Taekwondo Blog

As a new season begins–be it the New Year, the First Day of Spring, or the start of a new school year–many people feel hopeful, dream big, and start making plans for the coming months. Parents also have plans and dreams for their children. Whatever the details of an individual’s resolutions and goals, most of us want to become healthier, happier, and stronger. The greatest gift we can give our children is the confidence, discipline, and fortitude to accomplish their own life goals. Committing to Martial Arts classes can be both the motivator and the vehicle for making start-of-the-season dreams a reality. Keep reading to learn the benefits of martial arts training for kids, teens, and adults.

Martial artists often generate an impressive and intimidating shout when throwing a kick or strike. In Taekwondo, we call this sound a kihap (sometimes spelled kihup, kiai, or kyup). Yelling forces us to exhale, removing air from our diaphragms and bringing more power and speed to our attacks. It also forces a subsequent inhale, which brings oxygen into our bodies. In tournaments, the powerful yell helps judges to recognize when a strike is landed.  

Taekwondo helps students thrive in tough times. When we are happy and healthy, it is easy to be on our best behavior: kind, generous, motivated, disciplined, and productive. But during tough times, stress, anxiety, and disappointments can wear us down. When martial artists tap into the inner resources they develop through Taekwondo training, they make the best of difficult situations.

Taekwondo’s Belt System has been an important part of Taekwondo tradition since the 1940s. Students and practitioners are honored with belts and ranks for being disciplined, skilled, and dedicated to their art. At Akula Taekwondo, we encourage students to learn and hone martial arts skills, develop mental focus and physical fitness, and enjoy the journey to black belt.