Midwest Tae Kwon Do Little Kickers Program

Our Little Kickers program is a class for children age's three to five who show interest in the martial arts but may still be too young to focus properly in our more structured classes. The primary goal of the class is to improve gross motor development, listening and social skills as well as the ability to follow directions. The skills they learn in the Little Kickers program are ones they can use later in life. All of these activities will accompany exercise and games in an environment fun for young children.

Midwest Tae Kwon Do Children's Program

Many parents are conflicted when they think of signing their child up for a martial arts program. On one hand they feel it will bring discipline and structure to their life, yet on the other they may question it because it is a combat sport and art. Parents may worry that instead of teaching them to protect themselves; they may use the skills they learn to express aggressive behavior on others. We understand the feelings you might have, as we have encountered this concern from parents for many years. Let us tell you what Midwest Tae Kwon Do can bring to your child's life.

Self respect is something your child will learn. Children will develop a sense of self-worth and understand the importance of a healthy body and mind. As they progress in their training, their confidence will grow and their self esteem will improve.

Respect for others is something else your child will learn. In every class we emphasize that students show proper respect. This is so for individuals inside the Tae Kwon Do school and outside the class as well. Students address their elders and peers as Mr. and Mrs. and answer with Sir and Maam. This along with other class etiquette helps bring awareness to the child that they are to treat others as they wish to be treated.

Discipline and concentration are two areas in which your child will improve. These are life skills that they develop by learning requirements in a structured format. Children set goals, learn their curriculum and are encouraged not to quit in the pursuit of these goals. Through guidance from their instructors, they learn that discipline in their lives helps bring them closer to their goals, whether they are in the dojang or not. This disciplined attitude and emphasis on concentration will bring an improvement in other aspects of their lives as well, such as school and family life.

Also among the benefits that Midwest Tae Kwon Do can offer your child are safety skills and physical conditioning. When training in Tae Kwon Do, your child will learn how to protect him/herself should they ever find themselves in a situation where words will not help them. We teach children where vulnerable targets are and how they can best get away from the situation at hand. We also encourage students to use their voice to speak to those they trust of dangers they may encounter. Along with this comes the physical side of Tae Kwon Do. Your child will burn energy in our classes and develop a fitness regimen that will stay with them always. With youth obesity on the rise in the United States, Tae Kwon Do is a great way for kids to burn calories and learn lifelong skills at the same time.

Midwest Tae Kwon Do Adult Program

Adults join the martial arts for a variety of reasons. Some may be fulfilling a lifetime dream of learning what they saw in movies as a child. Some may wish to learn self defense skills because they now have to park in an unlit parking lot. Others may want a great workout or are seeking an experience more profound than what their neighborhood gym can offer. Whatever the reason is, we value all of these in our adult program. Our adult classes differ from the kids classes for one simple reason. You are adults. Your needs are different and we can appreciate this. At the same time however, our program instills in our adults the same key elements, self respect, respect for others and discipline. The approach is the difference. Students are treated as individuals and progress at a pace that keeps them challenged, but does not make them feel unprepared. The technical requirements that students learn are coupled with a deeper understanding of "the way" (Do, in Tae Kwon Do), in which this martial art brings us balance in our lives. The instructors at Midwest Tae Kwon Do encourage all of those interested to give it a try and we believe you will see the benefits: A stronger more physically fit body, a healthier outlook on your life, safety skills to protect yourself from injury by yourself or others and lastly, the fulfillment of lifelong dreams, such as Olympic competition or traditional martial arts instruction.

Midwest Tae Kwon Do Competition Program

In 1988, Tae Kwon Do was an exhibition sport for the Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. It was at this time that the competitive side of this Korean martial art began to gain momentum. Following this milestone, Tae Kwon Do made its debut as an official sport sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee during the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Both children and adults can participate in the competitive side of Tae Kwon Do. Midwest TKD offers training in WTF Olympic style sparring for anyone who is interested. Along with training provided at the school, there are additional opportunities for those who wish to pursue competition. Midwest TKD participates in workouts that are hosted by MSTI (Michigan Sport Taekwondo Incorporated). These workouts, which are scheduled once per month, are joint efforts with other Michigan schools with competition programs. It is an opportunity for people to train with students from other schools and tap into the experience of its successful coaches and instructors. All of the coaches involved with this program are experienced and accomplished tournament competitors and referees.

The instructors at Midwest Tae Kwon Do also encourage its students to participate in training camps that are hosted with accomplished tournament winners around the country. Students have had the chance to train with Master Myang Sang Jang, Gold Medalist from Korea, Master Han Won Lee, 1988 Bronze Medalist and former USA Olympic Head Coach and 2000/2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Steven Lopez.

If you or your child has the desire to pursue this side of Tae Kwon Do, there are many opportunities available to you through instruction at Midwest TKD. For more information please contact us and we will be certain to get in touch.

Personal Empowerment and Safety Education

Midwest TKD offers personal protection courses for those interested in taking charge of their personal safety. Random acts of violence are not limited to any one group, so seniors, college students, men and women alike are encouraged to participate. You don't have to be in perfect shape or be an expert in the martial arts to know how to protect yourself. Anyone can learn self defense through a well-taught program, and Midwest TKD can provide this for you. In fact, many of our Tae Kwon Do students take this course to supplement their martial arts training. We teach awareness, prevention, risk reduction and provide hands-on training on how to take care of yourself if your personal safety is compromised. For personal empowerment and safety classes for children, check out our link to radKIDS. radKIDS is the leader in children's safety education. Not only is it a realistic safety program; it is the only character education, self-esteem building and anti-violence education program of its kind today. Master Panizzo is certified in this program and would be happy to tell you more about it.