Third and fourth graders at Hoxsie Elementary School have some cool new moves under their belts - their Taekwondo belts.

Once a week for the past 10 weeks the students have practiced Taekwondo under the tutelage of Grand Master Jin Hong of Grand Master Hong’s World Class Taekwondo in North Kingstown. Grand Master Hong, who has more than 40 years experience teaching, is a 9th Dan Black Belt and a member of both the United States Olympic Committee and Pan American Games for Taekwondo. He came to Hoxsie by way of Principal Gary McCoombs. Earlier in his career McCoombs taught Physical Education at Winman Junior High School. While there, he had the idea of introducing Taekwondo into his PE classes and that is when he met Grand Master Hong. For the past 12 years, Principal McCoombs has been at Hoxsie. He knew when he made the move that he wanted to keep a great thing going and the pair has been collaborating ever since.

Taekwondo can be described as a Korean form of martial arts utilizing kicking and punching techniques. While the children learned to break wooden blocks with their bare hands, the study is so much more than the physical part. Grand Master Hong teaches that the foundation of Taekwondo is about mental discipline, confidence, balance and harmony, that gaining strength and energy in these qualities will not only make a good student but also a better person in life.

 “This is to help kids for the future. The practice helps focus, attention and discipline in themselves. They learn things here that can be used in the classroom and home,” he said.

Grand Master Hong instructs students to never misuse their martial arts skills as they are for exercise and self -improvement, to always be humble, courteous, respectful and careful. The Grand Master himself is a walking embodiment of what he preaches.

 All of his time spent at Hoxsie is on a volunteer basis, with the assistance of his two sons, Master Chris and Master Clay. They provide all the traditional uniforms, Gi’s as they are known, and everything else at absolutely no expense to neither the school nor the parents.

McCoombs graciously says, “Grandmaster is a very generous guy.”

When asked if McCoombs notices or sees a difference in the third and fourth graders post Taekwondo sessions he quickly answers a definitive, “I do. It is definitely improving their skills, focus, concentration and self-discipline. Those intangible skills are so important, besides physical skills like strength, flexibility and endurance. To have those academic skills is huge.”

“The new curriculum like ELA Wit and Wisdom, is rigorous nowadays and it is so important to get the kids to be able to keep up their stamina and perseverance.”

 He is using a pre and post survey within the classes to track improvements.

On Dec. 6, Hoxsie third and fourth graders put all their hard-earned new abilities on display in a demonstration with family and friends. Afterwards they individually received their graduation certificates of achievement.

Those interested in learning the art of Taekwondo with Grand Master Hong can visit the website: (www.ritkd.com). Programs are available for all ages.