7 Stretches to Increase Your Flexibility

If you practice Tae Kwon Do for awhile, you start to realize that you can’t progress very fast if you just practice once a week at the dojang. It’s important that you spend time on your techniques at home, and that you work on increasing your flexibility. Ideally, you should take about 30 min a day to run through these seven stretches. If you do, you should find that your techniques become more fluid and you stand less chance of injuring yourself.

 

Quad/Calf Stretch

 

This stretch is just that old-fashioned leg stretch your teacher had you do a million times during gym class. Sit on the floor with your right leg out and left leg tucked. Keep your knee flat and reach for your toes with both hands. Hold the stretch and breathe. Relax and repeat.

 

Switch legs. Extend your left leg and tuck your right. Keep the knee flat and reach for your toes with both hands. Hold and breathe. Wait a few seconds and repeat.

 

Do each side twice.

 

Spread both legs to the side so that they form a “v” in front of you. Reach forward to the middle, while keeping your knees flat to the ground. Hold and breathe. Relax and repeat twice.

 

2.  Hip Flexor/Quad Stretch/Hamstrings

 

Kneel on your shins. Raise your right knee so that you look like you are getting ready to propose. Place both hands on your right knee and lean forward, keeping your back as upright as possible.

 

Feel the stretch in your hips and quadricep. Hold for at least 30 seconds and then relax.

 

Repeat two or three times and then switch legs. Do the same for the other side.

 

3. Inner Thighs/Hips

 

Most of you have probably seen the butterfly stretch before. Sit on the floor and bring both feet as close to your groin as possible while pointing your knees to the sides (butterfly wings). Press down gently on your knees. Hold down for about 30 seconds. Try to relax your legs as much as possible during the stretch.

 

For some this stretch is next to impossible, while others find it way too easy. If you fall in the latter category, take the stretch to the next level. As you press down on your knees, lay forward with your back as straight as possible. The goal is to lay flat on the floor with your knees touching the floor as well.

 

4. Back, Abdominals, and Obliques

 

Sit upright with your legs together and straight in front of you. Reach both arms around to the right and twist your ribcage, keeping your legs flat. Hold for 30 seconds.

 

Return to the middle and relax. Then, do the same for the left side. Try to keep your abdominals engaged during the entire stretch and focus on breathing evenly in and out.

 

5. Lower Back, Abdominals

 

Many of you may know this as the “cobra stretch.”

 

Lie on your stomach and prop yourself up on your elbows. Keeping your eyes forward, slowly raise yourself off your elbows and onto your hands. Arch your back as far as comfortable while supporting your weight.  Hold for 15 seconds and then relax. Repeat this stretch two times.

 

For those wanting an even more intense stretch, bend your knees and try to touch the back your head with your toes.

 

6.  Shoulders/Upper Back

 

Even though most flexibility stretches in Tae Kwon Do focus on the legs and hips, it’s also important to stretch your shoulders and arms.

 

Raise your left arm up and point your fingers at the ceiling. Let your lower arm (the part below the elbow) fall behind your head while keeping your elbow pointed up. Grab your left hand with your right and gently pull. Try to relax your muscles as you pull. You should also make a concentrated effort to keep your head from falling forward. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and then relax.

 

Repeat on the other side.

 

7.  Neck

 

At this point, you have stretched your entire body up to the neck. Stress, can cause quite a bit of tension in both your neck and shoulders. Take time to gently rotate your head 360 degrees and tilt it in all directions. Make sure your neck muscles do not feel tight. If they do, hold your head in such a way as to gently pull on the tight muscles. Do this until you feel relaxed.

 

At first, these exercises might seem difficult, especially if it’s been awhile since you last stretched. The key to flexibility is consistent stretching. Each day, go a bit further, or hold it a while longer. Always stretch slowly and never take it to the point of pain. It should feel challenging, but if it hurts, you need to ease up or you could do damage to your muscles. Each time you stretch, you should be able to go just a bit further.

 

Keep stretching soon you will be throwing roundhouse kicks to the head like a pro.

 

If you like this blog check out these as well

Preparing for Your First Taekwondo Tournement

5 Tenetes Of Taekwondo

source https://vortexic.com/7-stretches-to-increase-your-flexibility/

The 5 Tenets of Tae Kwon Do

When you train in Tae Kwon Do, it’s not just a physical sport. We strive to develop character traits along with self-defense skills. The two work hand in hand to mold the student into a confident and mature individual. In Tae Kwon Do there are five tenets that serve as the core values taught to students. Each one of these traits is every bit as important as the physical skills we teach.

 

Courtesy 여의

What is courtesy? When you act with both respect and kindness, you are being courteous. We teach respect for authority, and respect for others. The student is encouraged to reach out to others in kindness, helping those less able than themselves. We expect them to be courteous to both, to those in the dojang as well as people they meet outside the school. An often overlooked part of this tenet is good manners.

Integrity 염치

Most people would define integrity as “honesty.” While that is correct, integrity actually goes one step further. We want our students to know the difference between right and wrong AND to stand up for what is correct. Having strong moral principles takes courage. Tae Kwon Do wants the student to be strong in the face of physical danger and moral injustice. Courage and honesty are character traits that every student should strive for.

Perseverance 인냬

Don’t give up! In the face of adversity, we want our students to persevere. Things in life are not always easy and we want our students to know how to be “winners.” Simply put, Tae Kwon Do students are taught to struggle against all odds to reach a goal. Whether in the dojang, at school, or in their private lives, perseverance is necessary for success.

Self Control  극기

Uncontrolled anger has no place in Tae Kwon Do. Like all the others, this tenet of Tae Kwon Do applies to both the dojang and to life. It’s important to have control over both your thoughts as well as your actions. Learning to keep your emotions in check means you won’t do things you regret. You have a better opportunity to reach others and build relationships. As for self-defense, not getting angry means you might have a chance to defuse a situation before it escalates into a physical confrontation.

Indomitable Spirit 백절불굴

Indomitable Spirit is directly related to perseverance and all the other tenets of Tae Kwon Do. It is the net result of applying all the tenets in your life. If you are courteous, honest, hard-working, and under control, you become a person with indomitable spirit. Having the courage to stand up for your beliefs and stay strong against any opposition is a result of strong character. Combining physical skills with strong character traits turns a student into masters.

The 5 Tenets of Taekwondo are meant as a guide for students in both the dojang and outside the school. Tae Kwon Do is not just about developing physical skills, but also about strengthening the whole person. Becoming a strong person in every way.

Call us and schedule your free introductory class. Start training today.

While your here, make sure you check out some of our other blogs as well!

Benefits Tae Kwon Do gives your Kids In School

source https://vortexic.com/the-5-tenets-of-tae-kwon-do/

Preparing for Your First Tae Kwon Do Tournament

A Tae Kwon Do competition gives students from different dojangs the opportunity to come together and hone their skills. As a competitor you can learn new points of technique just from watching the other participants. You find that the sparring matches help you improve your form and response time. However, you need a bit of preparation for your first Tae Kwon Do if you hope to win – and there is nothing wrong with wanting to win. Having a specific goal to work toward to brings focus to your training.

Generally, a tournament can include different division from sparring matches, forms competitions, weapons and breaking. You can compete in any of the categories that interest you. During the tournament you will be competing with other students around your age and belt rank.

 

Know the Rules

Each tournament is a bit different, depending on who is hosting. All division have judges and some can have referees to make sure everything goes accordingly. However, rules for scoring points follow certain guidelines:

For Sparring

• You get awarded one point for a basic attack to your opponent’s chest protector (i.e. side kick).
• You get two points for a kick to your opponent’s head or if the kick involves a spinning or jumping technique (including a jump back kick, spin hook kick).
• Point scoring can vary per tournament*
• While looking at the score board is tempting, try not to look at it. Focus on your fight!

For the rest of the divisions, students will be judges upon performance & technique

Certain types of gear are required for sparring competitors:

• Chest Protector
• Arm Guard
• Groin Guard
• Shin & Instep Guards
• Helmet
• Mouth-Guard

Be Prepared to Wait

Unfortunately, a Tae Kwon Do tournament involves a lot of waiting. Even though some tournaments conduct several sparring matches simultaneously, there are still a lot of them to get through. If you win a match early in the day, it may be a while before the next round takes place. This gives you an opportunity to watch the other fighters, or compete in one of the other divisions.

 

Training for Your First Tae Kwon Do Tournament

• The number one thing you can do to prepare for a tournament is PRACTICE.
• The second most important thing you can do is PRACTICE.
• And when you’ve done those two things – you should PRACTICE.
• Don’t wait too long to register for your first tournament, the earlier you start the more experience you gain and the better you will become.

Ask your instructor for help with your technique. Make sure you practice sparring with fellow students so you can learn to look for openings. One thing that most people don’t prepare for, is learning how to take a punch to the chest or a kick to the head. There is a good chance, you will get hit during a sparring match. The gear keeps injuries to a minimum, but a good punch can still take you by surprise. Sparring practice lets you learn how that feels so it doesn’t throw you off your rhythm.

 

Practical Considerations

• Make sure you label your gear. Everyone at the tournament owns similar pads and bags. It is easy to lose your gear or pick up the wrong bag.
• Make sure your uniform is clean and pressed. This is especially important if you are competing in forms.
• Bring a snack and plenty of water to drink. A Tae Kwon Do tournament is a lot of work and you will probably be there for quite a while. It’s important to stay hydrated. (please no sugary drinks or candy)

Win or Lose – Everyone Leaves a Winner

You may or may not leave the Tae Kwon Do tournament with a ribbon or trophy. If you do receive one,  then “Congratulations!” You have a right to be proud.

However, keep in mind that more people actually lose than win at a Tae Kwon Do tournament. The important thing is to ask yourself these questions:

• Did I do my best?
• How did my sparring compare to my practice sessions?
• What do I need to do to improve for next time?
• Did I have fun?

There is no need to be disappointed if you lose. The experience is invaluable – and you tried something new. Competing in your first Tae Kwon Do tournament becomes a personal victory.

If you have an interest in tournament competition, tell one of the instructors at Vortexic. We can give you information on scheduled tournaments and help you develop a training plan for your first Tae Kwon Do tournament.

Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for Upcomming Tournaments

source https://vortexic.com/preparing-for-your-first-tae-kwon-do-tournament/

How Tae Kwon Do Builds Self-Confidence

Today, we hear a lot about a child’s self-esteem. Unfortunately, experts don’t understand real confidence. Case in point, athletic programs are structured, so there are no “losers.” School curriculums are designed so that no one is “left behind.” In a somewhat misguided approach, people try to give kids self-confidence. The reality is that children need to find it on their own. Esteem needs to stem from confidence in real abilities. When your child takes Tae Kwon Do classes at Vortexic, they build self-confidence the right way.

Belief in Yourself Comes After Real Accomplishment

According to the dictionary, the definition of confidence is the “belief in oneself and one’s powers or abilities.”

It does not matter how many times you tell a child they are a great baseball player, or even how many participation trophies they own. They know whether or not they strike out each time they go to bat. They KNOW when they are good at what they do.

In Tae Kwon Do, students progress in rank after mastering their techniques. Your child is not competing against others, only with themselves. As they progress, they know without a doubt that they have earned those belts.

They believe they can do it – because they KNOW they can do it.

Building Self-Confidence With Tae Kwon Do

According to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, confidence and integrity walk hand in hand.

“Confidence… thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them, it cannot live.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

According to this, honesty, honor, and self-discipline are important to self-confidence. All of these things are crucial to a Martial Artist. Tae Kwon Do teaches children to honor their word, in all circumstances. They are taught to be respectful and trustworthy. Knowing that they are the sort of person others trust, it builds their self-esteem. Progress in rank involves proven character traits as well as physical prowess.

Once again, they gain confidence built on real accomplishments, not manufactured situations.

Tae Kwon Do Creates Leaders Instead of Followers

Confidence builds leaders. Studies have shown that students of the martial arts gain confidence, while they learn to defend themselves. Those that have problems being bullied find a new sense of courage as they learn to resolve conflicts, and when necessary, to protect themselves from harm. As many as two-thirds of children being bullied cease to have a problem by the time they reached black belt status.

Tae Kwon Do doesn’t just help those being bullied. It’s been shown that bullies themselves lack self-esteem; therefore, they need to pick on others to feel better about themselves. If your child has a tendency to pick on others, Vortexic Martial Arts addresses those character traits. As they learn to feel confident and take pride in their integrity, their need for bullying ceases.

Come and sit through one of our classes. We would love to sit down and discuss our curriculum. Let us show you how we can help your child find their own self-confidence.

Vortexic.com

source https://vortexic.com/how-tae-kwon-do-builds-self-confidence/

5 Best Tae Kwon Do Kicks for Self-Defense

If you can hold off an attacker with a kick, you stand a good chance of getting away unhurt. Think about it. Ideally, the best way to win a fight is to run away. After all, if you aren’t there they can’t hurt you. But, sometimes you are forced to defend yourself. Keeping the threat in kicking range means they can’t get close. This prevents them from hitting or choking. To better explain, let’s take a look at the five best Tae Kwon Do kicks for self-defense.

1. Front Push Kick
2. Side Kick
3. Back Kick
4. Roundhouse Kick
5. Front Snap Kick

The Four Ranges of Combat

The four ranges of combat are kicking, punching, trapping, and grappling. Each one increases the amount of contact between opponents as they get progressively closer to each other. Ideally, you want to keep your attacker as far away as possible – in kicking range (or even further).

Tae Kwon Do focuses heavily on kicking. When you take a class at Vortexic, we teach you how to read your opponent’s intentions and use kicks to thwart their attacks. Even if you have no interest in pursuing Tae Kwon Do as a sport, you need to learn how these defensive moves can make you less of a target.

The Defensive Posture in Tae Kwon Do

We teach you to position your body with your weak side forward and your strong hand protecting your face. This position allows you to launch any of the five defensive kicks without repositioning your body.

For instance, the front push kick is one of our favorites. As a person comes at you, raise your front or back knee, and thrust out your leg. The leg is powerful and if you are well grounded, you can force them backward – AWAY FROM YOU. This might present you with the opportunity to run. At the very least, it will throw them off balance and in the best case scenario, it has them falling flat.

Equally powerful, and essentially the same is the side kick. From the exact same defensive posture, you can neutralize a threat coming in from the side. Pull up the knee, exactly as you did with the front push kick. Only this time, rotate the hip and thrust out sideways instead of to the front. Generally, you have a bit more flexibility when pushing to the side. You can aim for the leg, chest, or head. All make excellent targets.

Ok, so that takes care of the guy coming at your from the front and the one that’s attacking from the side. But, how about the guy behind you?

Well for that one, we teach you the back kick. Just like the others, you chamber that knee. Then you drive that leg straight back, and kick the stuffing out of the person attacking you from the rear. Connect with their midsection and you drive the wind right out of them.

Tae Kwon Do’s Best Defensive/Offensive Kicks

“Great” you say. “But that only knocks them down. What happens if I am trapped and I can’t run away? Aren’t they are just going to get back up and come again?”

Well, maybe, unless you got lucky with one of those side kicks to the head and manage to knock them out. But, don’t worry, Tae Kwon Do offers two good defensive kicks that are also quite offensive (well, offensive to the bad guys).

The roundhouse kick generates enough power to literally snap bones or knock someone out completely. As you face your opponent in your defensive position, pull up that knee (do you see a pattern here?) and open your hips. Then you turn your leg into a whip and snap it into their leg, side, or head.

A roundhouse kick is hard for them to see coming. The leg moves in from their periphery. Often, you have connected just as they begin to catch sight of your foot. We teach you how to deliver the kick without telegraphing your intent. There are times when a good offense is the best defense.

The #5 or Maybe the #1 Best Tae Kwon Do Kick for Self-Defense

I’ve saved the front snap kick for last, because it can be the most effective (against men). You guessed it, it’s a whipping kick straight up into the groin – or the face. Both hurt, but I honestly think some men would rather get kicked in the face.

Ladies, you need to come to class and learn these kicks (men too). Basic self-defense doesn’t require fancy spinning, acrobatics, or a lot of steps. It just requires a few basics, which we teach at Vortexic.

A Serious Word About Self-Defense

Unfortunately, in today’s world, people need to know how to defend themselves. Always, the best way to stay safe is to run away. Fighting should only be a last resort. If you are forced to fight, Tae Kwon Do kicks keep attackers at a safe range. At that distance, you have a better chance of getting away.

Everyone can learn these five basic kicks. We teach them to all our students, and right from the beginning. Come and take one of Vortexic’s complimentary classes. Call us or just get in the car and come over. Let us teach you how to defend yourself and stay safe.

Vortexic MA

source https://vortexic.com/5-best-tae-kwon-do-kicks-for-self-defense/

What Does a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do Signify?

You did it. Proudly tied around your waist is that ultimate of martial arts goals – the black belt. Your family and friends slap you on the back as they offer you congratulations. Your instructors bow in respect and give words of well-deserved praise. Capture the moment. You will remember it for the rest of your life.

But then you stop and consider – “Now what? Is this it? What does having this black belt mean for me?”

Defining the Role of a “Master”

Whoever wrote the Wikipedia article on black belts nailed the analogy:

“Since in many styles a black belt takes approximately three to six years of training to achieve, a good intuitive analogy would be a bachelor’s degree: the student has a good understanding of concepts and ability to use them but has not yet perfected their skills. In this analogy, a master’s degree and a doctorate would represent advancement past the first degree.”(1)

In simple words, a black belt means you have mastered the fundamentals of Tae Kwon Do. You should be very proud of your accomplishment. Only a few ever manage to reach the level of black belt, and even fewer go on to become a “master” of Tae Kwon Do as an art.

Children can achieve black belt status.This is because a black belt does NOT mean that the student can beat everyone in a fight. Even though kids are taught to spar, there is a point where size takes over. Having a black belt DOES mean they have acquired the mental and physical skills needed to teach others, and to take Tae Kwon Do from a “sport” to an “art”.

With Rank Comes Responsibility

If you reach the rank of black belt in Tae Kwon Do, you are expected to lead or teach. Believe it or not, a teacher often learns more than the students. When you have to break down the skills that you now take for granted, you see components and relationships you hadn’t noticed before. For this very reason, learning does not stop once you have your black belt.

As a black belt, you have a lot of responsibility. Students perceive you to be one of the “experts” in the dojang. It’s important that you stay in top condition and exhibit a strong character. Younger students look up to you and emulate you.

Your responsibility isn’t just inside the dojang. You need to be aware of your role outside as well. Others may discover that you are a black belt, so it is important that you are a strong representative and ambassador for your art. This means you must not be perceived as a bully, you shouldn’t speak ill of other styles – and while it is okay to demonstrate Tae Kwon Do, showing off should be avoided.

Finally, you have a responsibility to yourself. After years of disciplined study, the last thing you want to do is stop. Conditioning and muscle memory disappear when they aren’t exercised. Continue to study Tae Kwon Do and make it a life-long pursuit. There is always something new to learn.

A Word from the Black Belts at Vortexic

At Vortexic, our black belts take their rank and responsibilities seriously. In their own words, two of them describe what their rank means to them:

“I believe that there are three main points to what it means to be a black belt. The one I think is the most important is for a black belt to live by the 5 tenets of taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. Being a black belt also means that you value your experience as a martial artist and demand respect for your efforts, especially those in your journey going from white to black belt. Last but not least, a black belt has pride in his/her self as martial artist.”

-Isabel Enriquez

“Being a black belt has defined me as the person I am today. It represents years of hard work and a desire to always improve myself. It has instilled a sense of respect for myself and others.”

-Rachel R.

How Can You Become a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do?

Whether you are new to Tae Kwon Do or you have been studying for a while, you probably see that black belt as your goal. That’s good! A black belt gives you a focal point with clearly defined steps on how to get there.

Tae Kwon Do students are ranked by colored belts. As each level of study is mastered, the student moves up in rank. At first, it may only take a few months to move to the next rank. As each level gets progressively harder, it takes a bit more time. Finally, after mastering each of the levels, you are tested in proficiency and if you pass – you get your “degree” – a black belt.

The first step in getting a black belt in Tae Kwon Do is the easiest. Just call and schedule a class. We offer complimentary classes to anyone wanting to know more about Tae Kwon Do.

Check out what we teach. Visit with our black belts. Find out from them firsthand how Tae Kwon Do has developed them into the people they are today.

There is nothing to lose! Call us today. Vortexic MA

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_belt_(martial_arts)

source https://vortexic.com/what-does-a-black-belt-in-tae-kwon-do-signify/

MMA vs Taekwondo: The Case for Traditional Martial Arts

We teach Tae Kwon Do, so it’s probably no surprise that we feel that traditional martial arts are the way to go. However,we believe an opinion should be supported by facts. Therefore, we offer you the reasons why we believe everyone, especially children, should begin their training in traditional martial arts and not MMA.

What is MMA?

MMA, or mixed martial arts, has actually been around for centuries. As the name implies, it is just an amalgam of several styles. Tae Kwon Do, in its present day form, was developed during the 1940s from elements of Karate, Taekkyeon, Subak, and Gwonbeop. If you consider the impact of other styles in the development of this discipline, then the argument can be made that Tae Kwon Do is a mixed martial art.

 

However, In today’s society, MMA has come to signify the combat sport that has been popularized by such organizations as the UFC. Made popular in the 1990’s, that form of mixed martial arts is what people think of when the term MMA is used.

Comparing the Purposes of Tae Kwon Do and MMA

 

MMA is a combat sport designed to entertain. Fans are not interested in a defensive fight. Therefore, MMA teaches aggression. The primary purpose of MMA is to fight in the ring – TO MAKE MONEY.

 

Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and pretty much all the other traditional martial arts teach self-defense. One of my favorite quotes by a martial arts instructor is, “The best way to win a fight is to avoid a fight.”  Aggression should never be encouraged, especially in children, unless there is no other option but to fight. Traditional martial arts stresses this. Self-control and discipline are keys to traditional training.

 

So to reiterate:  MMA, by necessity, focuses on aggression, because the goal is to fight, win, and make money. Traditional martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do teach students to fight only WHEN NECESSARY.

 

Carefully consider which of those philosophies of fighting you want your children to be taught.

Wait a Minute – Isn’t Tae Kwon Do a Combat Sport?

Yes it is. The difference is that you have never paid a hundred dollars to watch two Tae Kwon Do kids knock each other out. Traditional martial arts tournaments have some pretty strict rules. They participants wear sparring gear, to PREVENT injury, not encourage it. The contest is about technique and control. How quick is the reaction time? Which one saw an opening? You only need to show that you would win a fight, you don’t have to prove it by knocking out your opponent.

The difference may be subtle, but it’s real. Tae Kwon Do builds confidence, not aggression.

Even MMA Fighters Recommend Tae Kwon Do Training

In a recent interview with Tim Kennedy, the retired MMA fighter discussed his thoughts on training at an MMA school. This is what he said:  “They’re building a house without a foundation. An MMA coach can take the skills and tools you have and put them together to construct a nice building, but if the foundation doesn’t exist — which is the techniques — you’re wasting your time.”

 

Tae Kwon Do provides that foundation. In fact, a large number of MMA fighters began their study of martial arts with Tae Kwon Do, and continue to do so even today.

 

Both Anderson Silva and Cung Le, famous MMA fighters, started training in Tae Kwon Do as children. Silva relies heavily that training when he executes his famous Tae Kwon Do kicks. It wasn’t that long ago that he knocked out Vitor Belfort with a front kick for the middleweight title. Cung Le is known for his spinning back kick and straight, Tae Kwon Do punches.

 

Anthony Pettis, another fighter, is a 3rd-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do who still trains in it today. In an interview, he gave the credit for his success to his Tae Kwon Do training. The ability to throw lightning-fast kicks has been a huge asset for him in the octagon.  

 

All of these MMA fighters owe their success in MMA to traditional martial arts training, specifically Tae Kwon Do.

Summation and Closing Arguments

 

• By its very nature, MMA emphasizes aggression. It has to. Nobody will win fights if they are running away from their opponent.

 

• MMA fighters generally own a specific set of skills received from traditional martial arts training. It is only later, after years of training in specific styles, that they start blending techniques and disciplines.

 

• Tae Kwon Do emphasises self-control and discipline. The benefits of this carry over into all parts of the student’s life, not just in the dojang. The very structure of a traditional class makes the student a more productive member of society.

 

The case for traditional martial arts training cannot be disputed. If you want to pursue combat sports, train in Tae Kwon Do. If you are a teenager, there may even be an opportunity for college scholarships. If you are more interested in street-defense, you can look into Hapkido. There, you train in all four combat ranges (which is what happens in MMA) and yet, you will also benefit from the character-building discipline that goes with traditional martial arts.

 

We, at Vortexic, highly recommend that you train in traditional martial arts before you ever consider branching off into mixed martial arts. If someday, your child wants to become a professional fighter, then maybe that’s the time to look into MMA. However, Vortexic offers classes in Olympic style Tae Kwon Do. This too, can be a path to a professional career. Maybe someday, your child will be the one standing on the podium, holding gold. In the meantime,Tae Kwon Do definitely offers them the best training in self-defense, sport, and character.

Check Out Our Taekwondo Class Here

source https://vortexic.com/mma-vs-taekwondo-the-case-for-traditional-martial-arts/