How to Teach Young Children Taekwondo

Taekwondo is an ancient Korean martial art that has been used by Korean military for centuries. Combining movements focused on the fist and foot with discipline and self-awareness, Taekwondo provides students with a powerful form of self-defense as well as a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and respect. Instructing students in Taekwondo is a difficult task requiring a large amount of patience, but teaching young children requires even more discipline than older students.

Instructions

    • 1

      Be patient. Remember that young children do not necessarily have the same attention span or abilities as adults or older children, and very few young children can perform forms with perfect posture and precision.

    • 2

      Choose an organization to follow for rules, testing and other aspects. There are worldwide federations as well as national and regional associations, many of which have slightly differing rules, regulations, forms and testing guidelines. Follow these guidelines for form and instruction.

    • 3

      Maintain strict rules of behavior and respect. It is acceptable and encouraged for students to have fun and think of Taekwondo as enjoyable, but they must also have respect for elders, advanced belts, instructors and the art must be maintained at all times. Allow higher belt students to lead stretching or other segments of class to instill a sense of responsibility and respect.

    • 4

      Make class enjoyable. Children retain information better when lessons keep their attention and appeal to them. Encourage students instead of criticizing them, turn some lessons into contests or games and repeat instructions constantly. The repetition serves to increase memory as well as keep students focused on you instead of beginning conversations or wandering minds.

    • 5

      Consistently help students maintain proper posture and form standards as set by your chosen organization. For example, remind students often to keep their shoulders and back straight when extending their arms if you see them twist. It is easier to teach proper technique the first time than to correct a sloppily learned technique.