It’s long been known that training in a martial art, like TaeKwonDo, provides tremendous physical benefits. Improved strength, increased cardiovascular endurance and greater flexibility being among the most commonly recognized. However, there are many less obvious benefits that come with consistent TaeKwonDo training. Since TaeKwonDo is an activity that people ages four and up can participate in, the benefits for all ages are many.
For both kids and adults self confidence is perhaps the most important benefit of all. For kids, self confidence through TaeKwonDo training comes from consistent setting and achieving of goals, earning new belts, competition, and continual development of new skills and abilities. Each time a child sets a goal to earn a new belt, works hard for several months, and then achieves that goal their self confidence grows. The self confidence developed in the TaeKwonDo classroom has a ripple effect. We find that kids that train in TaeKwonDo are generally less likely to be bullied, but are much better equipped to deal with it if should it happen to them. They are also more likely to ask questions, participate in discussions, and set higher expectations for themselves at school. Confident children are more willing to try new activities and participate socially than those that lack self confidence. Young people with a positive self image, that are confident and goal oriented are also much less sucseptible to peer pressure and are less likely to make poor decisions. A confident child will grow to be a successful adult.
Though it’s discussed far less, self confidence for adults is just as important as it is for kids. Many, many adults suffer from low self esteem and lack self confidence. This keeps them in jobs they don’t like, unhealthy relationships, physically and emotionally “un-fit”, and from ever realizing their true potential. An adult, at any age, that is physically fit, active, and healthy will naturally feel better about themselves.
Just as important for adults are the mental benefits that come from consistent training. Stress is one of the most dangerous factors influencing peoples health today. Stress that goes unmanaged can have dire consequences. Martial arts training is a great stress reliever. It allows adults a couple of hours a week to completely forget about all their other problems and responsibilities and to be completely focused on themselves and their training. As our worries and stress levels decrease, our confidence and ability to handle work and family life increase. Consistent goal setting and personal development are consistent messages in TaeKwonDo training, which again, have a ripple effect into peoples personal lives.
Self confidence for both kids and adults is important in maintaining a healthy, productive lifestyle. TaeKwonDo is an activity that can be practiced anywhere, any time, and requires almost no equipment. Consistent martial arts practice will have many positive impacts on a persons life, some that are immediately obvious, such as weight loss and physical fitness. And some that are more subtle, yet even more important, like self confidence.
Jon Frost is a 5th Degree Black Belt and owner of Tiger Rock Martial Arts at 1575 Pine Ridge Rd., #12, Naples. He can be reached at (239) 596-2501.