Dear Mr. Penny,

     When my son, Tyler, was six years old, I enrolled him in Taekwondo.  Friends his age were playing soccer and/or busy with t-ball.  Their parents often asked me why I would pick such an individual activity rather than a sport that taught “team” building.   

     I replied, like most moms not knowing a lot about Martial Arts, “He’s small and I want him to know how to defend himself.”

     Now, almost five years later, I’ve learned more than I ever thought I’d know about this sport and feel confident it was the right decision for my son.  After sitting through three to four classes a week and listening to the students recite the “Way of Martial Arts” oath, I too discovered, Taekwondo is much more than a class in self defense. 

     Watching children as young as five years old use and understand words like, perseverance and integrity, convinced me this discipline had more to offer.  Although it was gradual, I began to see Tyler incorporate the lessons he was learning in class, at home and school.  I truly began to appreciate the partnership between you, as his instructor, and us, as his parents.  It’s refreshing to have an outside influence who Tyler respects, reinforcing the values we’ve established at home.

     Those unfamiliar with the Martial Arts, classify it as an “individual” sport.  It’s sometimes criticized for not teaching “team comradery”.  I couldn’t disagree more.  Although there is no competition between classmates for rank, they are most definitely a team.  Through your instruction, they support and teach each other in every class.  It takes more than one person to spar and truly put techniques into practice.  You educate each student early on the importance of loyalty and respect for their partners.  On occasion there is the opportunity to compete for best form or sparring in tournaments, but it is always done in a positive, “team like” manner, something my son looks forward to every year. 

     I enjoy watching Tyler grow within this group of kids, all different ages and ranks.  It’s more than a series of moves to master a belt rank.  It’s about setting goals for yourself, disciplining your focus and learning proper execution of each move, understanding and committing to memory what each belt means, not only your current form, but the lower belts as well.  It’s sometimes frustrating and stressful, as a parent, knowing you can’t do anything to help.  But, at the same time, so incredible watching them earn it on their own.

     Over the years, I’ve seen my son’s self confidence strengthen.  He holds integrity and honor in the highest regard and his perseverance has been an inspiration to us all.  The words, “give up” do not exist in his world.  His enthusiasm and dedication to this art has sparked interest in his younger brother, who recently started Taekwondo.  Now, a brown belt and Junior Leader, Tyler continues to amaze me. 

     When I’m asked now why I chose Taekwondo for my children, my response is much more long winded,  but always ends the same, “In my opinion, Taekwondo is more than a sport.  It’s truly a way of living one’s life.” 

Sincerely,

Machille