VALOR TIGERS PROGRAM

One of the central tenets of  all forms of the martial arts is an absolute focus on self-discipline.  Today's kids are so accustomed to receiving instant gratification that  lessons in self-restraint and discipline aren't always easy to come by.  Kids with a martial arts background, however, are continually reminded  of the importance of self-discipline. Ara is a shy turtle. Before joining the  Tiger classes, he usually just stayed in his shell. Now he is making new  friends and loves to do his forms nice and slow. His favorite move is a  knife hand strike.

Kids who don't always thrive in  highly social environments may find it easier to get to know people and  make new friends when they're in a room filled with peers who share a  common interest. The kids on the playground may not always have much  common ground, but devotees to the martial arts are able to get to know  one another through shared pursuits. Partner-driven training can also  foster camaraderie, as they force kids to pair off and build their  skills together. Baeoh is the funniest tiger ever. He has a  big heart and loves to laugh. He is everyone's friend but sometimes  lacks confidence. His favorite move is a side kick.

Limiting screen time is a  great idea when it comes to getting kids off the couch and encouraging  them to be more active, but it only goes so far. Enrolling an inactive  child in such a physically demanding pastime not only discourages the  sedentary lifestyle she's used to, but also gives her an enjoyable  activity that inspires her to keep moving. Cheeri is the hardest worker in the  class. Even though she always makes straight A's, she is always trying  hard to get better, maybe sometimes too hard. Her favorite move is a  round kick.

Most forms of martial arts are  based around an accomplishment system of colored belts that signify the  wearer's degree of skill. When your child strives toward each new belt,  he's learning valuable lessons about setting and reaching his goals. Raon is the biggest one in his Tigers  class. He is very strong and a great athlete. Although he always means  well, and sometimes he leaps before he looks. His favorite move is the  reverse punch.

Confidence comes with  achievement, so your child's self-esteem level will get a boost with  every new move he masters and every belt he earns. Kids who struggle  with a low sense of self-worth usually become more confident as time  progresses while they're enrolled in a martial arts class. Suri comes from a big family of big  eagles. He is small for his age and sometimes tries to act bigger than  he really is. He always goes too fast, but is working on slowing down.  His favorite move is a jump front kick.    

Learning any Songahm Taekwondo  will require your child to show her instructor unflinching respect.  Today's kid culture doesn't always include respect for authority, adults  or those in advanced positions. When she goes to her Songahm Taekwondo  class, though, your child will be learning lessons in respect along with  new moves. Choa is a rare phoenix. She is very  pretty and likes it when the other animals do things for her. She is  learning to do things for herself, and when she does, she is awesome.  Her favorite move is a double knife hand block.

Thinking that martial arts  instruction promotes violent behavior is justified if your only  experience with the activity comes from television or movies. In fact,  many defensive styles teach kids peaceful, non-violent conflict  resolution skills and emphasize the importance of avoiding a phsyical  altercation. Mir is a super smart dragon. He might not  be the most coordinated, but he tries really hard. He is learning to  control his strength. His favorite move is a spinning hook kick.

In order to master the skills  she's being taught and advance through the belt ranks, your child will  have to exercise superior listening skills. Kids who aren't always adept  when it comes to paying attention to what they're told can benefit from  the verbal instruction and one-on-one work in her classroom. Narsha is the nicest cobra you ever  wanted to meet. Even though she doesn't have any arms or legs, she is  one of the best Tigers in the class. She always works hard but keeps a  smile on her face. Her favorite move is a tail strike.

Whether he's breaking boards  to get a new belt or sparring in a practice setting to master a new  maneuver, there are few things that your child does in his martial arts  classes that will be done on his own. Working together to learn new  things and accomplish goals is an important life lesson for kids to  learn, and instruction in the martial arts can help your child learn  that lesson. Baron is the highest rank in his Tigers  class. He is a great leader, he just doesn't know it yet. He is always  willing to help. His favorite move is a palm strike.