The kids have been out of school for several weeks for summer break. They’ve gotten into a routine of relaxing, sleeping in, lounging … and relaxing, sleeping in and lounging. While you want them to have a restful break, you also don’t want boredom, or dreaded laziness, to set in. Cue a fun summer experience, where they can learn and develop intellectually, where they can get plenty of exercise, and where they can see amazing sites all over the city. They can get all of that and more at summer camp with Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do!

There’s still plenty of excitement remaining for the summer weeks. Children ages 5-12 can enjoy a variety of adventures in a safe, fun, welcoming environment. And the field trips are always places that the kids can’t wait to visit again and again.

Interested? Simply visit atlantatkd.com for more information. Can’t wait to see you there!

Amidst fireworks, barbeque, parades and flags, Americans near and far will be celebrating the Fourth of July. The Independence Day holiday is actually commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. On that date, the Continental Congress declared that Britain no longer maintained rule over the thirteen original American colonies. Those colonies, in essence, became free, and said they were no longer dependent on Britain.

This epoch moment in history did not come without sacrifice, hard work and commitment to the cause of liberty. So, while enjoying an All-American hot dog, having fun at a county fair, watching the fireworks light up the nighttime sky, or enjoying a baseball game, remember those who valiantly stood tall for independence, and for the seeds of a burgeoning nation – our nation – the United States of America. Land of the free and home of the brave.

Happy Independence Day!

Soccer, Scouts and Tae Kwon Do keep Will Sterling busy. He started classes at the Fayetteville location two years ago, after receiving a recommendation from a neighbor. Now a blue belt red stripe, he has not only grown in strength, but also in character. “He is more respectful of his teachers and sometimes us,” says his mom, Kara Sterling. She adds that physically, “He is definitely stronger and has more control over his body.”

Development inside and out has been a hallmark of his experience. Here’s more from Will:

Did you have any problems/issues that Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

Self-control at school. I am much better now.

What has Tae Kwon Do done for your confidence? Self-esteem? 

Kara notes, “I see him more confident in his Tae Kwon Do abilities and proud of himself when he accomplishes another skill or moves up a belt.”

Tell me about some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and things you have achieved?

I have learned respect for the Tae Kwon Do way of self-defense.

Why would you encourage someone else to consider Tae Kwon Do?

Because we get to yell and do fun stuff.  This is also why I would tell another kid to try it.  We also get to break boards

Camping with his grandfather and playing video games are activities that Nate Varner loves to do. The 14-year-old also enjoys being getting moving by riding his bike. Tae Kwon Do has now become a part of his active routine. After only starting at the Fayetteville school in January, his commitment and desire have caused him to rise to the yellow belt level. And he has no plans to stop.

Here’s more on Nate:

What made you select Master Shim’s for your Tae Kwon Do lessons?

I came once to see my friends … taking a class and I really like what I saw and I decided I wanted to come here. Then their mom told my grandpa this is a good school.

Did you have any problems/issues that Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

Yes, confidence and concentration.

What has Tae Kwon Do done for your confidence? Self-esteem? 

I'm more secure in who I am

Tell me about some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and things you have achieved?

I made new friends. I learn new words (in Korean).

Why would you encourage someone else to try Tae Kwon Do?

It's good fun and you exercise.

Students of Tae Kwon Do learn movements, commands and instruction in Korean. They endeavor to immerse themselves more into Korean culture.

Here are a few intriguing facts about the language of Tae Kwon Do:

• There are 24 letters in the Korean alphabet.
• It consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels.
• The shapes of vowels are based on three elements: man (a vertical line), earth (a horizontal line) and heaven (a dot).
• The sounds of certain consonants change depending on whether they appear at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end syllable.
• Korean can be written in vertical columns running from top to bottom and right to left, or in horizontal lines running from left to right.

Among other designations, the month of June is marked as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. According to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, activities like Tae Kwon Do can be beneficial in the fight against cognitive diseases. The punching, kicking and stretching associated with Tae Kwon Do can help your body physically, and mentally.

The study found that people who did moderate intensity activity had a greater likelihood of having healthy patterns of glucose metabolism in their brains. That is a sign of healthy brain activity. Conversely, those who did light physical activity did not have the same results.

In addition to those findings, the repetitive nature of Tae Kwon Do movements can also be helpful to keeping the memory and mental function of Alzheimer’s patients active. While certainly not a cure, Tae Kwon Do can be a positive step in the right direction for fighting the battle against Alzheimer’s.

June 16 is the day we take time to honor and celebrate fathers. Being a Dad is such an important role, and is responsible for shaping, nurturing and guiding young lives. One day is hardly enough to show gratitude; however, with some effort and thoughtfulness, you can make it a day that your father is sure to never forget.

Feeling Adventurous?

How about a few laps with the NASCAR Racing Experience? Held at Atlanta Motor Speedway, dad can actually get behind the wheel, or enjoy a Ride Along. The event comes complete with a Driver’s Meeting with the Crew Chief, as well as training and instructions. Dad won’t be able to slow down after this full-speed adventure.

The Sky’s the Limit

A trip to nearby Cedartown will get Dad up in the friendly skies, at Atlanta Skydiving Center. You’ll receive classroom training at the 9000-square foot facility. Family and friends can watch Dad take the big leap from the 2400-square foot observation deck. It’s a trek he’s sure to never forget.

Traditional Tried and True

There’s something to be said for the familiar. This year, you could add a little pizzazz. Usually a shirt and tie gift giver? Try rewarding dad with the ability to pick out his own tie – while shopping from the comfort of home. Maybe have the family pitch in and make him a home-cooked meal with all of his favorites.

No matter how you decide to show dad how much he is loved and appreciated, he’s sure to enjoy it … because it’s from you!

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads, from Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do.

“I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the blood of those who died defending it.”

- John Thune

Flag Day is June 14. It represents the anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official US flag in 1777.  Not always widely recognized, Flag Day is a day steeped in patriotism and history. A few fun facts ….

- President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing national flag day on May 30, 1916.

- Many Americans celebrate by displaying their own flag in front of their homes and businesses.

- Legend states that the first flag was commissioned by George Washington.

- Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross is credited with creating the first stars and stripes.

Video games, Legos, puzzles and soccer are all a part of Winston Ramdeen’s active lifestyle. And about 6 months ago, Tae Kwon Do joined that list of favorite activities. He is now a green belt, and in addition to building physical endurance, it’s given him a great social outlet. “I like it because it teaches you discipline, defense skills, it's fun, and makes you stronger in mind and body. I'll tell my friends they can learn something new and some Korean words. Most of my friend are there anyways!” Dad Herman and mom Carmen say he has also become more focused, and stronger since starting classes at the Fayetteville location.

Here’s more on 12-year-old Winston’s Tae Kwon Do journey.

Did you have any problems/issues that Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

I was shy before, now it's easier for me to talk to other kids.

What has Tae Kwon Do done for your confidence? Self-esteem? 

I feel more confident and like myself better.

Tell me about some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and things you have achieved?

When I first started, I didn't know anyone and now I have a lot of friends. I didn't know anything about the Korean language; now I know quite a few words. I made it from Yellow belt green stripe to green belt in less than 3 weeks.

Why would you encourage someone else to consider Tae Kwon Do?

I would encourage anyone to do it because even if it's not easy it's good for your body and your mind, you can meet new people learn new things while having fun.

“I love all my Masters.”

While 5-year-old Denzel Ramdeen loves a lot of things about taking Tae Kwon Do classes at Master Shim’s Fayetteville location, his instructors reign supreme. His parents agree. “The instructors and staff at Master Shim's are very professional, understanding, patient, friendly and very approachable,” say Denzel’s parents, Carmen and Herman. They also love the changes they’ve seen in their son since he started taking classes about 6 months ago. He is “more confident, more focused and outspoken, (and his) social circle has expanded positively.”

Here’s more on Denzel:

What is your belt level?

My belt is Little Tiger white belt blue stripe.

Did you have any problems/issues that Tae Kwon Do helped you overcome?

No problems, but I focus better while having fun.

What has Tae Kwon Do done for your confidence? Self-esteem? 

I feel better about myself when I get color tips.

Tell me about some of your Tae Kwon Do accomplishments and things you have achieved?

I can speak in Korean I can kick and block. I made a lot of new friends big and small.

Why would you encourage someone else to try Tae Kwon Do?

It's fun and you learn new things.