Learning TaeKwonDo

After a great deal of encouragement from Daddy, Munchkin started up with TaeKwonDo a couple of weeks ago. Daddy felt it was important that she learn the discipline that comes from studying the martial arts as well as learn some self-defense techniques. Munchkin wasn’t completely sure of this, and the idea of this brand new activity was a little daunting. Thankfully, much to Munchkin’s surprise, there are several other girls roughly her age taking the class with her. Her class is three days a week which is taking some getting use to as both Munchkin and I like to be at home. For now, Daddy is taking her to classes, and I make sure they have a good meal when they get home from class. (The class is at our normal supper time.)

TaeKwonDo is a Korean martial art form that has been around for more than 2,000 years. During that time period it has undergone many changes. While it had a violent past, it has since turned into more of a defensive martial art rather than offensive. It stresses getting out of conflicts in a peaceful way whenever possible, and only using force when necessary. The word TaeKwon Do means the art of kicking and punching, so it makes sense that most moves are kicking and punching related. Unlike some of the other martial arts, this martial art form is good for all ages and is not hard on the body when done correctly.

At Munchkin’s dojang (classroom), they encourage family involvement. They want their students to do well not only at the dojang but also at home. They teach the students respect for others and respect for themselves. Before the students can test for their belt, they have to get parental and teacher approval. (For us, we’re both.) The students must be doing well both in school and at home. They need to be applying themselves at school, being respectful to others, and doing chores at home. If they’re failing at any of these things, they won’t be allowed to test. They even have a chore chart that must be filled out if they feel that the instructors feel the students are not pulling their weight at home.

Each student receives a binder which contains important information about the class including the tenets and TaeKwonDo forms. They are responsible for keeping track of that notebook in addition to their uniform. Students learn the tenets of TaeKwonDo and how to apply them to both their study of TaeKwonDo and their life. Munchkin is still learning many things since she’s still so new to all of this. I was in TaeKwonDo with D when I was pregnant with Munchkin, so it’s rather cool to see her doing it now. As she is getting more comfortable with the class, instructor, the other students, and her skills, she is starting to come out of her shell a little and embrace the experience.

I’m impressed with this particular dojang and the instructors. We were fairly comfortable with one of the instructors already as he works with D which was nice. I look forward to seeing Munchkin’s self-confidence grow as she develops her skills. I don’t know how long she will want to do this or how far she will go, but for now, we’re enjoying the new adventure.