For some students taekwondo teaches more than self-defense, it teaches self-confidence.
“I didn’t have the courage to defend myself,” said Justin Ramiriz a 12-year-old Kingsbridge resident, recalling a time, less than a year-and-half ago, when he was bullied in school. He now walks the street with confidence and traces his courage to the day he signed up for taekwondo training.
“Everybody can see that it is rough, but it is also one of the prettiest sports I have ever seen,” said Justin’s teacher, Rajput, “The moves are so fast. They are like a beautiful dance.”
Taekwondo students progress through degrees of skills beginning with white belt and climbing to multiple degrees of black belt. Of all the martial arts the Olympics only acknowledge judo and taekwondo.
Compared to other martial arts taekwondo emphasizes kicking. which are allowed to both the upper body and face. However, kicks below the belt, sweeping kicks, and grabbing your opponent are not allowed. Punches are allowed only to the upper body.
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Taekwondo students learn more than martial arts – The Riverdale Press
