My children began attending Master Rose's Karate for Kids in Forney, TX in 2004, and I joined soon after. When they started, they were 8 and 6 - they are now 13 and 12. The experiences and lessons they have had as part of a very unique family - an ATA Taekwondo family - are many:\r
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- first and foremost, they've learned taekwondo and have the opportunity to train with a wonderful person. Master Rose truly cares for each and every one of his students, and you can see that in the way he teaches. He takes time to get to know each student, and works with them to achieve their goals.\r
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- my children have learned patience. Too many times, we read that our children are given everything. My children have learned how to set goals and work towards them one step at a time - achieving the rank of black belt is not a simple goal, and it involves more than just ""knowing a form"". It's about character and attitude.\r
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- my children have learned tolerance. They have learned how to accept someone for who they are, and not how they appear on the outside to others. My oldest has worked with special needs children at tournaments and told me later that ""those kids are really cool mom. You can tell that they try their hardest all the time - I wish I had that kind of strength."" He's 13.\r
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- my children have learned that winning is not everything, but how you play the game is what counts. When we compete, they understand that not everyone can win, but as long as they do their best, and achieve a personal victory, then they've done well. Somedays, that personal victory is as simple as remembering their form - other times it's more difficult - but each time, they have learned something new. \r
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- my children have learned how to lead others. Part of the everyday training that we receive includes leadership. At the age of 13, my oldest can lead a class thru a warmup. As can my 12 year old. They have learned how to carry themselves with pride, how to stand up for themselves, and as blackbelts, they understand the value of being examples for younger children. They can perform at a tournament in front of 40 strangers, and not blink an eye.\r
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While I think that the taekwondo instruction we've experienced at Rose's Karate for Kids is second to none - I can say without a doubt that the school members, instructors, and owners have become a part of my family.\r
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Pros: Instructors are awesome
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