Taekwondo For Kids: Physical, Psychological And Social Benefits
Many parents think that taekwondo is a violent sport or one that encourages aggression. Nothing further from reality. It also doesn’t require a lot of physical strength to practice. In fact, this discipline requires constancy, providing great benefits in return.
Like other sports, this Korean-origin martial art develops the body’s physical capabilities. But beyond that, it’s a very technical discipline, which will help children learn to know and control the body. It is a very complete entertainment, which will also provide social, psychological and important values to children.
What is taekwondo?
Taekwondo is an ancient combat sport, a martial art. Of Korean origin, it stands out for the wide variety of techniques that include: kicks, elbows, punches and even knees. It also has self-defense techniques.
But beyond the physical or technical level, taekwondo represents a whole philosophy. This philosophy is based on five principles: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.
It is one of the best known and most widespread martial arts. It is estimated that more than 30 million people practice taekwondo, spread across more than 144 countries. Taekwondo has also found its way into the Olympics. It started as an exhibition sport in Seoul, in 1998, and at the Sydney Games, in 2020, the first combat competitions were held.
Equipment needed to practice taekwondo
To practice this sport, you first need a Dobok. It is the practice costume, consisting of pants and jacket – the equivalent of the kimono of other martial arts. It will also be essential to have a Ti, the band that indicates the practitioner’s level in the sport.
In the fight, it is common to require the use of polypropylene gloves (pads) and protective boots made of the same material. It is also usually mandatory to use protectors, especially the mouth and inguinal. In addition, depending on the level of the participants, you can wear a helmet, protective vest, shin guards and forearm protectors.
The benefits of taekwondo
For those who practice it, this sport has become a way of life. It is an instrument to achieve both physical and mental balance.
Taekwondo seeks to fulfill the human being in every way. In the case of children, it will help them to go through the most complicated phases, acquiring important personal values and healthy lifestyle habits.
physical benefits
- Improves muscle strength as well as cardiovascular endurance.
- Increases elasticity, agility and flexibility.
- Helps develop coordination and balance skills.
- Provides control and knowledge of the body. As this is achieved through basic movements, but with a high technical level, it prepares children for future activities of greater difficulty, in any sport.
Psychological and social benefits
Taekwondo, moreover, helps to form the character of children. Those with high energy levels become more peaceful and aware of their body and environment. Or, to take another example, more shy and introverted children will gain confidence, self-esteem, and initiative.
- Provides concentration and discipline.
- When they manage to dominate their bodies, children gain self-esteem and self-assurance. Furthermore, they learn to interact with the environment more effectively.
- Important values such as honesty, loyalty, companionship, teamwork, respect and humility are encouraged .
- It’s a cultural learning opportunity. Through taekwondo, children have access to knowledge of customs, traditions and ways of thinking that are different from their own. It also teaches tolerance and solidarity.
Some advice on taekwondo
Although this discipline originated for combat, it is not an aggressive sport. Basic taekwondo training is for defending, not attacking. What’s more, this sport seeks to provide peace and tolerance to those who practice, among other benefits mentioned previously. It is an ideal option to channel the inexhaustible energy of children, especially if they have disorders such as ADHD.
The ideal age to practice this sport is around four years old. It’s best to start early, as although taekwondo provides great benefits, it’s also very technical and “slow”. Changes are not seen overnight and it takes a lot of effort, constancy and discipline to master the bases and gradually improve.
Therefore, the presence and help of parents will be essential. They will have to remind their children of these values, responsibilities and tasks, encourage the little ones when they are unmotivated and, above all, support them. The most important thing is for children to be happy with what they practice, with the environment they are in and which they help to create, so that they can always use all their enthusiasm and effort in their daily lives.
