challenging boards with both hand, elbow, and foot techniques.
Cool Down and Meditation: Classes typically end with a cool-down period to stretch and relax the muscles. Meditation or deep breathing exercises may also be incorporated to help students center themselves mentally, reinforcing the discipline and focus that Taekwondo instills.
ATA schools also introduce sparring at the appropriate skill levels. Typically, after a student has earned their camo belt, sparring is a requirement and will also be required performance at every belt testing/rank advancement. Controlled sparring helps students develop timing, speed, and strategy in a safe environment with protective gear.
However, students won’t be required to board break until at least their red belt is earned but instructors will typically incorporate board breaking at very belt level so everyone has a chance to practice as they grow.
ATA Taekwondo classes are designed to be progressively challenging, allowing students to set and achieve personal goals, such as earning new belts through consistent practice and dedication.
Taekwondo: An Activity for All Ages
Taekwondo appeals to individuals of all ages, from preschool-aged children to adults. It’s not just a martial art for those seeking self-defense skills; it’s also a family-friendly activity that promotes fitness, discipline, and mental well-being.
Benefits for Preschoolers
Taekwondo can be incredibly beneficial for preschool-aged children. Through simple drills and activities, young children develop important motor skills, coordination, and balance. ATA Taekwondo often offers specialized programs for younger children, such as “Tigers” and “Cubs”which introduces them to basic martial arts in a fun and playful environment.
These classes help children learn to follow instructions, improve focus, and build confidence in a positive and encouraging setting. The structure of the class promotes discipline, but the fun and excitement keep children engaged, helping them develop social skills and teamwork.
Benefits for Adults
For adults, Taekwondo provides an excellent full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, endurance, and cardiovascular health. It’s a great way to get and stay fit, relieve stress, and improve mental focus. Since I began my TKD lessons, I’ve lost over 40 pounds and kept it off!
Typically, I have my fiance help me at home with my kicks by using the clapper targets I got on Amazon. They’re called clappers because of the sound they make when you successfully land a kick. You should definitely own a pair. Highly recommended if you’re serious about earning a black belt!
Adults often find that Taekwondo helps them achieve better work-life balance because the discipline and mindfulness learned on the mat translate into other aspects of life. Unlike many other fitness routines, Taekwondo is constantly evolving, offering continuous challenges that prevent boredom and promote lifelong learning.
A Martial Art for the Whole Family
One of the biggest advantages of Taekwondo is that it can be practiced by the entire family. Many schools offer family classes where parents and children can train together. In my own school, this is the norm; I regularly train with entire families.
This shared activity allows families to bond over a common interest while also achieving their own fitness and self-defense goals. Taekwondo encourages each family member to set personal goals, such as earning a new belt rank, and families can support and motivate one another throughout the process.
By making martial arts a family activity, parents set a positive example of dedication, perseverance, and respect for their children while enjoying quality time together. It’s a fun and productive way to spend time as a family, away from screens and other distractions.
How Families Who Train Together Experience a Close Bond
Families that train and compete together in Taekwondo often experience a deeper bond. By participating in the same activity, they share not only the physical challenges but also the emotional highs and lows that come with martial arts training.
Here are a few ways I’ve witnessed Taekwondo strengthening family connections:
Shared Goals and Achievements: Families who practice Taekwondo together celebrate each other’s achievements, whether it’s breaking a board for the first time, earning a new belt, or mastering a difficult technique.
These shared experiences create a sense of teamwork and support within the family unit. The mutual encouragement fosters a positive family dynamic, where everyone pushes one another to succeed.
Quality Time Together: Taekwondo provides the vehicle for families to time together by offering a scheduled, structured opportunity for families to be together in a meaningful way.
Unlike passive activities like watching TV, going out to eat, or going to see a movie, Taekwondo requires active attention and participation from everyone, which leads to more engagement and communication.
Overcoming Challenges as a Team: Taekwondo classes come with both physical and mental challenges. When families train together, they experience these challenges collectively. Supporting each other through difficult drills or offering encouragement before a belt test strengthens family ties.
It teaches everyone how to overcome obstacles and reinforces the importance of perseverance.
Instilling Core Values: Taekwondo emphasizes core values like respect, discipline, and integrity. When practiced together as a family, these values become part of the family culture. Children and adults alike learn to apply the lessons of Taekwondo—such as focus, hard work, and respect for others—both on and off the mat.
Tigers and Cubs, for example, are encouraged by instructors to give the same level of respect to their parents, teachers, and schoolwork as they do their instructors. This shared commitment to self-improvement helps build stronger, more respectful family relationships.
Training in Taekwondo as a family is not only beneficial for physical fitness but also for emotional bonding. The combination of teamwork, mutual support, and shared values makes it a unique and enriching experience for families.
Conclusion
Taekwondo is much more than just a martial art; it’s a journey of personal growth that can be shared by individuals of all ages, including entire families. Whether you’re looking for a physical workout or a way to build self-discipline and confidence, Taekwondo offers something for everyone.
TKD lessons provide structure that caters to students of all skill levels, ensuring that children, adults, and families alike can enjoy the benefits of martial arts training. From improving physical fitness to developing mental focus and self-defense skills, Taekwondo has a lasting impact on students.
Families who train together build closer bonds through shared challenges and achievements, making Taekwondo an excellent choice for those seeking a fun, engaging, and rewarding activity that brings everyone closer together. If you’re looking for an activity that can strengthen both body and family ties, Taekwondo is the perfect choice.