Imagine that you're in school. Class starts, and your teacher asks a question that is completely foreign to you. Students around you raise their hands, and when the teacher calls on them, they know the answer - but you have no idea what they're talking about. Then you remember that you missed school yesterday. You missed the lesson on this topic, and now you're behind. When the teacher passes out a worksheet, everyone else quickly starts filling it out, but you sit there, completely lost.
This is just one example of the power of consistency. There is a reason why consistent attendance is so important in school. It is equally important in taekwondo.
I occasionally have parents ask if their child "has to" attend class twice a week, or if once a week is sufficient. I always respond that the student and the parent will want the child to attend class twice a week (or more!) for the following reasons:
At Grand Valley Taekwondo, we plan lessons based on the twice-weekly class schedule. We teach different curriculum on different days. If you are only coming to half the classes, you will miss things.
If all the other students are attending twice a week, and you are only coming once a week, then your peers are getting twice as much exposure than you are to the skills and material. You will probably feel discouraged that you are not progressing as fast as others in your class.
One class a week is simply not enough time to become proficient at taekwondo. (Honestly, twice a week is bare minimum.)
Besides, our classes are so much fun, you'll want to be here more often!
Now, I understand that life happens and all students occasionally have to miss class - sickness, travel, or other extenuating circumstances. Those things are normal. Barring those exceptions, however, consistency is the key to truly succeed. With any new skill you are trying to acquire, you must diligently work at it. If you expect to get better at something without putting in the work, you will be sorely disappointed.
I hate to see my students fighting this kind of frustration. That is why I strongly encourage students to commit to the recommended class schedule. That means:
Attend your classes consistently. Don't miss class unless absolutely necessary.
If you do have to miss class, find out what you missed so you can catch up.
Practice at home! Especially techniques that are challenging for you.
As you attend and practice consistently, your skills will improve and your confidence will grow. You will continue along your black belt journey and become your very best self!
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