Martial Arts as a Family Activity: Why Tang Soo Do is the Perfect Kick

Family time in the modern age often looks like this: kids glued to their tablets, parents scrolling on their phones and the only time you’re 'together' is during an occasional group photo. But what if family time could be about kicks, punches and shared laughter instead? No, I’m not suggesting you start a family fight club - I’m talking about Tang Soo Do, a martial art that’s not only about self-defence but also about building stronger families.

Tang Soo Do isn’t just for kids or those with Black Belt aspirations; it’s a family-friendly practice that gets everyone moving, learning and bonding in ways you never expected. Let’s dive into why Tang Soo Do is the perfect family activity and how you can get started as a team.

Kickstart Family Bonding (Literally)

Nothing brings a family together quite like trying to nail the perfect sidekick. Tang Soo Do classes are designed to be inclusive, with everyone - from the youngest to the oldest - learning and practicing together.

Picture this: Mum and Dad working on their Forms (patterns) while the kids cheer them on and the whole family sharing high-fives after nailing a challenging move. Tang Soo Do turns family time into an active, engaging experience that builds teamwork and mutual support.

Fitness for All (Goodbye Couch, Hello Mat)

Let’s face it, finding an activity that keeps everyone in the family active is no small feat. Tang Soo Do is perfect because it meets each person where they are.

• Kids burn off their endless energy.

• Parents work on flexibility and fitness.

• Grandparents? Yep, even they can join in with modified moves.

Plus, you don’t need to worry about anyone getting bored. The mix of kicks, punches, forms and self-defence techniques keeps every class fresh and exciting.

Shared Goals = Shared Wins

Tang Soo Do thrives on progression. From earning your first White Belt to celebrating each stripe and new rank, there’s a sense of achievement that’s even sweeter when shared as a family.

Imagine this: Your whole family earning their next belts together. The pride, the photos and maybe even a little friendly competition over who gets their Forms perfect first - it’s a journey you’ll all cherish.

Learning Life Skills as a Team

Tang Soo Do is about more than physical moves; it’s about instilling values like respect, discipline and perseverance. These lessons hit differently when practiced as a family.

• Respect becomes real when siblings bow to each other (instead of squabbling over whose turn it is with the remote).

• Discipline is built when everyone commits to regular practice, even on lazy days.

• Perseverance shines when you tackle challenges together - like nailing that tricky spinning kick.

These lessons don’t just stay on the mat; they weave into your daily family life.

Unplug and Connect

In a world dominated by screens, Tang Soo Do offers a much-needed chance to unplug. No Wi-Fi? No problem. When you’re on the mat, the only thing that matters is the next move and the people practicing beside you.

It’s a rare opportunity to truly connect as a family without distractions - and yes, it’s okay to sneak a selfie after class.

A Safe Space for Growth

Tang Soo Do Do Jangs (training halls) are more than places to learn martial arts - they’re welcoming, judgment-free zones where families can grow together. Whether it’s the youngest member mastering their first punch or Dad finally touching his toes during warm-ups, progress is celebrated at every level.

Tips for Getting Started as a Family

1. Find a Family-Friendly Do Jang

   Look for a Tang Soo Do school that welcomes students of all ages. Many Do Jangs offer family-specific classes so you can train side-by-side.

2. Start Simple

   You don’t need fancy gear to begin. Comfortable clothes and an open mind are all you need for your first class. Once you’re hooked (and you will be), you can invest in Do Boks (training uniforms) and belts.

3. Set Shared Goals

   Work towards milestones as a family, like earning your next belt or perfecting a group Form. Celebrating these wins together adds an extra layer of meaning.

4. Encourage Each Other

   Not every move will come easily (looking at you, spinning back kick). Cheer each other on and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

5. Make It Fun

   Practice outside of class can be as simple as a quick warm-up session in the living room or a playful sparring match in the backyard. Tang Soo Do is serious about values but never loses its sense of fun.

Real Families, Real Benefits

Take the Jamesons, for example. This family of four started Tang Soo Do as a way to stay active. Now, they’re working towards their Black Belts together, with Dad joking that his 9-year-old might outrank him someday.

Or the Phillips family, who credit Tang Soo Do with improving their family communication. “We’ve learned to listen better, support each other and even laugh at our mistakes,” Mum says.

Why Tang Soo Do? Because Family Is a Team Sport

Tang Soo Do isn’t just a martial art - it’s a shared journey that strengthens your family from the inside out. It’s about finding common ground, building lifelong skills and creating memories that will last far beyond the mat.

So, if you’re looking for a way to bring your family closer while staying active and learning something amazing, why not give Tang Soo Do a try?

Who knows? Your next family tradition might just involve a little bowing, a lot of laughing and some pretty impressive high kicks.

Tang Soo!