I put my two boys in Taekwondo at ages 5 and 8 to help them learn self-discipline, body control, and only marginally for self-defense. The progam they’re in reinforces values we teach at home (honor, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, community and self-control). Now, 5 1/2 years later, they’re both 3rd degree black belts, and believe me, their peers know it and respect it; so far no bullying directed at them in their public school. However, like the gunfighters on TV westerns, I anticipate a day when some bully tries their luck. We’ve also made it quite clear to the school administrators that should our kids be assaulted in school they have been given permission to defend themselves using all available means.
that made me think of my son. he was also being bullied. we started to go hunting (he was 12). he shot a large boar, gutted it, it had an effect on him. i think seeing real life and death vs. juvenile bullying changed him for the better. the problem seemed to go away after that. i cant explain it.
TKD is a great program for the kids, my son is a Black Belt in TKD and a 4-time state champion. However, based on time requirements I don't see how they could be 3rd Dan Black Belt. They shouldn't even reach 1st Dan Black Belt for 5-6 years, then there are minimum time requirements between each black belt level. Starting at age 5, a person should reach 3rd Dan Black Belt between 15 and 17 years old.