OlympicTaekwondoAcademy

1. A Boost in Self Esteem – Self-Esteem is “The Joy of Being Myself.”  Each child is judged against their own ability level and not of their training partner or classmates.  As he or she learns and meets each new goal, parents see confidence growing.  Those who have low self-esteem usually see a large boost as they grow in the program.
2. Learning Self-Discipline – Discipline is “To Obey What it Right.” Today’s children are immersed in a culture that provides instant gratification.  Want to watch a certain TV show?  Put on Netflix.  Want a certain type of song?  Look it up on Youtube. Students at Sulphur Springs OTA Martial Arts learn to discipline themselves toward achieving each new belt rank.  Belt ranks are not given, they are earned through hard work and self-discipline.
3. Socialization Skills – Many children struggle with social skills at this developing age.  Whether it’s the child that shares everything, has trouble keeping hands to himself, or the shy girl who wishes to sit in a corner, everyone benefits from being involved in a martial arts class.  Taekwondo for Kids students at OTA learn to work together to accomplish a common goal.  Partner drills and sparring teach students to communicate and observe other people.  Our OTA Leadership Program teaches children how to stand in front of a group of people and speak clearly.
4. Physical Activity – Childhood obesity is the #1 children’s health problem in America right now.  Studies show that obese children often struggle with the desire to exercise but either don’t know how or don’t have the resources.  Enrolling in Sulphur Springs OTA Martial Arts give a structured physical activity that he or she will enjoy and wish to continue to be a part of.
5.  Learning the ability to fail – Part of the instant gratification problem is that it has created a generation that is afraid to fail.  Students in class will fail at some time.  They may get kicked in the head gear by a sparring partner, drop a weapon, lose at a tournament, or not pass a belt testing.  Allowing children to fail in a safe environment lets them see that failure is not an end, but the beginning of a great story.
6. Goal Setting – At OTA Martial Arts, we teach students to set “SMART” Goals.
   1. Specific – set an exact goal
   2. Motivating – set a goal that motivates you
   3. Achievable – set a goal that you can accomplish
   4. Relative – set a goal that means something to you
   5. Trackable – have a time table and ability to judge success.

The ultimate goal of black belt is divided into small goals along the way. As your child works toward each new belt rank, he or she is learning about setting a reaching goals.

7. Respect – At Sulphur Springs OTA Martial Arts we teach that Respect is not what you know, but it’s what you do. Students are taught from the first class to stand straight, to answer with manners (yes sir) and to respect those around them.

8. Increased Communication Skills – Students who enroll in martial arts learn how to communicate with the world around them.   As your child gains the confidence to answer up, you will notice an increase in overall communication.  Our OTA Legacy program works with students on being able to teach a group and overcome fear of public speaking.

9. Teamwork – Even though Taekwondo is an individual sport, there are very few things that are done completely on your own at the dojo.  Sparring, board breaking, combat sparring, self-defense all must be done in teams.  At tournaments, our competition team works to support each other before, during, and after competition.

10. Self-control – Students are taught that the hardest move in all of martial arts is to stand still and control themselves.  Each technique in the Taekwondo  for Kids program must be completed with control. As a child gains physical control, they will learn control over their mind as well.  Numerous studies have shown that the structured traditional environment of taekwondo benefits children in the classroom.

Training

Former National Member and Coach of National Demonstration Team KukKiWon

Education

physical Education and Exercise physiology