Little Ninjas of Phoenix

To see children of even less than five years ardently attending the martial art class for the beginners to wrestle with the challenges of living in a complex, multi-cultural modern city in the United States of America is a memorable experience to a septuagenarian who was here on a vacation to spend time with the grandchildren.

Located in Chandler in Phoenix, Arizona Master Shin’s world-class Taekwondo center for imparting martial art skills. A visit to this center, one gets impressed with the ancient art of Korea of two centuries lineage. It has grown with the deft coaching of masters well-versed in the finest kicking techniques for the diligent pupils, which has a rightful place in Olympic sport.

A casual talk with Master Dongkwan Shin, owner and Headmaster Instructor, reveals that he has over two decades in martial arts training with a fifth-degree Certified Kukkiwon Black Belt. He is ably assisted by his American wife and a few debonair young boys from Korea to keep the children of different ages slotted in a particular time span to undergo rigorous training in the traditional attire of spotless white. Children of both genders of variegated ages find thrills and pride in the dexterity of Taekwondo by applying their focused attention in learning the ropes sans much ado but with obvious zeal.  What strikes one is that the instructors, including the Headmaster, remain cool and amiable and impart the wards with a consummate mix of discipline and fun so that the children cut their teeth in the martial arts with gusto and seriousness laced with discipline.

Asked what impact his center has spawned on students evincing increasing interest in this new genre of martial arts that are unlike karate or kung fu, Shin explained generations of students have been transformed by the life- enhancing behavioral changes and patterns triggered by Taekwondo training that place due premium on patience and perseverance in the face of emerging challenges. For children at the inflection point from infancy to a youthful phase, the martial art training helps improve balance and coordination, heighten self-confidence and concentration to stay focused on tasks given. The Headmaster, with his characteristic aplomb, observed.

In a competitive world where children must contend with multiple chores in their daily routines, Taekwondo enables them to put up resistance to peer pressure and bullying, fosters athletic skill, self-discipline and a respectful attitude. In the class, the art demands a polite salute at the entry and exit points with heads bowed to the class and also at the end of each exercise the children complete.

It may be the children appear punching much above their weight with their vocal cords constantly on high but in reality, they relish doing this with evangelical zest lest they should never be found wanting to stand up to any combat. This nudging to be ready is what keeps children of all ages participating vigorously in the classrooms and their body language is clear that the calisthenics does do profound changes in their body and mind to keep them bubbling with interest to take up any activity, both physical and mental, without the sense of exhaustion.

Both the master and his wife constantly interact with all the children and if someone is found wanting the help is at hand and the boy or girl is unobtrusively told to do it in the right way. Ultimately, as Master Shin, the training center serves the triple goal of teaching the highest quality martial arts, empowering students with invaluable skills for daily life and contributing to a safe and placid community. 

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article/column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of South Asian Herald.

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