Taekwondo And Its Benefits For The Child

In today’s article, we talk about the social, physical, and psychological benefits of taekwondo. Taekwondo requires perseverance and teaches basic values, as well as many other benefits.

Contrary to popular belief, this Korean martial art is not based on violence or incites aggression. Practicing the sport does not require much strength. Taekwondo develops the physical capacity of the body like any other sport.

As a sport, Taekwondo is very technical and thus develops a child’s body control. The sport offers a full-fledged internship experience that has value both socially and psychologically.

What is taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a thousand-year-old Korean martial art. It is known for its various techniques that utilize hands, feet, elbows, fists and even knees. Self-defense is also part of the sport.

In addition to its physical and technical side, the  sport also represents an overall philosophy based on five principles, which are courtesy, honesty, diligence, self-control, and an indomitable spirit.

Taekwondo is one of the best known and most widespread martial arts. The sport is practiced by an estimated 70 million people in nearly 200 countries. Taking all sports into account, taekwondo is the tenth most practiced sport in the world.

Taekwondo is also an Olympic sport today. It was showcased at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, and the first Olympic competitions were held at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Equipment needed to practice Taekwondo

To practice Taekwondo, you need a dobok, a training suit consisting of pants and a jacket, as well as a belt that indicates the level of the student.

The use of polypropylene gloves and protective shoes is usually required in combat. Mouth and tongue protectors are also usually necessary. In addition, depending on the level of participants, a helmet and shin and forearm protectors may be used.

The benefits of Taekwondo

In addition to the physical benefits of taekwondo, it teaches many values ​​and skills that help balance a child’s character. This sport can develop a lifestyle for students. Taekwondo is a tool for achieving physical and mental balance.

Through Taekwondo, an insight into the human being in all its meanings is sought. In the case of children, the hobby helps to cope with the most complex stages of life and helps to develop important personal values ​​and healthy habits that follow along throughout life.

Physical benefits

• Improves muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance.
• Increases flexibility, agility and flexibility.
• Helps develop coordination and balance.
• Teaches awareness of one’s own body and body control.
• Technology-focused basic movements prepare the child for even more difficult activities.

Psychological and social benefits

Taekwondo also helps balance a child’s character. Energetic children become more aware of their own body and environment.

Even the shyest and most introverted children of all gain self-confidence, improve their self-esteem, and learn initiative.

• Improves concentration and self-discipline.
• Full control of your body leads to improved self-esteem and self-confidence. In addition to this, the child learns to interact more effectively with his or her environment.

• Cherishes important values ​​such as honesty, loyalty, companionship, respect and humility.
• Taekwondo is an opportunity to nurture cultural learning. Through the sport, children gain access to practices, traditions, and ways of thinking that differ from those to which they are accustomed. The child also learns tolerance and solidarity.

A few tips on taekwondo

Although taekwondo was developed for combat, it is not aggressive as a sport. Conventional taekwondo training is self-defense, not offensive.

In addition, the sport strives to bring peace and tolerance to its enthusiasts among other benefits. Taekwondo is an ideal tool for channeling children’s inexhaustible energy   – especially if your child suffers from a disorder like ADHD.

The ideal age to start taekwondo is about 4 years. It is worth starting the training at a young age, as the sport is very technical. Development doesn’t happen in one day, and mastering the basics of taekwondo and progressing in the sport requires a lot of effort, perseverance, and self-discipline.

This is why the presence and support of parents is vital. They must remind the child of his values, responsibilities, and duties, encourage him in times when he does not believe he is making progress, and, above all, support him.

The most important thing is that the child is happy with his hobby and environment, and that he focuses his enthusiasm and efforts on daily exercises.