A Family That Kicks Together, Grows Together

New Year's Resolution in Martial Arts: A Family That Kicks Together, Grows Together

Fresh into the new year, many families seek activities that promote good health, time shared together, and personal growth. Martial arts, particularly Tae Kwon Do, offers an excellent opportunity to combine these resolutions. Tae Kwon Do not only transforms the body and mind, but also strengthens family bonds through a shared experiences and achievements.

Physical Benefits of Tae Kwon Do 

Get a comprehensive full-body workout, perfect for improving fitness if that's part of your New Year's goal. Families can expect to enhance physical strength, and improve muscle tone, flexibility and balance. You'll also boost cardiovascular endurance, and get additional benefits of coordination and agility. These physical benefits don't just help you while training, but will also be contributing to overall health. The nature of Tae Kwon Do training makes it an effective tool for weight management, and the regular activity with those you love, and new friends, will boost your mood, even after you're finished with a class.

Mental Transformation

The impact of Tae Kwon Do on mental health and cognitive function is equally significant, aligning perfectly with resolutions focused on personal development. Adult and youth students alike experience sharpened focus and concentration, enhanced stress management skills, and increased self-esteem.  Cognitive function and academic performance are two well-known areas that can benefit from the ongoing activity in martial arts, benefitting daily work- and school-life.

Family Bonding Through Martial Arts

Tae Kwon Do's suitability for all ages makes it an ideal family activity for the new year. When families train together, they experience shared goals and achievements, improved communication and bonding, a common language of respect and discipline, and opportunities for mutual support and encouragement and some fun shared memories. 

So you may be thinking, this sounds perfect, but how do I get started?

Make and Keep a New Year's Resolution as a Family

To successfully incorporate martial arts into your family's New Year's resolutions and build lasting habits, try these strategies:

• Start small: Begin with manageable goals, such as attending a trial class, and/or one class per week. 
• Set specific goals: Instead of a "get fit" statement, try "be active together for (a number of) minutes a day". Practice a Tae Kwon Do form at home following a video, follow a series of stretches together with an app, or go outside for a walk or play.
• Create a routine: Establish a consistent schedule to reinforce the habit. Choose in advance when you'll be active, so the time is set aside.
• Track progress: Use a habit-tracking sheet to track your family's activity and martial arts journey and celebrate achievements together. Encourage each other!
• Make it fun: Incorporate enjoyable family activities related to martial arts to maintain enthusiasm and motivation. Ask an instructor for ideas.
• Be patient and persistent: Habit formation takes time, typically more than a month of regular practice. Stay committed, and if you stop, demonstrate with each other the willingness to restart together. 
• Integrate martial arts into daily life: Apply concepts like self-discipline and respect in other areas of life, reinforcing your habit and its benefits.

By embracing martial arts as a family New Year's resolution and following these habit-building strategies, you're not just working towards physical fitness, you're embarking on a journey of personal growth and family bonding that will bring more joy, good health and moments of success into your life.

It's never too late! A Resolution can be started any time, and sometimes it's even better to start one when you are ready as a family, instead of being limited to January 1!

Free First Class!

​If you have questions about how Tae Kwon Do can benefit you, your child, or your family, we're here to help! Call or email to set up a time for a free first class. Youth, families and adults are all welcome at Joon Lee's Tae Kwon Do!