If you're a resident of Boise or Eagle, then you're a lucky person. Boise and Eagle are 2 cities, unlike many others around the country. Very few cities have such a high density of child centered activities. Everything from dance, language, sports, arts and crafts, martial arts, etc., and all available within a 5 to 15 minute drive.
With so many activities available, what should a child participate in? That is the big question. Should you have your child do everything? And, believe me, it's possible in Boise or Eagle. Or, should you find a couple activities and really let your child excel and build confidence?
Here is my opinion. I'm a fan of sports. I've played them my whole life. In fact, I still play soccer on a recreational men's league. On the other hand, I'm not partial to soccer. I'll let my children play any sport they want. If they decide, AFTER THE SEASON, that the sport they just participated in is not for them, so be it... we'll move on.
There is one thing that my children will always do, and that is martial arts. I will never treat martial arts like a sport that they can change season to season. Martial arts, including Karate and Taekwondo should be viewed as part of their school work. And, it's not because I own a martial art school either. It's because I own a martial art school that I can see the profound impact it can have on children's lives. There are certain things that a martial art school or karate school is capable of teaching that is not taught in very many places. Of course, not all martial art schools or karate schools teach this way, so do your research.
Martial arts is basically an extension of your childs school in the way of personal and character development. It's the part that is being missed in many classrooms. Please don't misunderstand me... our school teachers in the Boise & Meridian School District are fabulous. It's just my belief and experience that the primary focus is to educate, or as I like to say- teach "content." I actually wouldn't want it any other way.
Our primary example is to teach children important character traits, such as: Focus Self Discipline Self Confidence Goal Setting Skills Respect Self Esteem Positive Attitude
If we succeed at this, then their ability to accomplish more in school improves. We teach students "context." Think of context as the bowl that holds the content. The larger the bowl (context), the more content that can be placed in it. More importantly, a student will have the self discipline and confidence to do more with the content they learn in school. Your childs school and a good martial arts program makes a great combination!
There are 3 main types of martial art schools or karate schools in Boise and Eagle. I recommend that you choose which one is most appropriate for you and your family.
1. Sport Oriented- These are the schools that focus 100% on competition. These are the programs that make competing the number 1 objective. It's not uncommon to go into a tournament within the first few months of joining a program like this.
2. Combat Oriented- This type of martial art school or karate school may or may not be as big into competition. Their primary focus is to teach students how to disable or maim an attacker with force.
3. Character Development Oriented- This type of martial art school or karate school is focused on teaching students skills not only in self defense, but also skills for life. The discipline, focus, and confidence that they learn in a program like this will usually empower them to achieve greater things in life.
If you're interested in learning martial arts in Boise, I would recommend calling a few different schools to setup a time to visit each one. When you visit the martial art school or karate school, you will be able to get a feel for the environment your child will be learning in. You'll also have the opportunity to see the school and will hopefully be able to do an introductory lesson. An introductory lesson will enable you to see how the instructor interacts with your child.
At this point, hopefully you'll have a good feel for the martial art school that would be best for you and your family.
Good luck!
Duncan Richardson
Chief Master Instructor
The Academy of World Taekwondo
Taekwondo Facts
"So what is the difference between Taekwondo and Karate?" It seems that I get that question practically every week. Well, the short answer is, Taekwondo comes from Korea and Karate comes from Japan. What many people don't realize is that Taekwondo was once referred to as "Korean Karate." In fact, when I first began my training in Taekwondo in 1978, we referred to it as Korean Karate or just Karate. Also, "The Father of Taekwondo", Gen. Hong Hi Choi, actually had a Black Belt in Japanese Karate when he developed the Korean art of Taekwondo.
Now, because the phrase Korean Karate was used for so many years, Taekwondo is still, often called Karate. It's safe to say that Karate has almost become synonomous with "martial arts." The Academy of World Taekwondo will often use the word in many forms to help the general public understand that we are a martial art school.
