Young Gups

	Tang Soo Do Tang Soo Do is a traditional style of Korean martial art, with linear strikes and circular blocks and a wide variety of kicking techniques and strategies. It is an excellent "base" martial art and is especially effective for long range attacks. TSD is both a hard and soft style, driving hardness from Soo Bahk and the soft flowing movements from the northern Chinese systems. The kicking techniques, for which TSD is unsurpassed, are based on Soo Bahk and date back to the Silla Dynasty (618-925 A.D.)
	Self Defense is the primary focus of Tang Soo Do. All routine techniques are designed into the self defense training. Using the adversary's joints for an effective release when assaults are by hand or weapon. Understanding the nature of grab/holds chokes and joint manipulation is the most effective form of release. Instruction is provided to control the attack and the adversary in a non-lethal manner when an aggressive counter attack is not prudent. Children practice basic grappling/ wrestling actions and counter actions to avoid becoming playground victims. Children "grapple" until one is in a position of control.
	One Step Hand Techniques One-steps (Il Su Sik Dae Ryun) are also used for self-defense in traditional Tang Soo Do styles. They are a defensive reaction to a punch thrown at the defender. While they are practiced from a traditional stance and attack, they are also useful from a practical stand point. One-step hand techniques are primarily designed to allow the student to combine the individual techniques they learn in class into fluid, associated movements.
	One Step Kick Techniques are similar to the above Hand Techniques with all counters being kicking techniques. They are a defensive reaction to a punch or kick thrown at the defender. While they are practiced from a traditional stance and attack, they are also useful from a practical stand point. One-step kick techniques are primarily designed to allow the student to combine the individual techniques they learn in class into fluid, associated movements.
	Traditional Forms Forms are a set series of martial movements utilizing strikes of both hands and feet in a prescribed pattern. Also known as kata in Japanese Styles and hyung in Korean styles, forms serve many valuable purposes in various styles of martial arts. In some styles forms are used to teach new techniques for fighting, others use forms to teach pressure point attacks, others use it for scenario fighting, while others use it simply for the meditative feeling it can provide, such as in Tai Chi.
	Sport Sparring Tang Soo Do competitions do not allow contact to face or groin, or the back while allowing light moderate contact to the sides and front of the body. When one looks at injuries occurring in other contact sports it becomes clear that sport Tang Soo Do is actually a very safe activity. Qualities like sportsmanship, mutual respect for each other and personal discipline insures that practitioners compete in the healthiest environment possible
	Martial Arts Weapons Training Weapons are taught as part of the training program, after basic hand and kicking techniques are acquired. Students are invited to join the weapons classes. A rotating 3 month program of various weapons are taught throughout the year. Weapons include long staff, short staff (escrima), baton, nuchaku, . Students are instructed in basic motion skills, forms and defensive/offensive techniques. Children age and skill level will determine program entry. Children participate in soft weapons sparring and training as a reward for job well done during regular classes
	Fun and Games - Children's classes are intermingled games as rewards though out the training. Games like karate dodge ball, crab soccer, crab fighting, soft weapons (sword and staff) games, smother the instructors, move duck jump or lose your head, trail of tears and fears (speed relay - obstacle course games) What ever the big kids minds come up with and we have a lot big kids in the Dojang.

Improved ability to focus and concentrate
Better grades in school
More self confidence
Higher self esteem
Improved physical fitness
Greater body awareness and control
More respect for self and others
More self-discipline
Become more responsible
Able to physically defend themselves as a last resort
Develop the habit of goal setting
Positive outlet for energy
Excellent character education program
Make new friends in a positive environment
Greater self-control
More able to handle pressure in everyday life
Able to be calmer in the face of conflict
Less likely to fight in school
Learn leadership skills
Become a black belt in martial arts, and a black belt in life

Top 5 Reasons To Enroll Your Child In A Martial Arts Class

When a parent is considering enrolling their child or children into a martial arts school, they have to consider both their motivation and the motivations of their child. In order for a child to learn to love and stick with martial arts training over a long period of time, they have to share common goals with their parents, and most of all, the parents and child all have to enjoy it. If a parent's goals aren't being met, then they may feel they aren't getting their money's worth. If a child's goals are not being met, then they will feel like they are being forced to train, and will never give 100%. The following are some of the most common reasons given for joining a children's martial arts class. Consider why you want your child to train, and have a talk with your child about whether they really are interested in classes, and what they hope to learn or do in class.

Just like with adults, one of the most common reasons for enrolling a child into a martial arts class is fitness. Childhood obesity rates are climbing, and more and more children are spending a lot more time in front of the television, playing video games and using a computer. However, even among more active children, martial arts is still attractive since it is seen as a very good source of exercise that also teaches skills. Martial arts can help improve cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, strength and overall energy levels.

Another popular reason for enrolling children in the martial arts is to develop "life skills". These skills include discipline, self control, patience, confidence, courage etc. The idea with these classes and this motivation is to reinforce what is already being taught at home. Martial arts classes can be a valuable tool for helping to really drive home the points you make at home in a very real way.

Self defense is the most obvious reason that should come to mind when considering enrolling a child in the martial arts. The focus of a good children's martial arts class, while still teaching self defense movements, should be on conflict resolution, personal responsibility and avoidance. In that respect, attending a good martial arts class would benefit both the bully by teaching to respect others as well as your own power, and the bullied, by teaching how to calm a situation or defend oneself if need be.

Many parents turn to the martial arts when their children are acting out in school and at home. This is tied in to the life skills reason, but is very specific in what the desired outcome is,. These parents are looking for help improving attention span, respect, demeanor and self control. The structure of many martial arts classes can greatly aid in these areas, however results will really vary and depend on the relationship that is built between the child and the instructor. If the instructor has a good method of communicating with the child, is firm but friendly, and most importantly, is very consistent, then the child can really get a lot of out martial arts training.

Many parents are just seeking a safe, wholesome, useful activity for their child to occupy some of their free time. These parents don't want their child to sit at home all evening, or want them to get involved in something that makes them set and follow through on goals. Martial arts training will certainly help in that respect. A good martial arts school can become a second home for many children. The relationships built between classmates and with an instructor can last a lifetime and have a huge positive impact on a child's life

Whatever reasons you have for enrolling your child in a martial arts class, be sure to discuss your goals with your child, and come to an understanding that will make both of you happy. A one sided arrangement in something with such a large investment of time, energy and money really will not work out to anyone's benefit.