The benefits of Tae Kwon Do for kids are discipline, confidence, goals a child reaches step by step, and self-defense. They come from how a class works: a child practices kicks, forms and self-defense, earns each new belt by performing correctly, and tests for it in front of their family. At Chung TKD in New Hyde Park, Grandmaster Howard Chung, 9th Dan, runs every belt test, and children train in classes grouped by age and, from age 4, by belt.
Chung TKD teaches Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art also written taekwondo, to children ages 2 to 13, in three programs by age: Pee-Wee, Children and Youth. Grandmaster Chung has taught Tae Kwon Do since 1970 and opened the school in 1984. This guide is by Master Chris J. Chung, 5th-degree black belt.
What is Tae Kwon Do good for?
Discipline, confidence, self-defense and body control. Chung TKD teaches Tae Kwon Do as self-defense and as a method of discipline, character development and personal development, which can carry over into the rest of a child's life. Our guide to choosing a martial art for kids compares Tae Kwon Do with karate, kung fu, judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Does Tae Kwon Do teach discipline?
Yes, through how a child moves up. At Chung TKD, belts are given only for performing correctly. A child earns a stripe for a class in which they reviewed their curriculum, and after a set number of classes and stripes, an instructor checks whether they are ready to test. So a new belt means a child did the work correctly, not only that they came to class. Our guides to how stripes work and the six values we teach have more.
How does Tae Kwon Do build confidence?
By asking a child to do something hard in front of people and get it right. Grandmaster Chung runs every belt test, the school's instructors demonstrate, and families have a seat and watch. Each test is harder than the one before. Twice a year, the school holds in-house tournaments in forms, sparring and breaking. Divisions are kept small, families watch, and the awards are usually gold medals and grand champion trophies. Our guide to kids' Tae Kwon Do tournaments has more.
How does Tae Kwon Do teach goal setting?
With a next step a child can see. A child earns stripes in class, an instructor checks whether they are ready, and they test for the next belt. Below brown belt, a child tests when their instructors say they are ready, so each child moves at their own pace. From brown belt on, tests are on set dates, and black belt tests are big events that the school's past black belts come back for. Our guide to the belt colors in order shows the whole path.
Does Tae Kwon Do teach self-defense?
Yes. At Chung TKD, self-defense is part of class. The Korean word for self-defense is hosinsul, and our parent's glossary has more Tae Kwon Do terms, including the titles students use for their teachers.
What does a child practice in class?
Kicks, forms and self-defense. The school's instructors teach the classes, and the forms are the ITF forms, called hyung. A kick asks a child to hold their balance on one leg, and a form asks them to remember a set of moves and do them in order, so each class is practice in balance, control and focus. Our guide to why students break boards explains what a board shows about a kick.
Which program fits my child?
The one for their age. Pee-Wee is for ages 2 to 3, with a Mommy & Me class and an Independent class from 3½. Children is for ages 4 to 6, and Youth is for ages 7 to 13. Children and Youth classes are also split by belt, so a new student trains with other early belts. A child moves up from Children to Youth by age, or earlier when the school thinks they are ready. Our guide to what age kids can start Tae Kwon Do has more on each age.
Where does a parent see each benefit at Chung TKD?
In parts of the program you can watch or ask about. Here is where each benefit shows up.
- Discipline: belts are given only for performing correctly.
- Goals: stripes in class, a check that a child is ready, then a test for the next belt.
- Confidence: belt tests and the twice-yearly in-house tournaments, with families watching.
- Self-defense: it is part of class.
- Classmates at their level: classes grouped by age and, from age 4, by belt.
- Leadership: after black belt, students can be invited into the Masters Club, which trains leaders.
Is Tae Kwon Do good for kids?
Yes, and the way to know for your child is to try it. Every new family starts with two free trial classes, and parents can watch, so you see how your child takes to it. Some children watch for a little while first, plenty jump right in, and many nervous ones soon forget they were nervous. Our guide to whether parents can watch a class covers watching from the side.
Where is Chung TKD?
Chung TKD is at 1527 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040.
How do we get started?
Start with the two free trial classes. A parent or guardian stays for both, and kids wear something comfortable, sweats or shorts. Book a free class online, and our guide to a first Tae Kwon Do class covers the first visit.
Questions parents ask
What are the benefits of Tae Kwon Do for kids?
Discipline, confidence, goals a child reaches step by step, and self-defense. A child earns each new belt by performing correctly and tests for it in front of their family.
Does Tae Kwon Do help with discipline?
Yes. At Chung TKD, belts are given only for performing correctly, so a child earns each new belt by doing the work right.
Is self-defense part of a Tae Kwon Do class?
Yes. At Chung TKD, self-defense is part of class.
What age can my child start Tae Kwon Do at Chung TKD?
At 2, in the Pee-Wee Mommy & Me class. Children ages 2 to 13 train in three programs by age: Pee-Wee, Children and Youth.
Can I watch my child's class?
Yes. Parents can watch class, and families have a seat and watch belt tests.