To a 5-year old, words like “discipline”, “self-control”; and “respect” can be pretty big, but that’s what they’re learning when they go to karate class

Kids start with the Tiny Tiger program for 4 to 6 year olds. They learn the basics, emphasizing the black belt attitude, confidence in their technique, coming out, following directions, doing what the instructors tell you to do, and that is the main focus of the Tiny Tiger group, learning how to follow directions.

The kids start with a white belt, but with some hard work they can earn their colors quickly.  Orange, yellow, and of course, all the way up to black.  While the belts are exciting, it’s the “Blue Star” that has the kids doing their chores at home.  The school explains how respect and following directions is very important and one of the ways it’s enforced is that children have an activity sheet they complete each week.  The parents set out the list of chores or activities they can do at home and as they fill those out, they bring the sheets back and are rewarded with a blue star for their uniform.

Parents and instructors definitely see a lot of improvement with children doing their chores without being asked, and being more respectful.  The most rewarding part of tae kwon do is seeing children accomplishing things they never thought they could and seeing their level of confidence increase tenfold.