I have read a number of favorable reports about Tae Kwon do (spelling?) and LD kids. The local community center though has a black belt in Karate (Japanese version) teaching kids and it is about 25% cheaper than a private center and, more importantly, only one day a week. We are going to give it a try but wondered if any one knew if the differences between the two types of marital arts mattered in terms of benefits for LD kids. I understand that the Japanese version is less kicking and more defense than Tae Kwon Do but I don’t know what difference that makes it terms of the benefits I am interested in. My observation is that the Karate it requires coordination of the two sides of the body to make the moves, which is good for my son. My son also said it had some similarities to gymnastics (he has taken for a year but now has decided it isn’t “cool” for a boy).
Beth
Re: Japanese versus Korean martial arts
Don’t know if you have this option where you are, but my son has really gotten into Aikido over the past year. It’s a Japenese martial art that emphasizes defensive moves and is less violent than some other forms of the martial arts. It’s somewhat similar to Judo.
Aikido has been a real self esteem booster for my son. In the past he was a bully magnet and was always getting picked on. We were really worried about him beginning middle school this year, but he’s been able to fend off the kids that tried to bully him and. He’s become a lot more confident in his dealings with other kids.
LJ
Re: Japanese versus Korean martial arts
My son has been taking Tai Kwon Do for about five years now and it is easily one of the best things he has ever done. Karate ranks the kids a little differently and they don’t do breaking. The forms are a bit different too. TKD is more defensive I think- the kids are all told from the very beginning that this is never to be used outside the studio. BTW my son can now count etc in Korean- actually so can I :)
I don’t know that one would be better than the other for LD kids.The coordination of two sides of the body and the gymnastic aspect are the same for both schools. When I was doing Resource Room I suggested TKD for a several students as a way to develop self esteem and coordination. The kids work hard- really hard- but there is a lot of satisfaction in it because they are accomplishing something. I think that is one of the cooler things about board breaking- the results are so immediate. There is nothing quite like watching a child that you know struggles everywhere- including learning their forms- break that board. Their faces are a study in triumph.
I guess my ramble here just means that they are both well worth it- pick the one your son seems to lean toward- the things you are looking for will be there.
Robin
Re: As with school, much depends on the teacher (NT)
I don’t have a lot to add about the differences between the martial arts—I know and love Tae Kwon Do for many of the reasons cited in other notes. The thing you really want to look at is the instructor and the philosophy of the school. Is the emphasis on the development of each child or is it the development of the school’s image? How much does the instructor emphasize respect, personal integrity, personal effort, teaching of others, discipline? How much of an opportunity is there for the younger students to get to know and learn from the higher belts? I think there are benefits to a TKD school versus a community ed. program because kids find another community of people who know them, care about them and want them to succeed. You could certainly have your child observe a class from each program you are considering and see what feels best to him.
When my boys first started TKD, I was a bit taken back by the discipline. Do push-ups for messing up? Stand at attention and do whatever you are told? It was all kind of contrary to the relaxed atmosphere of my sons’ school and our family. Once I got used to it, I like it a lot. The boys were so proud when they earned their black belts and became known as “Mr…..”
Good luck in the decision and the adventure. We’ve been involved for nearly 7 years, and TKD is an important thread of our family life.
My son
is almost there and can’t wait:) I can- watching the red belt testing almost killed me. He loved it.
Robin
Japanese Karate is more traditional karate. It defintely has less kicking,because they must keep their feet on the ground and kind of drag it through when doing the caata. There is no competition type situations,you compete with yourself. No board breaking etc. Of course I am no expert in ALL the various forms, there are many. But the one thing I liked bout traditional Japanese Shotokon is this;
They must learn to count in Japanese,the must learn phrases such as “Thank You for teaching me”. The must stop between every Caata,and bough to each other. It is less freazied,and has a huge amount of self discipline and respectfulness. Personally for my ADHHHHD kid,this was a much better suituation then being with twenty kids hopping around kicking boards,etc.