TaeKwonDo?

[Herknav]

We just moved to a new town, and there is a TaeKwonDo place down the road. I have never done martial arts, although I kind of always wanted to. I am primarily interested for my two elementary school-aged kids. This particular dojo operates under the "Tiger Rock" banner and is ITA certified. I spoke to an instructor today, and he said it was more traditionally oriented, rather than sport-oriented.

I'm looking for something the kids will enjoy doing. I am expecting this to provide fun, physical fitness, and some self-defense skills. What should I look for in a dojo? What sort of questions should I ask?

Thanks in advance,
Herk

[TAB]

99.9% of TWD in the US is BULL SHIDO.  

We had a thread about MA and kids not to long ago... give me a sec and i'll link you too it.



here you go

http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=9531.0

[ellis4538]

A friend of mine invited me to his Black Belt promotion or what ever they call it.  I was very impressed...very professional.  Very disciplined.  I would go and check out a couple classes and especially a graduation/promotion or what ever they call it.  They had an individual in a wheel chair going for his BB and they pulled no punches or showed no favoritism...he could kick ass!  I do not know about this dojo, might be just another place trying to get your money.

FWIW

Richard

[Wheelgun Dunn]

My personal experience says avoid TKD unless sport fighting, competition is what you want.  What's my experience you ask?  I spent 4 yrs training American Freestyle Karate which was a derivative of TKD and it was all competition.  Highkicks, and flash with less substance.  I then switched over and trained traditional japanese karate-do and aiki-jitsu for ten years.  True personal defense martial arts training.  Just my experience, my two cents as it were.  Just like a gun it depends on what you want to do with it.  Just like the other post said TKD in the US is largely for show.

Wheelgun

[Herknav]

Thanks for the responses, guys! I actually tried the search, but missed that particular thread.

Peace,
Herk

[Sponsor]

[twyacht]

Thanks for the responses, guys! I actually tried the search, but missed that particular thread.

Peace,
Herk

It's under a Krav Maga, title, in the previous pages of posts, and there have been more than one post about it, Aikido, Karate, others, maybe certainly something to consider. Show them as many options as possible in your town, maybe they will find one they prefer over another.

Welcome to DRTV, Herknav. Best of luck in your decision.

[texcaliber]

Chuck Norris' practices Tae Kwan Do. Enough said. 

[twyacht]

Chuck Norris' practices Tae Kwan Do. Enough said. 

Chuck Norris also doesn't mow the grass, he just steps outside and "dares" it to grow....

[fightingquaker13]

Without revisiting what was, if I recall, a very very long thread, let me sum up. I think the consenus (sort of) was this. They are kids. You want them to have fun, get in shape and learn discipline and self confidence. If they can learn to throw and take a hit? So much the better. The main thing is finding a teacher you trust and making sure the school's goals match your kids personality so it meshes. A host of styles will do. Get their feet wet now, worry about the butterfly and back stroke later.
FQ13