A first class is 35 minutes; Pee-Wee classes are 30. Some children watch for a few minutes first, plenty jump right in, and many nervous ones soon forget their nerves. Here is what helps.
What to wear to a first Tae Kwon Do class
- Comfortable clothes that allow kicking. No uniform is needed for a first class.
- Bare feet on the mat, so easy-off shoes.
- A water bottle with a name on it.
Before you leave the house
- Arrive ten minutes early. The bow-in starts on time and children hate walking in late.
What to tell your child
Say what will happen: “You'll bow, you'll copy the teacher, you'll kick a pad.” Don't promise a belt. Don't promise it will be easy. Promise you'll be watching from the bench, and stay there.
Afterwards
Ask one question on the drive home: “What was your favorite part?” Not “Do you want to do it again?” The second question is yours to decide, after you've spoken with Grandmaster Chung.1
1. Membership is discussed after a first class, never before. See Classes for placement by age.