Focus, Self-confidence and Self-control Transfer of Teaching Techniques from a Taekwondo Den into the Regular Classroom 

Abstract

This research describes teaching sessions of Taekwondo in a training hall and analyzes different types of interactions between the students and the teacher. A group of 5 children between the ages of 7 and 14 were observed. The children were observed for a period of five weeks. Audiotapes and field notes of all the verbal and nonverbal moves were recorded. Parents' surveys and children's public testimonies during the Black Belt testing were also used as data supportive sources. Memoirs of the researcher's own three years' experience in the same training hall were recorded. A comparative microethnographic analysis was applied to find relationships between the teaching techniques applied in the training hall and the possibility of transfer of applicable strategies into the classroom. The objectives of teaching Taekwondo were observed and examined as relevant assets to the study. Evidence shows that techniques used in the training sessions promoted and supported behavior that could be transferred into the regular classroom in order to enhance successful academic performance as well as social emotional behavior.

 

The Study

Taekwondo, one of the oldest martial arts in history, has seen many centuries of followers and practitioners. Based on cultural philosophies and mental disciplines, this Korean art became known worldwide in the 1950s and developed into a discipline and greatly appreciated sport. With the last Olympic games held in Sydney, Australia in 2000, the first Taekwondo competitions were introduced (Be11, 2002). Literally translated, Tae means foot, Kwan means hand and Do means art.

 

This art (do) according to matialartwebsites.com has been linked to positive children's behavior improvement. Students who are seeking physical strength are also in for additional psychological benefits as suggested by Dr. Kent (2002), the founder of a Taekwondo school. From a three-year experience in the training hall, the researcher's own experience supports the claim that this martial art helps to reinforce some of life's valuable lessons such as perseverance and self-control, and helps improve physical and mental well being.

 

Research in this field has been quite abundant, but mostly in its association with physical fitness. Studies on children involved in Taekwondo training have mainly focused on physical changes; particularly coordination, flexibility, strength and muscular conditioning benefits. Researchers such as Bell and Chang (1993) closely examined the effects of this martial art discipline on personality traits and found a high correlation between Taekwondo and the improvement of self-esteem and confidence. Their participants also realized that this martial art enhanced not only their physical status, but also their mental well being by decreasing anxiety and increasing responsibility, commitment, and perseverance.

 

Several researchers have focused on educational issues. Matos (2000), in her book, studied the effects of this martial art on children with attention deficit disorders. She believes that one serious remedy for such behaviors is involving the children in martial arts and the discipline of using the body and the mind in synchronization. Hunter (2002) worked with many generations of persons with severe behavior disorders by applying the discipline of martial arts. Hunter found a correlation between being involved mentally and physically and improving attention related disorders.

 

As the researcher, a teacher by profession, got involved in this martial art, the issue of teaching techniques and transfer of practical methods into the regular classroom became of great interest. As schools are moving towards total inclusion, it would be helpful to view the process that takes place in the training hall and the possibility of transferring its techniques into the classrooms. Consequently, this research would address the following questions:

 

1) What are some of the techniques and objectives of teaching used in the training hall?

2) How do these techniques improve focus in the children's behavior?

3) How do they improve self-confidence and self-control?

4) Can these teaching techniques be transferred into classroom situations?

 

METHOD

Design

This study consisted of observations and endnotes, audiotapes of lessons, surveys drawn from the parents, as well as public testimonies of two of the students. Moreover, the researcher collected a file of handouts and letters written by the Master to the students along with all the other schedules and announcements involved in the sessions. The researcher explored the interactions and analyzed the teaching style in order to determine the effects of Taekwondo on the general behavior of children. These details were used to develop some theoretical perspectives (as suggested by Patton, 2000).

 

Data collection and management

Since the researcher's history with this particular training hall had been long, measures were taken to promote accuracy on a daily basis. Prompt recording and analytic memos were written daily. Observations were focused on:

 1. The actions during the test: primary source based on his own observations

 2. The behavior and demands during lesson giving (as teachers) in class (primary source based on his own observations)

 3. The behavior coming in and going out on a daily basis (primary source based on observation)

 4. The behavior in a demonstration: based on occasional observations

 5. The behavior in a championship tournament: based on memory of researcher

 

 Additional data came from the following sources:

1. Surveys from parents intended to validate the benefits of these martial arts, if any.

2. Documents that are distributed in the form of handouts related to activities in the school. Some examples are: the request of the Master to check the student's academic performance, their chores and duties at home, their service to the community, etc.

3. Testimony for Black Belt testing: primary source (public speech).

 

Other school documents or handouts mailed by the Master to the students were also included. All these colleted documents were examined based on Bogdan and Biklen's ethnographic strategies (1998).

 

Triangulation

With the variety of sources, surveys, handouts, fieldnotes and verbal discourse between the Master and the students, their actions and their testimonies, the within process triangulation or as I would call it, embedded triangulation would insure the validity of this study. It is also important to mention that the use of participants had a dual function: mainly to collect data, but ultimately to create a focal point for the researcher as a synthesis to the data being examined.

 

Data Analysis

All audiotapes and field notes were transcribed using microethnographic procedures as recommended by Ochs (1979) and by Bogdan and Biklen (1998). These transcripts were recorded using pseudonyms for all participants. The focus was on the type of instruction the Master gave and the type of response the students were expected to produce.

 

Analyzing data yielded an ethnographic approach to coding and interpreting. Content analysis was also applied to find categories and patterns in the verbal as well as the nonverbal discourse of the Master and the instruction given. Responses from the parents' surveys were also used to prepare conceptual categories related to the benefits of Taekwondo and the way they are introduced in this particular discipline. Documents related to activities in the martial arts school were aids in bringing focus to the important aspects of this discipline and the basis of its philosophy. The purpose of such analysis would also ensure the development of categories of recurrent behaviors and hopefully generate patterns relevant to the research.

 

From a convenience sampling, the data shifted to an intensity sampling where all the elements in the environment contributed to items supportive of the research. There were various sources of data that were intertwined and closely related to form a supportive background to the research questions. As Patton (2003) warns "But the documentation could not have made sense without the interviews, and the focus of the interviews came from the field observations.''(p 307).

 

The training hall

The Taekwondo school is located in a suburb in Northern Kentucky serving a population of 20,000 inhabitants. Being in a commercial center, it serves a large area of middle socioeconomic class inhabitants. The school is a rectangular bright hall with a red carpet in the center of the floor, and a long table at the end. Covered with a velvet carpet that hangs to the ground, this table serves as the Master's quarter. On the mirrored wall behind the Master's table, two big white boards are hanging. On the first board, the "Ethical rules'' are written and on the other, the "Tenets of Taekwondo''. Next to the boards, there are two flags: the American and the Korean.

 

On the adjacent wall there is another bigger board with all the moves and steps written in Korean and in English. This wall is also half covered with mirrors. In the corners of the room, there are protection gears as well as kicking and punching bags. In only one corner, there are some shelves where stray belts and clothing are stored. Along the wall where the entrance door is, there are six chairs and a bench for spectators and visitors' use.

 

Participants

The researcher focused on a group of five children ages 7 to 14. These children have been part of this school for a minimum of 16 months and attend the same schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on a regular basis. The observations lasted for one hour each, based on three times per week for a period of five weeks. It is also important to note that the researcher has been part of this school for the last three years and that some of the fieldnotes are also based on memory of repetitive events. Participants' parents were given surveys to fill out pertaining to the benefits of Taekowondo and their child's development (Appendix A).

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results of this study are organized around the issues related to teaching methods, environmental settings , and the affect of the students with the most salient being: focus, confidence, and self-control/obedience.

 

Focus

Limited Verbal Stimulation

 

The concept of focus is one factor that characterizes this data set. Focus means that students are expected to stay on task, physically and mentally, until completion. The parents unanimously touched upon the concept of focus. One mom declared: "My son seems to stay focused better than previously. Still has problems but much better than before. Still stays better focused on homework and things he is doing". Trying to find threads that led to the reinforcement of focus in children, observations indicate that a certain routine characterized the sessions. To better understand the systematic pattern of representations that occurred, the following will describe a typical day at the training hall.

 

Children scattered around while adults waited for the line up to get organized. The voice of the assistant instructor, clear and firm, indicated the beginning of the session: "4:30 class! Line Up!'' .The hands of the clock pointed at exactly the time announced. One call was the trigger for the scurrying around of the children trying to find a place on the lines indicated by a blue tape on the red carpet. Since ranking is an important feature for their lining up, children focused on the belt colors to place themselves in the line. To the right, all the higher belts lined up starting from the Black to the red, the blue, the green, the yellow, the white and finally the no-belts. Regardless of the age of the students, the belt color is the only indicator of the ranking in line. In the case of big students obstructing the view of the others, some mild rearrangements are done by the instructor to allow both instructor (or leader of the session) and students to see each other at all times. The second call sounded out: "Turn around, uniform check!'' which resulted in all students looking at their uniform and checking if their belts were all right and if all was tucked in properly. Again visual and mental focus was diverted towards the self- check. "Close eyes for meditation!'' At this sound, spectators and all in attendance were relatively quiet allowing for a calm atmosphere for focus to be established.

 

Young and old, big and small, females and males, were all unified with one move, all on their knees, their eyes closed and in silence. A minute later, the instructor's voice sounded again: "Open eyes! Chariot! Kenai!'' Everyone opened their eyes, bowed and stood up. All eyes were focused forward onto the instructor waiting for him to dictate the next move. Day after day, one can observe the same routine with hardly any change except for the leader of the session. Depending upon the availability of higher belts, the leader of the session is chosen by the assistant instructor. The Grand Master as well as the assistant instructor are always present and available.

 

Imitative behavior. Self-checking

 

The session continued with each move being uttered verbally once, and the students following through based on the imitation of the leader of the session. One wrong move meant that all had to wait till that student straightened their stance. Each move was called once in English and twice in Korean at which point the students would repeat verbally twice and then execute the move. There were no interruptions allowed during the actual process unless of an emergency. There were no allowances made for any type of interruptions that were not directly relevant to the moves executed at that time. lf a student was not attentive or not looking at the instructor or the leader, the Grand Master would remind them to move their eyes back on target with a simple remark: "Where are you looking, you?" If a student's stance were wrong, the instructor or Master would say: "What stance? Look!'' With warm-ups, and basic motions, twenty minutes had gone by and everyone would still be focused and moving. "Chariot! Kenia! One minute break." shouted the leader. Students shook hands with the leader thanking him for this part of the session and went out for water and a minute of fresh air.

 

The minute was up and all came back upon hearing the call of the leader again: "Everyone, line up!". For this segment of the session, students lined up seated along the rim of the carpet. This time they sat perpendicular to the Master's table. Children checked on their seating order following the ranking and crossed their legs while on the line. If children were talking it would go on briefly until the Master uttered the first sounds: "Black belt line up!" Then silence reigned one more time. If ever a child would speak and not pay attention, the Master would order him/her to be quiet but if this type of behavior persisted, then the Master would order: "Push up ten times!'' The child would execute the push-ups and verbally repeat what he/she should have been doing: "I am quiet." If that behavior persisted, the Master would require that they leave the training hall and come back after a few minutes or when he permitted them to. If they were too young to be left alone outside, he would ask them to sit by him, alone in front of the group. Such types of punishment were very consistent but hardly ever administered, as children seemed to follow rules to avoid such confrontations.

 

When orders were called, students executed. When the Master interrogated, students answered with: ''Yes Sir! No Sir!'' When he asked a question, he expected a simple positive or negative answer. There was zero tolerance for any lengthy or hesitant "I am not sure'' and "I don't care". If the child was really too young, the Master would say: "I talk to parents'' and that would solve the timely question. During all this activity, the children would be totally focused on the proceedings of the session.

 

Physical environment: Memory oriented

 

The simplicity of the physical environment of the training hall consisted of limited visual aids and visual stimuli. The human element consisted of the student body, the Master and instructors, and finally the visitors. However, focus on the self and the instructor or the leader were the keys to all the activities. At times, when spectators would be noisy or talking, the students were not actually permitted to pay attention to them. If a child's gaze would wander off, the Master would catch it and would remind the student again by asking them to repeat what had just been said or done. One salient feature of the training hall was the obvious fact that there were limited visuals to divert the attention of the students off the instructor. The hall has one wall with mirrors and one wall where all the white charts with terms in English and in Korean were written in big script for everyone to see. The students were expected to memorize these terms within the first six to eight months of their training. Besides these two walls there were no other visuals. Children either stared into the mirrors or just straight ahead. With limited verbal and auditory stimulation and limited instruction, these children appear to have the ability to keep their focus and carry through the session without any complications.

 

Duties in the training hall and at home

 

 While answering surveys, parents conveyed similar ideas about the effects of Taekwondo. They all mentioned the fact that their children had acquired more focus, knowledge, and responsibility and stayed longer on tasks. A mom wrote: ''The strength of Taekwondo is in developing physical fitness, discipline, and concentration. The home chores chart promotes tranquility at home and helps children focus on their duties and homework". By mentioning the home chart, she meant that Taekwondo teaching did not stop at the threshold of the training hall but went beyond it to the home and the society to which the student belonged. The home chart is one of the handouts that the Master actually sends home every month. It is a list of all the items that children are encouraged to accomplish as duties at home and at school and in the environment. It is the Grand Master's plan as a follow-up technique of the disciplining of the mind as well as the body. These charts show chores the children are supposed to carry out at home, to help their parents, obey the rules of the household, and do their homework. For this particular mother, this chart seemed to assist her in keeping things under control. When the children completed this chart monthly, they would bring it back and receive a green star as a reward in front of the student body.

 

In order to insure continuity of completing duties and achieving focus, the Master has the training hall set-up in a way that is intended to promote helping students to become responsible and focused. The first duty the children needed to attend to as they entered the training hall was to 1) bow, 2) take their shoes off, 3) pickup their student form, 4) and head directly to the assistant instructor and the Master. Then they would hand in their form for absence using both hands and bowing to the Master who would usually be sitting at his rectangular table, parallel to the mirrored wall. Observations reveal the speed at which all these routines were learned. Some children would go on to do some stretches or if they were too young, they would find an adult to cling to or talk to. Those who would come in with their parents or caregivers would just sit by until the session began. During each observation conducted, I saw the five subjects with their parents and their instructors. Once they entered the training hall, parents never interfered with their children nor the Master, unless for some urgent business. Parents also seemed to understand the rules of the game and knew how to delegate power to the Master once in his training hall. They behaved like the rest of the students, for example, they would take off their shoes as soon as they entered the hall and would not step across the red carpet that was only meant for the students.

 

Respect was another factor that was greatly displayed in the training hall: respect of students to each other, to the parents, the spectators, and finally the things available in the training hall such as punching bags, mats, and sparring gear. In all cases and at all times, one way of showing respect to the Master is that whenever he came into the training hall, and regardless of the group's activity, everyone stopped and turned facing the Master, bowing and shaking his hand with a greeting. Courtesy was exhibited in many ways by all the present in the hall. Parents have learned to bow to the Master too and did so when appropriate. They had also learned not to interfere and to keep to a minimum, the level of noise and distraction while waiting in the training hall. As for the students, the lower belts have learned to bow for the higher belts or for the Black belts, to listen to their teachings, and to respect their elders.

 

Among other duties, students were supposed to help the younger belts acquire the routine of respect and the duties of the training hall. In some instances, when the first afternoon group came in, one of the students would take the responsibility to vacuum the carpet and turn the fans on to freshen up the place. There was also a strong feeling of a tightly knit family gathering in the training hall that was more than just a Taekwondo school for learning. As one of the students involved in this study testified during his black belt test: "Master K. made us feel like a family and I like it when we help out with setting the hall for the parties and the Christmas events. I also helped my Mom in buying stuff for the Christmas party last year and I like that". Sharing responsibilities and taking part in all types of events that the Master provided in his training hall made the students feel like one big cluster with equal opportunities of leadership. When traveling to tournaments or demonstrations, the Master delegates duties to all and assigns tasks in a way that makes students feel responsible towards themselves and everyone else in the group. One way of being in a group is staying together in one hotel or traveling from the training hall in a carpool. When the students reported to others about their experiences, there were signs of having had a great time and a valuable experience.

 

Confidence

General knowledge

 

Another salient feature of the data, especially collected from the surveys, was the issue of confidence. Parents mentioned that their children (3 out of 5) who started as very shy children can speak up and talk in public and are showing signs of confidence. One mom declared: "He has more confidence and shows responsibility and knowledge at home and at school". Another parent declared that there has been a gradual increase in responsibility and knowledge. A third parent wrote: "During the last parents ' conference, the teacher told me that my daughter has changed drastically this past year. She is strong and shows confidence in her work''. Another tangential testimony of confidence was displayed during the black belt testing of two of the students included in the study. For this promotion, every student has to prepare a public speech telling about his or her history in the training hall with all the activities and the participation that would have taken place. In the testimony, one student said: "I was very scared when first started, because everyone was bigger and stronger than I was...but now I am more confident and am not scared of learning new things...At school my grades are better". Both students indicated how well focused and confident they had become and attributed these results to the discipline of this martial art.

 

According to the students' testimonies, public performances and demonstrations at schools and in different locations have helped them tremendously. They have actually become more confident and have acquired a great amount of knowledge. As a matter of fact, this testimony itself was a public speech and both students were speaking out loudly and assertively. Their participation in demonstrations and exhibits as well as in tournaments has shaped their self-esteem and self-image, according to some parents' declaration.

 

Another aspect of the Taekwondo experience that seems to foster confidence is the experience of teaching that all students eventually have a chance to lead. Once a month, the assistant instructor would choose a leader for the session to teach. One of the students mentioned the pride he took when it was his turn to teach: "I feel great when I can teach the class, it makes me proud''. Another parent also declared: "I never thought I would see my child teach the class and he loves it now". The Master sometimes chooses a leader to teach the class on an hourly basis. Regardless of the age of the child or the students, the belt one carries determines one's seniority and thus the privilege to teach goes to that individual. This feature of the session has been a great help in building confidence in the students. Leadership, clarity of directions, teaching skills are all segments of this experience in the training hall. When a student teacher faces the others and gives directions, the imitation of the actual physical move has to be mirror imaged. That too requires a tremendous amount of focus and confidence. It also requires that the student teaching take care of the beginners and give them a special assignment or assign other belts to take care of them. There are also instances where the children play the role of judges as they are observing the higher belts performing their forms, their breaking techniques, or their sparring competency. They have to give scores and be fair as well as show evidence for their own decision.

 

Self Knowledge

 

Verbal clarity and identity assertion were coded as components of confidence. These two factors were also observed while training in this school. I have observed the students standing up and answering the Master when being asked questions. The Master's message is obvious all throughout the sessions. To start with, he always encourages pupils to introduce themselves to each other and to the new members. He also demands that they speak up in front of a public and express themselves clearly and loudly. If they sounded whiny, the master would imitate their sound, and students would actually laugh at it. Day after day, sessions had been conducted with many spectators in the audience. Parents, visitors, occasional curious individuals would stroll in to see what was happening. Most of the time, during my observations, it felt like each session was a public performance, and one had to be at one's best to promote oneself and this art.

 

While testing, introducing oneself meant that the student would state one's age, the length of training in the hall, and introduce one's family. This exemplifies self- knowledge and the acknowledgment of one's personality and presence. While demonstrating in other locations, students are encouraged to state their name, their martial art school and their Master instructor's name and school address. All this information is an assertion of the identity of the student in Taekwondo. It is almost identifying oneself with a group or a family. Students also must memorize their Master's history and all his achievements. For example: my master is seventh Dan in Taekwondo, seventh Dan in Hapkido, and sixth Dan in Judo.

 

Knowledge was also an observed and coded component of confidence. Knowing the Taekwondo terms both in English and in Korean is also part of the training of Taekwondo. Memorization is enhanced by repetition and everyday routine. Students seem to demonstrate pride when they are able to say such foreign sounds without even knowing how to write or read them. Once well acquired, one of the objectives of Taekwondo is teaching the students a sense of honest and integral leadership. In the training hall, and on the wall, there is an automatic message strip that comes on and fades away, all throughout the sessions. The sign reads: "Yes I can attitude". It is the Master's biggest objective and perpetual plea during the lessons. One would hear him saying: "No babies here! Yes I can! Yes, I can!'' Students are then asked to repeat and assert that they actually can and he encourages them to try and promotes achievement in the hall and at home. With this leadership, students begin to understand their capacities and try to achieve higher goals.

 

The Master never forgets to include the student's personal information in the monthly newsletter he sends to his parents. He acknowledges birthdays, achievements, and rewards of good performance in school. When a child brings a report card, it is read aloud to everyone and the Master rewards the student with a blue star. Award giving is also a ritual in the training hall as the Master recognizes the good deeds of the students and encourages them through words of praise. There are different colored stars for different achievements and promotions in the school as well as the Martial arts. Students also are encouraged to share the extracurricular activities they are involved in: music, art, sports and others. For good achievement, rewards are always awaiting and stars are given out as acknowledgements.

 

Physical strength

 

While reinforcing all the mental disciplines of Taekwondo, physical strength is another display of observed confidence and perpetually the target. The first items to be memorized in the training hall are the physical benefits of the martial art: " One can develop good coordination, build strength, increase flexibility and improve cardiovascular conditionings ''. These benefits are written in large print on the board on one of the wails. Once memorized, the Master insures the repetition of these benefits in order for the students not to lose sight of the objectives and reason of their presence in the training hall. Moreover, as children are acquiring all these benefits, parents have commented on other aspects of their children's development. One mother said: " my boys have more endurance and show strength." Some parents noticed the immediate change in weight of their child who was a bit overweight.

 

Beginners from day one join the entire group in stretching and jumping and kicking as well as breaking boards. Then, immediately, peer teaching and coaching is put in practice. During the observations, one sees children imitating other older belts and trying steps that are even harder than their own level. These aspects are the supporting aids that the Master uses in order to promote confidence and strength in his students.

 

Self Control and Obedience

 

With the discipline and the tight regimental approach in Taekwondo comes confidence that I have classified under self-control. Most of all, one would speak of self-control as one's knowledge increases about one's own powers and strengths. One of the parents actually declared that her child, who used to cry and moan about every little fall or gash on the knee, has become stronger and acts more like a grownup. Another mother wrote: "my children used to fight and hurt each other. Now, they understand that they should not be doing that. They also know the difference between play and causing real pain to each other". In practice, the Taekwondo sessions daily end up with a review of all the rules that govern the martial art of Taekwondo. One can hear the students yell:

 

Ethical rules

 Loyalty to nation,

 Obedience to parents,

 Confidence in friends

 Don't retreat from enemy attack

 Refrain from senseless killing

 Tenets of Taekwondo

 Courtesy,

 Integrity,

 Perseverance,

 Self-control,

 Indomitable spirit,

 Sound mind in a sound body.

 

It is the Master's final message that he usually sends with the students before they leave the training hall. These rules are to be practiced not only inside the training hall but also at home and in the student's environment. While teaching students to spar, rules are extreme and stringent. Students are not allowed to hurt each other, but to demonstrate fighting styles with knowledge. The rules are to be followed and kept. From the surveys, a parent wrote: "my children are able to listen to me and keep from bothering each other as tranquility is restored at home with the rest of their siblings". In the hall, children keep their hands to themselves. They are not allowed to play rough or use what the Master calls "horseplay''. With this type of discipline emerge self-control and positive attitudes towards other human beings. Respect, knowledge, courtesy, awareness are all foci of the Master's teaching, and are crucial ingredients for self-control.

 

Acquisition of physical and mental powers promotes confidence and self-control. As children start learning their breaking techniques, the Master always urges them to stay modest and humble. Breaking the wood seems to have a great effect on children. It informs them that they are becoming stronger and stronger. However, the Master resents boasting and actually makes fun of people who do so. One would hear him say: "No show off time! Humble you stay!'' Though children are always showing excitement when they do break wood, the Master is always requesting that they first try their level without boasting. He also urges obedience to the advice of higher belts. He says: "No big head!'' For techniques like Judo falling and the use of self-defense, the Master talks to parents about the dangers of simple mistakes causing severe and tragic physical damages to students. He always advises that students never try these techniques alone until they are able to perfect the motions and till the Master agrees that it is permissible to do so. The Master always talks to parents and greets the parents at all times. This act seems to keep the parents involved in all their children's progress regardless of the student's age. With this, he insures obedience, promotes self control and urges the focus of the students

 

Implications and Discussion

The first implication is the revival of confidence in the physical education hours spent at schools. For some children, these would be the only hours they spend actively involved in sports and other physical activities. Parents in modern societies, who are busy working, find it hard to accommodate their children after school in activities that would promote a healthy body. First, it is time consuming and secondly it is costly. Thus less and less time is allotted for such physical fitness. Looking at this martial art would revive the confidence of building a healthy body for healthy living. Physical education teachers themselves would regain confidence in what they are promoting in making of "sound bodies'' and thus "sound minds". In one of the dominant websites of academic Taekwondo (www.academictaekwondo.com), the martial art program has been adopted by the academic curriculum and the outcome has had a phenomenal effect on the mental and psychological benefits of students. Parents and educators have testified to its effects on children and the possibility of incorporating it in the regular classrooms. Keeping the objective clearly afloat, the academic curriculum would then stress this vital component for the healthy development of the students. To start a day with some recollection, some physical fitness will undoubtedly create a great predisposition for the process of learning and acquisition.

 

Another psychological implication of practicing martial arts is the promotion of values. Knowledge, perseverance, self-confidence and encouragement would be greatly promoted and reinforced through such teaching strategies. It might be helpful for teachers to use the "Yes I can attitude'' motto as a great concept to promote confidence and increase academic production. By reminding the students that they are able to promote themselves and that they are capable of reaching higher levels constantly and by showing them the way to success, teachers may be able to promote higher learning and create better individuals for future employment. Though this might appear totally behavioristic, the reward system applied in Taewkondo never seems to fail. A simple word of praise, a pat on the back, a star could go a longer way than just criticism and undermining students' achievement.

 

Though studies on academic performance and their relation to Taekwondo have been minimal and hard to locate, some techniques might be worthwhile trying in classrooms. Creating reasons for learning might give a concrete meaning in the real life application, for students as they try to understand and learn about a certain subject matter. Self-knowledge and general knowledge ensue from above practices, as students become leaders in their fields Another possible activity for application in the classroom is applying teaching roles to students that might also become a very helpful aid in the learning process. Regardless of the capacity of the child, the experience of leadership seems to have helped students in the training hall. The logic is that if students do not know what it means to be a leader they will never know the skills they need to become one. Thus making them leaders occasionally gives them a sense of accomplishment and creates a great learning opportunity especially for those whose self-esteem is suffering. Galea (2001) emphasizes the benefits of Taekwondo on the self-image and self esteem of the individuals. This helps to promote success by promoting self-esteem and self-respect.

 

Setting up of the classroom in a way where the visual stimulation would be limited and only what needs to be memorized is visualized may also be a great feature to promoting focused learning. The use of organizational charts and the application in the classrooms of related skills can also be a great guide to students. Reminding students of their duties at home and in the society might create continuity in their lives where they become representatives of their own learning and their learning establishment. Consequently, it might promote the personality of the child by reminding them that they represent their knowledge at all times in the society. A related issue is the example of imitation and duplication of teachers' behaviors.

 

Finally the constant visual reminder represented by a written rule on the board might also be helpful. Respect of others, of nature and of society is of great value. It is a great tool for the improvement of relations in the classroom and outside. Self-control, courtesy and humility are additional values that our students might need to manifest and to apply for reaching harmonious living with other peers. In his Taewkondo academy, Master Kent (2002) emphasizes self control by teaching semi-contact sparring, he declares that: "executing a fast strong punching or kicking technique and pulling it just short of your opponent's face and body is a higher achievement than just blasting your opponent's face"(pl).

 Incorporating those values by posting them on boards and by modeling such behaviors might help create a safer and more peaceful society.

 

Personally, I find it reassuring to know that the philosophical features of martial arts do not teach our children to act violently but to promote long-term values and establish physical as well as moral strength. Parents' testimonies from various Taekwondo websites have emphasized the values that remain in children even after the punch and kick is long gone (courtesy martialartswebsites.com):

 

"In a short period of time Brittany showed an increase in self-confidence and a whole new attitude in the respect she has had towards adults and her peers. Her grades in school continued to be excellent along with all positive comments from her teachers."

 - Brittany's Mom

 

"Chris' confidence has increased as a result of her achievements in Taekwondo. When she carries out her Taekwondo philosophy over to other parts of her life, she is more successful. Her level of confidence has directly affected her success."

 - Christine's Mom

 

"We are very proud of Devon and feel he has incorporated the core values of a "Black Belt'' into his overall personality. He consistently demonstrates self-confidence, an overall positive attitude, respect for others, strong academic achievement and self- discipline and control."

 - Devon's Parents

 

"I can see that many of the philosophies you have taught my son about respect, confidence and composure have stayed with him outside of Taekwondo training''

 - Matt's Mom

 

"We have watched our Son progress both physically and emotionally into a more self- assured young man. We are not so sure he would have made such astonishing progress without the discipline, fortitude and patience, to name just a few qualities this art has taught him."

 - Christopher's Parents

 

Jeremy has exhibited leadership qualities both in and out of his classroom. He has maintained a very good grade average, completes his assignments and associates with friends who share the same values he has been taught in Taekwondo.''

 - Jeremy's Dad

 

 

Appendix A

Parents' Survey/ Questionnaire

"By completing this survey I indicate my consent for my answers to be used in this study".

 

Researching the effects of Taekwondo on children, the purpose of this questionnaire is to clarify how this type of martial art influences your child's behavior socially, emotionally and physically. Please take a moment to fill in the survey. Upon completion, I appreciate if you could insert it in the yellow envelope (with G.C.SATHER) typed on it. The envelope is tacked to the bulletin board to the left of the entrance into the training hall. To insure anonymity, please do not write your name. I would also appreciate if you could try to have it in by the end of the month of February.

 

-My child started Taekwondo on:

 

-At school, he/she

 Socially:

 Physically:

 

-At home, he/she is

 Socially:

 Physically:

 Academically:

 

-Improvement has shown

 In School? How?

 At home? How?

 

 -Does your child like Taekwondo?

 

-Do you like Taekwondo?

 

-How do you feel Taekwondo has helped your child?

 

-What are the strengths of Taekwondo, in your opinion?

 

-Would you advise it to other parents? (Comments are appreciated)

 

Thank you

 Grece Chami-Sather

 

.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Arial; color: #437ba8;">