There’s an old saying that it takes a community to raise a child. In a world where children often face a range of challenges, building a strong support network of both internal and external assets is critical for their growth and development. One powerful tool that helps instill these assets is martial arts. Classes in disciplines such as TaeKwon-Do and Hapkido offer a unique environment where children can build resilience, respect, and responsibility, all while developing lifelong skills. The key to unlocking these benefits is the teacher—a guide who fosters the right mix of discipline, encouragement, and community support.
At first glance, martial arts might appear solely as a physical practice—one that focuses on learning techniques or mastering self-defense. However, these classes are much more than physical training. They serve as a powerful space where children develop their internal assets, like self-esteem, values, and emotional regulation, as well as external assets, such as family support, positive peer influence, and a safe, structured environment. As a child progresses in TaeKwon-Do or Hapkido, they don’t just learn kicks and strikes; they learn to set goals, face challenges head-on, and understand the importance of respect—both for themselves and others.
Internal Assets: Building Character through Discipline and Perseverance
From the moment a child steps into a TaeKwon-Do or Hapkido class, they are introduced to a world of discipline and focus. These martial arts require practitioners to not only develop physical strength but to also engage their mental faculties. Classes often begin with bows of respect, not just to the teacher but also to the space itself. This act, simple yet profound, instills the concept of respect—one of the key internal assets for a child to learn.
In TaeKwon-Do, students are taught the importance of perseverance. Every belt promotion is earned through consistent effort, reflection, and practice. A white belt may feel defeated by the complexity of a spinning kick or the precision required for a perfect form. However, with the encouragement of a skilled instructor and the guidance of peers, they learn that success does not come immediately. It takes dedication and time. The child internalizes this process—learning that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth. They also come to realize that with hard work and persistence, they are capable of much more than they initially believed.
Hapkido, with its emphasis on self-defense, also teaches valuable lessons about personal responsibility and self-regulation. Unlike TaeKwon-Do, which focuses on striking, Hapkido emphasizes joint locks and pressure points, creating an awareness of control and balance. Students of Hapkido not only learn to defend themselves physically but are also taught the importance of controlling their emotions and reactions in tense situations. When a child faces frustration or a difficult technique, the instructor provides a calm environment to channel their emotions, teaching them how to stay focused under pressure. This internal asset of emotional regulation will benefit them far beyond the classroom—helping them cope with challenges in school, at home, and in social situations.
External Assets: A Safe Environment with Support from Teachers, Peers, and Family
The beauty of martial arts lies in its strong community element. The phrase “it takes a community to raise a child” rings true in every class. A good martial arts teacher does more than simply teach the techniques of the art—they act as mentors, role models, and sources of encouragement. In the structured yet supportive environment of TaeKwon-Do and Hapkido, children have the opportunity to bond with peers and adults who share common goals. These relationships provide the external assets children need to thrive—whether it’s the guidance of an instructor, the friendship of classmates, or the consistent presence of family support.
As students progress through their training, they also begin to see the importance of leadership and teamwork. In TaeKwon-Do, a higher-ranking student may be tasked with helping a newer student learn basic movements, fostering an environment of collaboration. These peer-led interactions create positive relationships that go beyond the classroom, encouraging children to be empathetic, patient, and supportive of each other. Through these experiences, children learn that success is not achieved in isolation; rather, it’s a product of a team effort and community support.
Parents also play a significant role in this process. In TaeKwon-Do and Hapkido, parents are encouraged to attend events, watch their children’s progress, and cheer them on during promotions. The instructor often communicates with parents, offering feedback on the child’s development, not only in terms of martial arts skills but also personal growth. This involvement builds a strong external support system—ensuring the child has a consistent network of care that extends beyond the dojo.
A Journey of Personal Growth
The path through TaeKwon-Do or Hapkido is not a race; it is a journey that reflects a child’s own personal growth. Over time, children develop a sense of responsibility for their actions, the value of persistence in the face of adversity, and the ability to regulate their emotions and interactions. They come to understand that respect and kindness are not just principles to be followed but core values that define their character.
It is not simply about achieving a black belt. While attaining a black belt is a monumental achievement, it is the process of earning it—of setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and embracing the community that surrounds them—that shapes the child into a stronger, more confident individual. In a world where many of the influences on a child’s life may be outside their control, martial arts offer an empowering environment where internal and external assets are cultivated in harmony, helping to create a resilient, well-rounded individual.
In the end, it is the combination of a dedicated teacher, a strong community, and the supportive influence of family that makes martial arts such a powerful tool in building the developmental assets a child needs to succeed. Whether through TaeKwon-Do or Hapkido, the martial arts create an ecosystem where both inner strength and external support are nurtured, proving once again that it truly takes a community to raise a child.
