Goal Setting and its Ultimate Reward: Accomplishment
In Tae Kwon Do, students move up in a stepwise manner, belt by belt. We don’t give students belts; rather, they earn them through disciplined practice and a formal test. For each any student’s journey to be a successful one, she has to decide that she not only WANTS to get her next belt, but that she WILL obtain it! He has to make the choice that nothing will stand in his way, no obstacle is too huge, no curveball is too unnerving! And like clockwork, all their hard work pays off: There’s no brighter smile than the one your child will be wearing as he or she knots that new belt for the first time!
Learning to Lead With Integrity
As students progress from belt to belt, the sense of accomplishment that they gain is only the tip of the iceberg. Two other key benefits they gain as they advance are responsibility and respect. Their level of responsibility increases over time to include not only themselves and their martial arts training, but also helping fellow students, taking care of the school, and being good role models. As they live up to their steadily increasing responsibilities, their maturity causes them to earn respect from other students, instructors, and above all from themselves. The respect positively reinforces the value of responsibility and service, creating upstanding leadership habits that will last a lifetime!
Appropriate Actions
Martial arts are built upon the principles of discipline and respect. If students refuse to develop these traits, they will not succeed in Tae Kwon Do, nor will they live up to their full potential in life outside the Tae Kwon Do school. Because SUCCESS, both in and out of the Tae Kwon Do classroom, is our goal for your child, our instructors constantly stress the importance of obeying people in charge, whether that person is a Master Instructor or Mom. It also becomes clear to students that they must be disciplined in practice at home if they really want to be their best. As their techniques become, quicker, stronger, and more accurate, children really grasp the fact that acting responsibly pays off! Over the course of his or her training, your child will make acting appropriately and being respectful a way of life… and that’s something that will make you both happy!
Never Giving Up
“Attention, class! I’d like to introduce our newest Black Belt: congratulations, Ms. Kalmar!” The class faced Ms. Kalmar (who could not stop beaming!), stood at attention, and bowed in respect and appreciation of her accomplishment. And as soon as that was done, the class broke out in wild cheers!
Amidst the cheering and applause, Master Crone said, “So let me ask you something. Could she have made it to where she is today if she gave up when it got ‘too hard?’” “NO, SIR!!!” the students replied.
Our instructors make it their business to consistently support and encourage our students, but the most persuasive motivation for students to keep “plugging away” and working steadily toward their goals are moments like the one above. Lessons that powerful reach far beyond the walls of Crone’s Tae Kwon Do School; our students take their iron wills and dedication with them wherever they go. From academics to sports to life’s many obstacles, the power of our students’ wills makes them indomitable!
Cultivating Confidence, Crushing Insecurities
It’s impossible to succeed without confidence. This is never more clear than when kids are afraid to try things because they don’t want to “look stupid” in front of their peers. Their progress is paralyzed, and their development stalls out, when they lose the willingness to even try!
In the positive, supportive environment of Crone’s Tae Kwon Do School, our caring instructors encourage each student to try his or her best. We emphasize that it’s not only OK to make mistakes, but in a way it’s GOOD to mess up sometimes, because that’s how we learn! And you know what? EVERYONE makes mistakes! What’s most important is to learn from our errors, to keep on trying, and not to get discouraged. Little by little each student improves, and confidence blooms as she takes pride in her abilities and accomplishments. Once kids begin to realize how much they’re truly capable of when they try, new doors swing open in every area of their lives!
Excellent, Exciting Exercise
It’s a fact: you’re a parent who wants to raise a healthy kid. You’ve probably tried to sneak veggies into your child at least a hundred different ways, and when it’s bike time you turn into the helmet patrol. Yet despite millions of parents just like you, childhood obesity is an epidemic in this country. Part of the reason for this is that, in our modern lives, it’s difficult to make exercise a regular part of kids’ lives. Tae Kwon Do is the answer! Tae Kwon Do is great for cardio endurance; coordination; and strengthening, toning, and stretching the muscles. But how are you going to make this great exercise “stick” with your child? Crone’s Tae Kwon Do School holds they key: loads of fun and bunches of friends! Through Tae Kwon Do classes at our school, your child will grow to love exercise, and he or she will build good habits to last a lifetime. It’s a win-win situation!