Youth Program
AGES 8 - 15
The core of Tang Soo Do training is respect and discipline, two concepts often overlooked in our society. In Tang Soo Do, a child learns respect for authority figures, including parents and teachers, as well as respect for himself/herself and others. Students are expected to conform to the rules of the class during training. The promotion system encourages children to practice and continue training. This disciplined habit of not giving up can eventually be seen in other aspects of a child’s life such as improved school work and the ability to cope better with the demands of everyday life.Tang Soo Do encourages courtesy, patience, loyalty, honesty, and self-control—values that are not specifically taught in most Western sports. Values learned in the dojang give the student concrete, practical guidelines for behavior in his or her life.
Respect
One of the basic tenets of Tang Soo Do training is respect. Parents often use this word when asked what they would like their child to learn in a martial arts class. Starting with "yes, sir/ma’am; no, sir/ma’am; thank you, sir/ma’am", bowing to their instructors and fellow students, and how to care for their uniform and other equipment, we teach children a respect for themselves, others, and their surroundings.
Self-discipline
Children meet new physical and mental challenges of training by following the rules of the class which teaches them self-control as their minds and bodies develop.
Confidence
Instructors lead the children to develop confidence in themselves by giving them an "I can do it" attitude. Children discover self-value and pride as they learn new techniques and achieve higher rank.
Conditioning
Through Tang Soo Do training, a child develops both physically and mentally. Coordination and balance will improve. Better mental and physical health improves self-esteem as well as stress-related aspects of a child’s life, such as eating and sleeping habits.
Behavior
The structure of our classes and the rules of conduct (protocol) of Tang Soo Do training, such as bowing and answering "yes, sir/ma’am," help shape the child’s behavior in a positive way.
Cooperation
Group training with other children teaches teamwork and interpersonal skills which will prove valuable throughout childhood and into adulthood.
Patience
Many children want instant gratification, which is common in our modern, technology-driven society. Tang Soo Do training and the progression through our belt system helps children to develop an inner calmness and teaches them to be goal-oriented and to always finish what they start.
Concentration
Tang Soo Do training teaches students eye focus, body focus, and mind focus. Powers of concentration are not only an essential element of martial arts training, but they are critical to many other aspects of life such as academic performance.
Responsibility
Children are taught one of the basic codes of Tang Soo Do training—that responsible behavior includes choosing when, where, and why to use their new physical skills, and that they are responsible for their own actions. Children in our program learn that you must not only do the right thing, but you must do the right thing for the right reason—which does not mean that you are doing it because you fear punishment. Being trustworthy and having integrity are also part of the responsibility of every child in every class.
Sense of Justice
By utilizing the traditional Tang Soo Do warrior’s honor codes, our program teaches children to develop their own sense of justice and to mature and grow with a sense of fairness. Instructors help their students distinguish between the right way and the wrong way.
