PHYSICAL FITNESS- This is one of the more obvious benefits of martial arts training, although one that is extremely important today. In a time when the average schoolchild is below even a moderate level of fitness, martial arts training gives the child a physical training program that is excellent for raising their overall level of personal fitness while providing additional benefits, as well. Also, martial arts’ training is a physical activity that most children look forward to and one that they are excited about taking part in. Martial arts training, like gymnastics and dance, also gives the child an increased sense of proprioceptive awareness and a greater degree of balance and flexibility.
PERSONAL DISCIPLINE- The discipline inherent in traditional martial arts training will aid the young student in developing a sense of self discipline and self-control. This will, in turn, lead to increased concentration which can benefit the child in any area of development. The type of discipline emphasized in Kuk Sool Won stresses personal discipline and respect for instructors and fellow students. This will help the child in developing important social skills that will be of great benefit in later life.
SELF DEFENSE- Another of the more obvious benefits of martial arts training is the development of a system of personal protection. Kuk Sool Won offers techniques that can be used by a smaller person against someone much larger, while also teaching techniques designed for escape and control rather than for inflicting serious damage. By learning a method of self-defense, the younger student is less susceptible to being a victim of larger "bullies", and at the same time this helps to develop feelings of self-respect so teat the child very often becomes less of a victim of "peer pressure". More often than not, this will also allow the child to develop positive qualities of leadership and self-control.
GOAL SETTING- The belt-ranking system in Kuk Sool Won is designed to give the younger student a series of clearly-defined goals to achieve in their training. They learn that short-term goals (ex. the learning of a new set of techniques or earning the next colored belt) are a positive means to attaining longer term goals (ex. Black Belt. The importance of setting recognizable and attainable goals cannot be emphasized enough, and will continue to be important throughout your child's lifetime. Defining and obtaining positive goals is the surest way to growth and success in any area of life.
SELF CONTROL- The learning of any system of martial arts carries with it a responsibility to use the techniques learned only in defense of one's self or others, and this is a fact that is repeatedly stressed in Kuk Sool Won training. In addition, martial arts should be used as a tool for positive growth and development of the individual and should never be used in a negative or damaging way. These principles are taught to all students in Kuk Sool Won, and the Kuk Sool Won Student Creed, which is memorized by each student and recited daily in class, helps to emphasize these points and to help the student to understand what they mean.
COMPETITIVE SPORT- Through the use of races, games and (in upper belts) light sparring, the young student is allowed to develop a healthy spirit of competitiveness with fellow students, while learning that "winning" is not as important as the participation in martial arts training (as in everything else). This idea reflects the Olympic Creed which states that "The most important thing is not to win, but to take part; just as in life the most important thing is not the triumph, but the struggle". Martial art training helps to teach this very important point.
FUN- Before you get the idea that traditional martial arts training is just another dry classroom for the child to sit through, it is important to emphasize that -possibly above all else-martial arts training can be FUN for the child. There is running, kicking, tumbling, and literally all types of physical activity. Also while there are lessons to be learned, everything is taught in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere where the child is among other children his or her own age. There develops a spirit of camaraderie and closeness among young martial art students who are taught that each person in the class should be seen as a brother or sister in the arts, and learning can therefore take place in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where help and encouragement for the young student is always available.