When I think about what Taekwondo means to me, I think first and foremost of the gifts it offers to children, young people and the next generation.

This is what it says.

I am the magnet that attracts the curiosity of the wide-eyed child and supports parents and teachers to develop a strong sense of honour, respect, courtesy and loyalty.

When I see children inspired and fascinated by the martial arts, they remind me of the boy I used to be, and how the grace and beauty and strength and power of these arts captured my imagination. A child who learns a martial arts learns to honour themself and those around them.  They learn self-respect and respect for others – teachers, parents, leaders.  They learn courtesy: at Panther Taekwondo we follow the Korean traditions which instil this value which is so often missing in modern life. They learn loyalty: how to be part of a team, support others, fight with others, share victory and defeat. They learn to be part of something powerful and beautiful.

If you are a parent wondering how to help your children develop strong values, a good sense of self and the confidence to go ahead and find success in life, I encourage you to let your child learn Taekwondo. They will never look back – and you will never regret it.