Should
Your Child Study Hapkido?
Hapkido is the kid's choice of today. Especially since NO ONE SITS ON THE BENCH!!! Attendance in our schools across the globe has
doubled in the past five years primarily by the enrollment of 7 year olds and up. This
sudden interest has, no doubt been fueled by the many television shows and movies
featuring martial artists such as Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, and the Power Rangers.
While kids become enamored with learning martial arts as a result of these action heroes,
what they can't appreciate is how the study of the martial arts can be a life shaping
experience.
Self Defense
Certainly, learning a martial for the purpose of self defense is reason enough to
enroll in a school. We all know of friends and relations who have found themselves
confronted with situations they were ill prepared to handle. The skill and knowledge of a
martial artist provides a capability that is truly unique. A child or adult studying a
martial art is going to be better prepared to handle a difficult confrontation.
Maturity, Confidence and Self Esteem
The study of a martial art like Hapkido, however, is not just about learning self
defense. While this is certainly an objective, young martial artists quickly learn the
importance of self control, discipline, and respect. Young students develop maturity,
sense of self confidence and self esteem well in advance of their years. Psychologists
observing this behavior, attribute this directly to the students enhanced confidence in
their ability to deal with life's situations.
Self Control
One
of the first things a new student learns in the martial arts is the importance of the
rules and traditions that must be followed. Many of the techniques being learned can be
harmful to others and self control is extremely important. As students practice with each
other they develop control and respect for their new found capabilities. As a result many
martial artists learn to avoid physical confrontations despite provocation by others. This
ability to walk away from situations with the confidence of knowing that they could have won is quite powerful.
Respect for Others
In addition to learning self-control, respect for others is another important lesson.
One tradition of a martial arts school requires bowing to the Master and fellow students teaching an appreciation of respect. At our schools,
students are frequently reminded of the importance of respecting parents, teachers, brothers, sisters and others.
Hapkido as a Life Shaping Experience
While young martial artists may want to help those in trouble or fight off evildoers like
their favorite TV hero, there is actually something much more life shaping occurring. As a
parent you should be comfortable knowing that your support of your children in the martial
arts will serve to contribute to their development in a number of important ways.
How do we Know if Our Children are Ready to Study Hapkido?
For some
parents this is an easy question to answer particularly when their child asks them
constantly about martial arts. Kids are very good at pointing out what their friends are doing. For other children the decision needs to be more carefully considered. Some children may in fact be shy or afraid. These kids can can grow tremendously in
Hapkido, but they need to be introduced to it gently.
We have found that with these students trying a class, it allows them
to become much more comfortable and interested in the study of Hapkido. One or two trail
lessons can also help prepare less confident kids for class.
In general, We prefer to start training children when they are
9 years old or older. This gives all their cranial and other joints time to be strong enough.
