An important component to our Taekwondo classes is meditation.
Definition of MEDITATE:
intransitive verb
1: to engage in contemplation or reflection
2: to engage in mental exercise (as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness

transitive verb
1: to focus one’s thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over
2: to plan or project in the mind : INTEND, PURPOSE
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meditate)

By teaching our students to meditate, we are giving them the tools to concentrate on their breathing, focusing only on that as opposed to stresses and distractions from the world around them. This is a very powerful tool! Children can use mediation to calm themselves before an important test in school. Adults can use mediation to relax prior to an interview for a new job or before delivering a presentation to an audience. Anyone who finds themselves in a stressful situation can better calm themselves through the breathing and focus that is taught in mediation.

“Scientific research has shown that…meditation (has) great health benefits. Some of the benefits you can experience from meditation include –
• Increased Intelligence
• Decrease in Insomnia
• Increased Personal Development
• Decreased Stress and Anxiety
• Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Related Deaths
• Lowered Blood Pressure
• Easier to Focus and Concentrate
• Reduced Risk for other Diseases and Illnesses

The benefits of practicing meditation regularly are vast. The best part of meditation is that anyone can learn how to do it, and it can be learned at almost any age.
How does meditation work and benefit so many people? Simply by incorporating it into their daily lives.” (http://www.project-meditation.org/wim/how_does_meditation_work.html)

Angel Perkins, Enrollment Specialist