Find us on Facebook
Pyon Moo Do Kids
(ages 6-13)
At Traditional Martial Arts Academy of Austin, children receive special attention because we understand that they have special needs compared with adults. Discipline is an important part of class structure. We have found that when children are offered an environment with strong, appropriate boundaries, they are able to flourish and be more themselves. Shy, unconfident children become strong and open; hyper children are able to calm down; and aggressive children become kinder. Throughout our classes you will hear your child saying “Yes, Sir!” and “Yes, Ma’am!” with an enormous smile on his or her face.
Traditional Martial Arts Academy gives children an outstanding work-out, an important issue, as obesity is a growing epidemic among children. Class often begins with animal drills - fun, creative exercises that mimic the movements of animals and workout the entire body while promoting body awareness and control.
The children’s Pyon Moo Do curriculum at Traditional Martial Arts Academy is designed after the adult program, but tailored to the cognitive and physical abilities of younger students. Children learn effective self-defense, compassion and discipline, and the importance of effort in being successful.
At Traditional Martial Arts Academy, there are some aspects of our classes that strongly resemble those of other excellent schools in the Austin area, particularly those that teach Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Judo or Aikido. We take a different approach to teaching children that is unique to our program. We concentrate on reinforcing effort rather than achievement. For instance, common practice in martial arts schools is to test students for a new belt frequently to keep them interested and to help them feel good about themselves. In our Pyon Moo Do program, belt testing is a much more rare event. We’ve designed such a rich, full curriculum that rapid advancement would lead to poor quality. There is simply too much to learn for that approach. We emphasize the experience of the progression, rather than the end result (a belt). This way, students learn the value of process rather than achievement.
Why do we think this is important? When a child is purely goal-oriented, they project their sense of identity and self-worth onto an external object, their goal. If they stumble in their efforts, difficult feelings of fear, frustration and questions of self-esteem can arise. But when a child is focused on the process, with a goal simply offering a direction, then stumbling is no big deal. The child is excited to get up and keep going because they have a love for the process.
This is an important life skill that we encourage students to take outside of the martial arts class.
Also check our Wee Warriors program for 3-5 year olds.
Home Adult Programs Children's Programs About Us Student Area Gallery