Home > Special Insights Archive > June - July 2003 > A Message from Max

A few weeks ago, our family attended Health Kick 2003 at Erie Community College. The event's sponsor was Master Chong, who runs four Tae Kwon Do schools throughout the area. That day, the Bell Center floor was packed with dozens of children (as young as four years old) and a number of adults (as old as 70), all in their white uniforms, while the bleachers were filled with adoring families and cheering friends. As proud parents, Joyce and I were on hand to encourage our son Craig's participation in this unique event.

As I sat there watching breathtaking displays of physical and psychological strength, I became even more impressed with the benefits of Tae Kwon Do for Craig. Since enrolling at one of Master Chong's schools, Craig has shown a steady improvement in strength, muscle tone, coordination, focus, listening, and his ability to set short-term goals. He has learned how to count to 10 in Korean, and how to control his body in order to execute the sports numerous (and complex) combinations of thrusts and blocks. And, most importantly, his self-confidence and energy levels have both shown drastic improvement in just a matter of months.

It is on the wings of these impressive strides Craig has made, that I would recommend that other parents of children with special needs look into Tae Kwon Do. Although not for everyone due to its physical challenge and cost, there is no question that the benefits can be substantial -- and easily seen.

Send Max an email at: med@parentnetworkwny.org

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