Tae Kwon Do

A couple weeks ago we switched from the first karate place to a different one. This place teaches Tae Kwon Do.  We made the decision for several reasons, one of the largest being we just couldn't afford the first place long term.  The $29 trial special with a uniform was great.  The $500 for 3 months, not so much.  We just couldn't afford to keep her in the school.  We found another place that teaches 4 year olds, and it was the place that had been highly recommended by several friends when we started the search for a school.

All 3 of us just love the new school.  Her teacher, Mr. R, is fantastic with kids.  The first school taught only offensive moves.  Mr. R teaches both offensive and defensive moves.  I think both are important.  I do not want Paige to start a fight, but I want her to be able to defend herself and finish the fight.  Mr. R starts each class with the kids reciting his school creed, which includes never using Tae Kwon Do for bad, and to always do good to change the world.  Each belt requires learning different things, and each belt has a different saying.  White belt, Paige, has to learn honor thy mother and thy father.  Yellow belt, the next step, is the golden rule.  

Paige is learning more in his class than I can imagine.  Her attention span has increased, she is more patient, and her attitude has improved.  Today there was a new boy in class, Matthew.  Matthew is a bit shorter than Paige, but has to be close to the same age.  Paige is taller than most kids her age, so I can't use that as a guide.  He didn't pay attention very well and Paige kept trying to copy him.  I called her over and talked to her about this wasn't play time, but serious time, and she needed to pay attention to her teacher or we would leave.  She definitely did not want to leave, and was very attentive the rest of the class.  Matthew sat out the rest of the class on his dad's lap.  

The important thing is that Paige enjoys the class and wants to keep it up.  After the summer special rate is over, we'll see if we continue.  I would like to see her keep it up.  Tae Kwon Do has been a very good influence on her.  If we continue will be up to her.  The price is affordable for us.  She'll be starting ballet again once the school year starts.  We are encouraging Paige to try different activities, and we'll try to afford what she wants to do.  Our only requirement is she finishes what she starts.  After the summer special is over, if she doesn't want us to renew the classes, we won't, but she will finish out what she's started.  What classes are your kids taking?