Tae Kwon Do

Mason started taking tae kwon do back in March and he is really enjoying it. He takes a class one day a week at a dojang (that's what they call it in tae kwon do!) in West Chester. He started out as a white belt (as all newbies do), and in June he tested up to a white belt with a gold stripe. I was so proud of him! He practiced and practiced for his belt test, and I was nervous for him. But he did it - woo hoo!

Master Martin focuses on teaching the kids respect. Everything is "Yes, sir!" or "Yes, ma'am!" After his very first class, we came home and I asked the boys to wash hands for dinner, and Mason said, "Yes ma'am!" I knew right then I was going to like tae kwon do.

I also love that he is learning how to deal with and defend himself from bullies on the playground, as well as "bad guys" who might want to do him harm. Master Martin teaches self defense skills and even social skills, such as standing up for yourself and not caving to peer pressure. Add to that the obvious athletic benefits, and tae kwon do is pretty much the perfect sport for Mason - who is not at all interested in team sports at this point. Maybe someday.

Above is a video from two weeks ago - Mason breaking a board. So proud of my boy!