As a teacher I have taught many adults who started later in life. I have seen adults who are quite accomplished in their own areas of expertise step onto the mat and tie a white belt around their waist. Regardless of how excited the beginner might seem, there is always anxiety.
Learning a new activity is hard, doing it in front of others is hard, and learning a physical skill is harder yet. There can be a fear of capability, failure, or embarrassment. When we start a new activity, we will not be ready and we will make mistakes. We need to accept that we will make mistakes.
It is my goal to assist students move past their failures and create a community where students can grow. This type of growth is fostered in a community where students feel safe to make mistakes. Students of all levels train and improve together. This community of shared experiences creates an atmosphere where everyone is conquering their own hurdles. Overtime students become more proficient, and with a supportive community, they will become less concerned about making mistakes in front of others. Together focusing on improvement, instead of the fear of failure. This creates a community where instead of a fear of failure, students are eager to learn.
As Taekwondo is a physical martial art and sport, students grow as athletes through practice. Each class itself is a workout, made up of exercises, kicking, punching, etc. This has the added benefit of increasing a students physical abilities, increasing their strength and stamina. Beyond the classes themselves, practicing martial arts encourages students to make changes, adding more physical workouts to their routine and creating a healthier diet. These changes in the other areas in their lives also benefits their growth as Taekwondo students.
There are also a mental benefits in learning a new skill. The complex movements, self defense and sparring applications students learn, help keep their mind agile. Learning Taekwondo forces students to analyze new ways to move and apply what they are learning. In many fitness settings, there is a high level of fitness exertion, but not the learning and application of new skills. This is what sets martial arts training apart. Students not only move and learn to memorize techniques, but in applying techniques in application students develop understandings of distance, timing, accuracy, etc. These higher function skills go beyond just repetitive movement into true mental engagement.
I would invite any adult to try Taekwondo. Join us at Apex Taekwondo and see how far you will grow.
