Taekwondo experts in Abuja have urged schools and community organisations to integrate Taekwondo into children’s programs, citing its potential to foster comprehensive human development and enhance psychological growth.

The experts highlighted that Taekwondo goes beyond traditional martial arts, promoting social skills, physical endurance, and the ability to follow instructions.

Speaking at a recent Taekwondo graduation ceremony at the Korean Culture Centre Nigeria (KCCN) Taekwondo Hall in Abuja, the centre’s Public Relations Officer and Taekwondo Department Supervisor, Gwangmin Lee, explained that the practice helps children develop collaboration skills, self-confidence, and overall personal well-being.

“The KCCN started this early August, today we’re graduating two students who have proven themselves. Taekwondo is important in building the minds and confidence in children,” Lee said, noting that the centre began a summer training program to give young minds opportunities for expression and growth.

Head Coach Gbolahan Ogunmuyiwa further emphasised that Taekwondo extends beyond fighting, kicking, and punching, serving as a platform to instil core values in children. He called on schools to adopt Taekwondo within basic and secondary education curricula as a way to strengthen the country’s value system.

“We recommend it for schools, we recommend it for community and associations. We also tell people that when getting instructors, get instructors from the right source, instructors who are thorough like instructors at the KCCN,” Ogunmuyiwa stated, underscoring the importance of quality instruction in achieving developmental outcomes.

Parents of the graduating students also praised the program for its holistic benefits. Princess Jaja, mother of one of the students, highlighted that Taekwondo supports cognitive development while teaching self-discipline and self-defence.

“Taekwondo is very instrumental for the cognitive development of children and helps equip them for self-defence,” she said, commending KCCN for fostering strong familial bonds between teachers and students.

The graduation ceremony not only marked the achievements of the students but also served as a reminder of the potential of martial arts like Taekwondo to nurture discipline, respect, focus, and teamwork—skills experts say are crucial for children’s growth both in and out of the classroom.