Taekwondo was introduced in the summer of 2021 as an addition to the Unlimited Dance Company at MCRC. The martial arts group led by our instructor, Laura Buzbee, has provided both therapeutic and social gains for the boys involved. The group has grown to include six martial artists from different backgrounds and diagnoses from our therapy programs. Taekwondo serves as an additional form of therapy and a continuation of therapy for those who have graduated, but who still benefit from the physical and social interaction. This extracurricular at MCRC has provided an inclusive outlet for boys who may not otherwise be able to participate in traditional martial arts programs.
Taekwondo is a martial art derived from the Korean art form of punching and kicking for self-defense. The physical benefits involved in learning taekwondo are many including improving flexibility, balance, posture, strength, motor planning, and endurance. In addition, martial arts can improve mental health by increasing self-esteem, focus, confidence, concentration, and self-discipline. Laura has seen firsthand how the use of this martial art form has benefited physical, mental, behavioral and social aspects for each of the participants, she shared, “Each of the students in our taekwondo program has shown such strength and growth in so many ways, and I feel very honored and humbled to be part of such a unique and forward-thinking program. MCRC is an incredible place, and we are fortunate to be able to provide this outlet within a program where students learn to know as well as show their own mental and physical strength and capabilities. They are all strong, competent, kind, and respectful young men and they are learning with every taekwondo lesson how to achieve their goals. We’re so proud of our students!
The martial artists in the group recently earned their yellow belts after mastering the tasks in their belt test. Each of the boys involved has seen a direct benefit from the program, but one has particularly shown progress. LJ, who began therapy at MCRC in 2015 to address difficulties associated with his autism diagnosis has continued to grow because of his time in taekwondo. Laura shared, “He has increased in his confidence, the martial art form has just come naturally to him. I can see that he has learned respect and important social skills from being in the group.”