Tae Kwon Do Tutors | A Martial Arts Blog

First off, congratulations! Getting accepted to college is an admirable accomplishment. Now the question is: how do you continue training?

Going to college is a big step forward and certainly an important one to make. Whether or not you continue what you are already doing, such as practicing taekwondo, is up to you. So how do you train while in higher education? This is an important question for this situation, and different black belts have different answers for this. No matter what you hear from others, there are solutions! Here are some of the most common solutions to that problem.

Join a Campus Club!

This one is kind of obvious. Most universities have some form of martial arts club, one of which is often taekwondo. In fact, some schools have two or more taekwondo clubs! Usually, this is because they want a general club and a sport-specific club. Or perhaps they’re two different types of taekwondo (e.g., WT and ITF). In either case, find the club that best fits your interests! Whichever one it might be, you might discover something you did not anticipate learning.

Benefits of Joining a Campus Club

Joining a campus club can provide you with a sense of community. You’ll meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for taekwondo. This camaraderie can motivate you to train harder and stay committed. Additionally, many clubs offer workshops and seminars with experienced instructors, which can enhance your skills.

Join a Local Dojang

Okay, but what if your college doesn’t have a taekwondo club? Well, then you should try and find a nearby school. Fair warning though, the new school may be quite different from what you might be used to. The dojangs nearby your college campus might practice more sparring, more sport taekwondo, more self-defense, or even focus on older styles of taekwondo. 

Embrace the Differences

Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. Frankly, I find that I learn a lot from other schools. Instead of seeing it as some sort of override to what I already know, I used it as an opportunity to add to my knowledge of taekwondo. For example, I learned to do forms from an instructor who trained in the 90s, an instructor who trained in the 70s, and an instructor who focused on sport poomsae. All of these people taught similar, but distinctly different, versions of the same form. In each, I learned something new. 

In essence, if you choose this route, keep an open mind! You might learn something you didn’t expect.

Create Your Own Club

This one is probably the most challenging option. But, if you really love taekwondo, you might find it worthwhile. It can get quite messy though, especially if you want to have testings, do competitions, etc. Those things often require trained instructors and coaches, which can sometimes be hard to come by on a college campus.

Navigating the Challenges

There is also the consideration of dealing with student government, campus bureaucracy, and a whole lot of other chaos attached. That said, it is certainly more accessible, funded by the college, and an amazing leadership opportunity! Also, it’s an interesting thing to add to your resume, don’t you think?

Train By Yourself (or With Your Instructor)

This one was a method I tried for a while. My instructor and I would do a video call once a week where he would help guide me in training for 30 minutes and then assign some homework to me. Every night, I had a set time where I would go to the campus gym and train for about an hour or so. This kept me fit, active, and well-prepared for when I got back to my home dojang on breaks!

The Importance of Self-Discipline

Of course, this doesn’t work for everyone, as every instructor and dojang is different and therefore has different policies. If an instructor allows it, however, it can be very helpful for continuing training. Self-discipline is key here. Setting aside time each day for practice can help you maintain your skills and stay in shape.

Additional Tips for Staying Active in Taekwondo

Set Realistic Goals

When you’re balancing college life and taekwondo, it’s important to set realistic goals. Whether it’s mastering a new form or improving your sparring techniques, having clear objectives can keep you motivated.

Stay Connected with Your Dojang

Even if you’re away from your home dojang, staying connected with your instructors and peers can be beneficial. Many dojangs have online classes or social media groups where you can share your progress and ask for advice.

Attend Workshops and Seminars

Look for workshops or seminars offered by local dojangs or martial arts organizations. These events can provide valuable training and networking opportunities.

Keep a Training Journal

Documenting your training sessions can help you track your progress. Write down what you learned, your feelings about each session, and areas where you want to improve. This reflection can enhance your training experience.

Conclusion

So there you go! There are some ideas for how you can continue your taekwondo education in higher education. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Keep training, stay passionate, and enjoy every moment of your college experience. Good luck to you in college! 

Got any other college campus ideas? Leave a comment down below!