January 2018 by Chris Horrell
Our family has been members of Just for Kicks (JFK) Taekwondo going on 8 years now. It started off with my oldest son who was 3 at the time and me who had decided to take up Taekwondo again after a hiatus of over 24 years. Mr. Andrew Beauxjeaux and the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) have a unique perspective and approach when it comes to teaching this invaluable sport to the members of the school. First, my son started off as a “Tiny Tiger” which is a program geared towards introducing the sport to young children. As I said, my son, who was 3 years old at the time he started in the Tiny Tiger program was a very shy and cautious youngster. However, over the course of about two classes, we could see a visible change in his participation in the program. The program, as I understand it, is geared towards building coordination, balance, and confidence in the individual students. My son fell in love with Taekwondo almost immediately and over the course of about two years, he worked his way through the Tiny Tigers program and graduated to the Master Club program. At this point, he was well on his way of accomplishing his goal to become a Black Belt. As time progressed, he accelerated in his coordination, balance and strength but perhaps most importantly, his confidence in himself as a person grew. My son continued to work in the program and earned his 1st degree black belt at the age of 6. He has continued in Taekwondo since then and at the age of 11 earned a 2nd degree black belt. Additionally, he has entered the instructor program and competed in numerous ATA sanctioned tournaments where he has placed. This year he went to the district championships and though he did not win, he recognized the importance of competition and comrade and followed the ATA mantra “To Compete is to Win”; an attitude that is getting harder to find in this age of instant gratification. We love the JFK program so much that my 4 year old is now enrolled in the Tiny Tiger program and is working towards his 1st degree Black Belt. As for me, I have continued through the program and I continue to work towards my goal of a 2nd degree black belt. During my time with JFK, I have participated in ATA sanctioned tournaments and in 2011, with the help of Mr. Beauxjeaux I competed and won a state title for both forms and sparring.The workouts for adults are fun and strenuous. Both young and adult students are introduced to and work on forms, board breaking, sparring, techniques for self-defense, techniques for kicking and punching, and the use of various types of weapons. Over time, and with the help of JFK, I have gone from a husky 200 pounds to much thinner 150 pounds with the added benefit of additional muscle and cardiovascular strength. The JFK School, the program, and instructors are exceptional. The classes are held in the evenings which is great for those who work and as an after school activity for kids. The instructors are continuously building in workshops, camps (which are great for the kids), and other events that both engage the students and build relationships. Also, I also cannot say enough about Mrs. Beauxjeuax. Though she is not an instructor, she is exceptionally nice and has years of knowledge regarding the program, the school, and ATA. She can answer your questions and will help you prepare you or your kids for belt promotions, workshops, and tournaments.In short, for those who are looking to help their kids build confidence, self-esteem, responsibility, and strength this is the karate school for you. As a JFK member since 2010, and with two kids who are very active in the school, I cannot think of a better way to spend my money and watch my kids grow and accelerate in a sport that forces you to challenge yourself personally while creating relationships with the instructors and other students.
