A couple believe that Taekwondo can help their son improve his confidence and self esteem as ethe KLAS Dojo hosted its first belt graduation for their Taekwondo class at the KL Security main office in Matautu on Saturday. 

Piuiki Matautia Matalavea, 36, and her husband Lematoa Matalavea, 36, from Faatoia have enrolled their nine-year-old son Iosefo Matalavea for the classes.

“Taekwondo has always been around for a long time and the reason why I introduced my son into the sport was for building his self-confidence and self-esteem. Another reason was for self-defense, knowing how fast the world is right now they at least know how to defend themselves and using them for the right reasons and not to start fights at school,” said Mrs. Matalavea.

Taekwondo has always been the sport many parents take their children to build discipline, self-confidence and respect towards their elders.

Little Iosefo has been doing his best and putting in the practice needed to reach his next belt.

“His progress is very good and according to his instructor Kaino, he is improving a lot from the time we had put him in this program. As a mother I am always that person that can’t let him be independent but now I can say that I am more relaxed and can let him be on his own,” she said.

Iosefo grew to love the sport after a rough start. His friends from school also attended the classes so it was more fun to learn and improve together.

“This is the best sport for children especially at this young age. As they grow up, they will learn how to control their anger and learning as a child how to use your skills correctly,” she said.

Each group was given the chance to demonstrate their martial art forms that went towards their final grading for their next belt.

They were all assessed on their attitude and behaviour as their head instructor continued to emphasise the importance of being disciplined and how it was an important principle in Taekwondo.

The student's parents attended the ceremony and observed each child perform their routine kicking, striking and blocking forms in their respective colour belt groups.

Many of the parents bring their children so that they could pick up on discipline and to have a healthy active sport as well.

The KLAS Taekwondo Dojo deliver classes for young children and adults.