The West Side Taekwondo Beginner’s Program provides an introduction to the basic techniques of modern Taekwondo, while increasing strength, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular fitness.
Beginners
Through the belt ranking system, our children are motivated to set short and long-term goals, from earning their color stripes between each belt test, to visioning and achieving the ultimate goal of earning a Black Belt. At West Side Taekwondo, our young students are taught that through dedicated, intense work, any goal in life is achievable.
Intermediate
After successfully testing for a Yellow Belt, your child’s time in Taekwondo will become more intense and exciting! The Intermediate program at West Side Taekwondo offers different types of classes across 7 days of the week. In addition to three basic classes, we offer Basic and Advanced Sparring Classes and the opportunity to compete locally, regionally and nationally.
Advanced
For the serious Taekwondo practitioner, we offer Special “Black Belt Only” and other advanced classes in poomsae, Olympic Style competition sparring, self-defense and board-breaking.
Benefits of Taekwondo
Here are some of the benefits you can expect your child to receive from training in Taekwondo:
Taekwondo helps create Fit and Healthy Children:
Taekwondo training incorporates extensive stretching and constant aerobic exertion. The results are increased aerobic capacity, strength and awareness of one’s body. Your child will burn tons of calories, build muscle, and in general, get your child’s metabolism kicked into high gear.
Taekwondo helps students develop important Self Defense Skills:
Taekwondo is recognized as the martial art with the most highly developed arsenal of kicking techniques. When combined with powerful strikes, blocks, throws and joint-locks, Taekwondo becomes a complete system of unarmed combat for self-defense. Through constant practice of techniques and total body conditioning, the Taekwondo practitioner becomes mentally and physically prepared to defend oneself, should the need arise. At the same time, students are always reminded that martial arts skills are never to be used in an abusive or offensive and manner. In fact, it’s part of our student creed.
Taekwondo helps students develop Self-Confidence and a Positive Outlook:
Taekwondo training instills a sense of discipline, control over one’s mind and body and ultimately, self-confidence. Our children will be encouraged to take on challenges and to push themselves past their own pre-conceived limits and reach new heights of self-confidence that will carry over to all aspects of their life.
Taekwondo emphasizes Academic Excellence:
Many parents have attributed to our program improved grades as a direct result if the increased achievement motivation, self-direction, and self-confidence provided by Taekwondo training. As part of our efforts to encourage academic excellence, we require verification from parents that our students are performing to their potential in the classroom as part of the process for being allowed to advance in rank.
Taekwondo helps students develop a Respectful Attitude and Discipline:
Children in our program learn to have a positive and respectful attitude toward their teachers, parents, peers and, ultimately, themselves. We certainly don’t require it, but we’ve have heard many stories of children even saying “Yes, Ma’am” or “Yes, Sir” – to their own parents! In fact, our students must specifically receive their parents’ / guardians’ recommendation in order to participate in the promotion test.
