I took the girls to their first martial arts lesson yesterday. I'd been looking around for some sort of physical activity for them---they both are taking string lessons, but I think there needs to be something more active. A friend of ours mentioned that the local studio is run and taught by women, and Ella thought that was pretty neat and wanted to try it.
They got there and tried on their uniforms: both ended up being a little big, although Amanda's (the smallest size) really needs some taking up =) They got to sit on a spot on the floor, learn a few rules (don't be a bully was the most important one---don't abuse your Taekwondo). They learned a few rituals: bow to the flags (Ella correctly identified the Korean flag), tell the teacher "Thank you ma'am," jump up in the air and shout "Taekwondo!" Then they got to do a few punches and kicks into a small round foam circle. I think the main purpose of the exercises was to learn how to move in a line, as well as to get excited about lessons.
Unfortunately for Luke, lessons start at age 4.5, so he had to watch. He was fascinated and payed close attention. When the girls were being taught how to make a fist, I caught him making his own fist... correctly, according to the directions, of course. Michael said that sometimes he seems to learn better when you are not actually trying to teach him something.
We get two weeks of beginner lessons, and then we can move to the bigger group lessons. The great thing about this studio is that you can pay month to month, so if we don't like it or get too busy (they like you to come twice a week) we can quit. Who knows, if this goes well, maybe I'll join, too.
They got there and tried on their uniforms: both ended up being a little big, although Amanda's (the smallest size) really needs some taking up =) They got to sit on a spot on the floor, learn a few rules (don't be a bully was the most important one---don't abuse your Taekwondo). They learned a few rituals: bow to the flags (Ella correctly identified the Korean flag), tell the teacher "Thank you ma'am," jump up in the air and shout "Taekwondo!" Then they got to do a few punches and kicks into a small round foam circle. I think the main purpose of the exercises was to learn how to move in a line, as well as to get excited about lessons.
Unfortunately for Luke, lessons start at age 4.5, so he had to watch. He was fascinated and payed close attention. When the girls were being taught how to make a fist, I caught him making his own fist... correctly, according to the directions, of course. Michael said that sometimes he seems to learn better when you are not actually trying to teach him something.
We get two weeks of beginner lessons, and then we can move to the bigger group lessons. The great thing about this studio is that you can pay month to month, so if we don't like it or get too busy (they like you to come twice a week) we can quit. Who knows, if this goes well, maybe I'll join, too.
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