Tae Kwon Do

On a whim, we registered our kids for Tae Kwon Do classes this summer.  We felt like the discipline and self-defense training were valuable life skills they should have.  At the second lesson, my husband, who was previously trained in karate, signed up for lessons as well, so it became a great family activity.

 

Our daughter doesn't get to go to classes as often because of swim team practices every evening, and I can't make time for lessons because I have to manage all the shuttling of kids to various activities, but it has been a fun outlet, particularly for father and son.  Their belt testing, which I attended, lasted several hours, and their belt awards ceremony lasted even longer.  It's fun to see them perform their new skills, but it certainly is a commitment of time, money, and focused attention.  Now that all three have their white belts, the guys will continue with regular lessons, while our daughter will go when she can between swim team and gymnastics team commitments which are the higher priority for her right now.  It would not surprise me if my husband continues all the way to black belt.

I am very impressed with the discipline and values taught at TKD.  I had to laugh when the students were asked to correctly state their mother's birthday as part of the testing requirements for the first belt.  While I was initially concerned that some Eastern mysticism may creep into the training (another reason why it's good to have their dad there to correct any teaching that contradicts God's holy word), but so far the values drilled into them at class have been values we have tried to instill in our own children (honesty, integrity, respect for authority, sanctity of human life, etc.).

Master Lee is highly regarded by the martial arts community.  He was the Coach and Manager for the U.S. National team for the years 1992 through 1995.  He has been featured on several magazine covers and has received honorary citizen awards repeatedly for his contributions to the local community.  It's worth driving to the adjacent town to be trained under such a skilled, caring, and humorous instructor.  He takes a group to Korea every year, so I have a suspicion a trip to the other side of the world may be in the future for our family.

Master Lee played lots of games during the belt award ceremony.  One game was a shouting match between the TKD kids' fathers. My husband commands our home in a way that never requires raising his voice or yelling, so imagine my surprise when he seemed like a natural when called upon to perform in the shouting contest. It must be his past military training.