From Taekwondo to Jiu-Jitsu: Why I Believe Taekwondo Is the Perfect Starting Point for Kids
As someone who has trained in multiple martial arts styles—earning my 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, training as a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and spending a couple of years in Muay Thai—I’ve seen firsthand how different each martial art can be.
And here’s the thing: there’s no “best” martial art. Every style has its own strengths, challenges, and benefits. What matters most is finding the right fit for you—or for your child.
How Martial Arts Styles Differ
One of the most fascinating things about martial arts is how unique each style feels:
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Taekwondo – Highly structured, with a strong focus on kicks, forms, and traditional etiquette. A great foundation for beginners, especially kids, because it builds coordination, discipline, and respect.
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Ground-based, focusing on grappling, submissions, and leverage. Excellent for learning self-defense and problem-solving under pressure.
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Muay Thai – Known as “the art of eight limbs,” this striking art uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees for a fast-paced, high-intensity experience.
None of these are “better” than the others—it really depends on what you’re looking for.
The Tradition Factor: What Makes Taekwondo Unique
One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is the level of tradition. At Maldonado ATA Martial Arts in Round Rock, Taekwondo training includes not only physical skills, but also the values, history, and etiquette of the art.
From bowing at the start and end of class to the structured belt progression, this tradition teaches students respect, humility, and discipline—qualities that carry over into school, sports, and life.
The Intensity Difference
While Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai can have a higher physical intensity, Taekwondo offers a balanced introduction to martial arts that still challenges students while being approachable for beginners.
As someone who’s done all three, I can say Taekwondo is an incredible “first step” for those new to martial arts—especially for kids. It’s easier to pick up the basics, but still offers a lifetime of growth and challenge.
Why Our School Stands Out
What truly sets Maldonado ATA Martial Arts apart is our instructor training program. Every instructor goes through a rigorous multi-year process with 300+ hours of teaching experience, CPR and Youth Protection certification, and ongoing education.
This ensures that every student—whether they’re 4 or 40—is learning from one of the most skilled and supportive martial arts teams in the Round Rock area.
My Advice to Parents
If you’re not sure which martial art your child should start with, I recommend Taekwondo as a gateway to the martial arts world. It builds a strong foundation in movement, confidence, and focus—skills that will help them if they ever decide to explore other martial arts in the future.
Ready to See What Taekwondo Can Do for Your Child?
Come try a class at Maldonado ATA Martial Arts and meet our team of world-class instructors.