Your Family in Taekwondo

By Irene Kim, 1st dan, and mother of two CTI students

The benefits from training in Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo are immeasurable and intensely meaningful when multiple family members train together at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute (CTI). A very unique bonding develops immediately and continually grows stronger, as each member of the family pushes themselves to achieve goals once thought to be unattainable. 

The study of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo for families requires undivided attention to multiple things simultaneously to accurately complete required moves.  It is a very challenging but rewarding practice. To recall and implement the seemingly infinite number of techniques is a constant push but also so satisfying when you do become closer to mastering even one. 

The training also requires continual practice of techniques. While one learns the moves, not only is the physical performance involved but also the attainment of a deep understanding of the rationales behind the moves.  One achieves this by practicing and interacting with others at the CTI. 

For multiple family members training in family martial arts, it allows valuable opportunities for even further practice and understanding. I am an adult red belt who got my 10-year-old daughter involved when she was around 5. A photo of her in her first uniform with her white belt looks over me now, as I write this. Her smile is beaming with pride even back then and reminds me of the value of having my family involved. 

My 7-year-old son also joined a couple years ago and now he enjoys the competition of tournaments and our family training together. We often talk of “kicks nights,” our family’s way of referring to the nights we all go to classes. The schedule of the household does continually involve these nights and I look forward to seeing them strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits while improving their self-confidence, respect for others, focus and discipline. 

As we individually push to understand and perform the beautiful Martial Art of Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo for families at the CTI, we ask each other questions to further delve into the details of each move. We can point out things on which we are doing well, as well as those areas which might need improvement. We do these things in the living room, at the park, in the kitchen...as well as at the dojang, or workout area at the Institute. 

The benefits of family martial arts extend into all aspects of your life: at school, work and in the community. Sometimes on our way to school or a birthday party, we will talk about where your foot should be on a certain poomse or what the target of your punches is. This improves and strengthens our focus and allows success in other areas as we move through our days. It is also incredibly fun to figure out the details and push each member of the family to success together. 

Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo is not just for you, it is something very positive and rewarding to pass onto generations to come.