Taekwondo is a popular martial art that originated in Korea and has gained worldwide recognition for its physical and mental benefits. It is a discipline that requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance, making it a perfect fit for students looking to excel in both academics and sports. However, the cost of training and competing in taekwondo can be a barrier for some students, especially those from low-income families. This is where scholarships for taekwondo come into play, providing financial assistance to students who want to pursue their passion for this martial art. In this article, we will explore the possibilities of getting a scholarship for taekwondo and the various options available for students.
Contents
The Benefits of Taekwondo
Before delving into the topic of scholarships, it is essential to understand the benefits of taekwondo and why it is a popular choice among students. Taekwondo is not just about learning self-defense techniques; it also has numerous physical and mental benefits that can positively impact a student’s life.
Physical Benefits
- Improved strength and flexibility: Taekwondo involves various kicking and punching techniques that require strength and flexibility. Regular training can help students develop stronger muscles and increase their range of motion.
- Cardiovascular fitness: The fast-paced movements and high-intensity training in taekwondo can improve cardiovascular health and endurance.
- Weight management: Taekwondo is a full-body workout that can help students maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall physical fitness.
Mental Benefits
- Discipline and focus: Taekwondo requires students to follow a strict code of conduct and focus on their training. This can help students develop discipline and improve their ability to concentrate.
- Confidence and self-esteem: As students progress in their training and achieve higher ranks, they gain confidence in their abilities and develop a sense of self-esteem.
- Stress relief: The physical activity and mental focus in taekwondo can help students relieve stress and improve their overall well-being.
These are just some of the many benefits of taekwondo, making it a valuable activity for students to pursue. However, the cost of training and competing in taekwondo can be a barrier for some students, especially those from low-income families. This is where scholarships for taekwondo can make a significant difference.
Read:why i deserve this scholarship?Types of Scholarships for Taekwondo
There are various types of scholarships available for students who want to pursue taekwondo. These scholarships can cover the cost of training, competition fees, and even travel expenses for tournaments. Here are some of the most common types of scholarships for taekwondo:
1. College Scholarships
Many colleges and universities offer scholarships for students who excel in taekwondo. These scholarships can cover a portion or the entire cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses. To be eligible for these scholarships, students must demonstrate exceptional skills in taekwondo and maintain a certain level of academic performance.
For example, the University of California, Berkeley offers the Taekwondo Scholarship to incoming freshmen who have a black belt in taekwondo and have competed at the national or international level. The scholarship covers up to $5,000 per year for four years.
2. National Governing Body Scholarships
National governing bodies (NGBs) for taekwondo, such as USA Taekwondo and Taekwondo Canada, also offer scholarships to support athletes in their training and competition expenses. These scholarships are usually awarded to athletes who have achieved a certain level of success in national and international competitions.
Read:Are scholarships free money?For instance, USA Taekwondo offers the National Team Scholarship to athletes who have represented the United States at the World Taekwondo Championships or the Olympic Games. The scholarship covers up to $5,000 per year for four years.
3. Private Scholarships
There are also private organizations and foundations that offer scholarships for taekwondo. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria, such as financial need, academic performance, or community involvement.
One example is the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation Scholarship, which is awarded to taekwondo athletes who have demonstrated a commitment to community service and humanitarian efforts. The scholarship covers up to $2,000 per year for four years.
4. Sponsorships
In addition to scholarships, students can also seek sponsorships from companies or organizations that support taekwondo. These sponsorships can provide financial assistance for training and competition expenses, as well as opportunities for athletes to represent the sponsor in tournaments and events.
For example, Adidas sponsors top taekwondo athletes and provides them with training gear, competition uniforms, and financial support for their expenses.
How to Get a Scholarship for Taekwondo
Now that we have explored the different types of scholarships available for taekwondo, let’s discuss how students can increase their chances of getting a scholarship.
Read:What are the benefits of attending a local community college?1. Develop Your Skills
The first step to getting a scholarship for taekwondo is to develop your skills and become a top athlete. This requires dedication, hard work, and consistent training. Attend classes regularly, practice at home, and participate in tournaments to improve your skills and gain experience.
2. Maintain Academic Performance
Many scholarships for taekwondo require students to maintain a certain level of academic performance. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize your studies and maintain good grades. This will not only make you eligible for scholarships but also help you in your future academic pursuits.
3. Network and Seek Opportunities
Networking is crucial in the world of taekwondo. Attend seminars, workshops, and tournaments to meet coaches, athletes, and sponsors. This can open up opportunities for sponsorships and scholarships. Additionally, keep an eye out for scholarship opportunities and apply for them when they become available.
4. Showcase Your Achievements
When applying for scholarships, it is essential to showcase your achievements in taekwondo. This can include your competition results, rank, and any other awards or recognition you have received. It is also helpful to have recommendation letters from coaches or instructors who can attest to your skills and dedication.
Success Stories: Athletes Who Received Scholarships for Taekwondo
There are numerous success stories of athletes who have received scholarships for taekwondo and have gone on to achieve great success in their athletic and academic pursuits. Here are just a few examples:
1. Jade Jones
Jade Jones is a British taekwondo athlete who has won two Olympic gold medals and three World Championship titles. She received a scholarship from the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) in 2009, which helped her train and compete at the highest level. Jones went on to become the first British athlete to win a gold medal in taekwondo at the Olympic Games.
2. Steven Lopez
Steven Lopez is an American taekwondo athlete who has won five Olympic medals, including two gold medals. He received a scholarship from the United States Olympic Committee in 1997, which helped him train and compete in international tournaments. Lopez is considered one of the greatest taekwondo athletes of all time.
3. Bianca Walkden
Bianca Walkden is a British taekwondo athlete who has won two Olympic bronze medals and three World Championship titles. She received a scholarship from the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) in 2010, which helped her train and compete at the highest level. Walkden is currently ranked number one in the world in the heavyweight division.
Conclusion:
Taekwondo is not just a martial art; it is a way of life that can bring numerous physical and mental benefits to students. However, the cost of training and competing in taekwondo can be a barrier for some students. This is where scholarships for taekwondo come into play, providing financial assistance to students who want to pursue their passion for this martial art. There are various types of scholarships available, including college scholarships, national governing body scholarships, private scholarships, and sponsorships. To increase your chances of getting a scholarship, it is essential to develop your skills, maintain academic performance, network, and showcase your achievements. With dedication and hard work, students can achieve their dreams of becoming top taekwondo athletes with the help of scholarships.
