Happy-kid-o
Hiiii-ya!
Ask a kid what they like about martial arts and you’ll hear about high-flying kicks, board-breaking chops and ninja-like stealth. Ask a parent and they’ll likely say everything from strength and flexibility, to discipline and respect.
Bet you didn’t know karate wasn’t the only martial art—especially when it comes to signing your kids up for a lesson, though. Another discipline that’s becoming very popular is called Hapkido, a Korean version derived from karate and combined with elements of other ancient martial arts. You’ll find kicks, strikes, throws and rolls at any level of Hapkido.
Tao of Peace, Martial Arts and Life Skills Centre is a do jang (school), located adjacent to the Dalhousie C-Train station, dedicated to teaching Hapkido to children five and up. A typical class consists of a warm-up (push-ups, jumping jacks) followed by a training session, game playing (tag) and two Coaches Corners or short talks in language kids can understand, which focus on life skills, positive communication and assertiveness.
Classes for five to seven year olds run Friday afternoons for 45 minutes. Children wear a gi (uniform) and follow the same structure as classes for older children.
