TAEKWON-DO – BOOST FOR STRESSED OUT CHILDREN

/in /by

British parents are increasingly turning to Taekwon-Do, one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world, to help provide children with values which will keep them safe from the threat of social networking.

Taekwon-Do instructors across the UK are reporting that more and more primary school age children now participate in classes and 43,658 people are currently enrolled in a Taekwon-Do school in the UK, 21,205 of which are under 18 according to the British Taekwon-Do Council.

Children are subject to many distractions from technology and social networking these days and experts and teachers are witnessing a drop in children’s powers of concentration along with increased anxiety and sleep deprivation. However, according to Taekwon-Do instructors, this sport can particularly help by focusing on the mind as well as the body and increasing physical coordination and mental discipline.

Wayne Brown, President of ITF England, said: “In recent years we have seen an increase in curiosity in the UK for this amazing sport, particularly from parents, who see it as the perfect tool to help children deal with the challenges of modern society.

“Apart from the physical activity which all children need, it has the added benefits of teaching the importance of respect for themselves and for others, the importance of trust and communication and the value of honesty, good manners, loyalty and collaboration.”

Helen Bennett, Senior Instructor at Wirral UKTA Taekwon-Do School said, “The tenets of Taekwon-Do; courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit, are values we try to instil in our students, something which parents of our younger students find particularly important.

“Respect, trust and open communication are also the foundations of strong families. Taekwon-Do training promotes these values, helping maintain a good family structure.”

The UK has well established links with the sport and next year marks the 50th anniversary of Taekwon-Do in this Country. Liverpool is currently preparing for the European ITF Taekwon-Do Championships taking place between 24th- 30th April 2017, where as many as 1,500 athletes from 37 Countries are expected to compete.

Things that Taekwon-Do Can-Do:

  • Enhance self-esteem by heightening physical and mental powers.
  • Build confidence by encouraging children to succeed and to take control of their life.
  • Develop discipline by thoroughly training body and mind in the tenets and techniques of Taekwon-Do.
  • Teach self-defence by training children to recognise situations in which physical self-defence may be necessary, and teaching them how to control such situations to their advantage.
  • Strengthen the mind and body through increased physical coordination and mental discipline.