The more involved I become with Black Belt, the more impressed I am.
The teachers are amazing, the manager, Mr. E, is incredible and the culture of this studio is that of a family - they literally want what's best for you. My preschooler started and months in, says it's the best part of his day. My elementary school daughter started taking classes here, and has become so strong that I started to wonder if she was going to have to protect me should we ever become unlucky enough to be stuck in a dangerous situation.
I started taking adult classes two weeks ago for self defense (I'm petite and female - I always feel like a vulnerable target) and fitness (gyms are not my thing) - I couldn't be more impressed. From the first class, I walked away feeling powerful, capable, and confident that I was learning tangible skills - I was punching a punching bag (never in my life have I ever...) and kicking dummies. I walked away with at least 2-3 pearls that knew I could use immediately, and my muscle soreness implied that I got a good workout. I love that taekwondo is not a cardio-driven sport. Mr. Henry teaches kids and adults, and contextualizes the class and content to the skill level of every person in the class. Even though a class may have students at different levels, they are able to make each class propel students forward but at their own pace. The discipline your kids will pick up will amaze you. My kids ( on their own) started saying 'Yes, Mama. Yes, Daddy.' like they were responding to a drill sergeant, and while it was weird for a sec, I gotta say, I really appreciate it now.
Their after school program is great - they will bus your kid from a handful of schools in the area, and will provide a snack, then many kids work on homework. STEM classes are an add-on. But what someone else said about the culture is totally true - they foster a familial culture - older kids help younger kids with homework and the younger kids have great role models ('She's a black belt. When I become a black belt.....') to look up to. This program includes taekwondo classes every day.
Their summer camp is a hidden gem - the rates are extremely reasonable and includes field trips every day (at least during the non COVID era). The other thing I love? This sounds so stupid, but they have a microwave and a fridge, and will take your kid around University Mall to buy lunch if that's what they want - this means no more panic attacks at 10:30 PM about what shelf-stable/no-heat lunch you can make for your kid out of your cabinet (or 'OMG I can't believe I forgot to freeze the ice pack' mornings), and it also has taught my kids some life skills about being able to order meals for themselves. This program includes taekwondo classes every day.
It's free to try a class. Try it and decide for yourself if it's for you/your kid or not - most kids are hooked after the first class. There are 'Bring a parent to class' days so you can get a feel for it yourself. They are so confident in their program and teachers that they offer a $40 for a free uniform and 2 weeks of classes deal. If it's not for you or your child, they are happy for you to part ways.
But the pride that these kids have for the stripes and the belts that they (and myself) earn - that value is immeasurable. As they get older, they will have more formal tests to move onto the next belt. Early on, they will get experience with being judged, critiqued (where their only opponent is themselves, not another) and provided with constructive criticism - all crucial life experiences.
I could go on and on. If you've ever given it a thought - give it a try, you have nothing to lose but everything to gain. read more