Does Martial Arts Make You Violent? Why the ‘Taekwondo Violent’ Idea Misses the Mark

Let’s be honest—if you’re a parent, you’ve probably Googled “does martial arts make you violent?” or “is taekwondo violent?” at least once. The thought of your child learning to punch and kick might feel a little unsettling at first. But research consistently shows that martial arts—especially Taekwondo—can actually help children become calmer, more focused, and less prone to aggression.

Is Taekwondo Violent? What the Research Says:

The belief that taekwondo violent behaviour is common is a widespread misconception. It’s not just about learning to fight—it’s about learning not to misuse it. Classes begin and end with a bow, reinforcing the discipline and respect at the heart of Taekwondo. While research in this area is still growing, many studies suggest that perceptions of Taekwondo as violent often stem from media portrayals—not the practice itself. In fact, martial arts have been shown to be either neutral or beneficial when it comes to reducing negative behaviour in children. Even more encouraging, the longer a student trains, the less likely they are to exhibit violent tendencies associated with Taekwondo. (1).

The Real Benefits of Taekwondo

Ever seen a kid light up with confidence after nailing a new Taekwondo move? It’s pure magic. And no—it’s not "Taekwondo violent" behaviour. It’s empowerment in action. We get why some parents might ask, does martial arts make you violent? But the research paints a very different picture.

In reality, Taekwondo helps children develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance (2)—all while lifting their mood and fostering a sense of belonging. This is especially powerful for kids from multicultural backgrounds or those who’ve experienced bullying or social isolation (3).

It’s also been linked to improvements in academic performance, thanks to increased focus and self-control (4). And beyond the physical and mental gains, Taekwondo nurtures leadership skills and a strong sense of community—often outside the usual school cliques (5).

It’s not about teaching kids to fight or show off so-called ‘Taekwondo violent’ moves—it’s about helping them stand taller, inside and out. Honestly, if every classroom had a little more Taekwondo energy, we might just see happier, more resilient learners all around.

Is Taekwondo Violent Compared to Other Martial Arts? 

Now here’s where taekwondo really stands out.

Compared to more physically intense martial arts like Muay Thai, MMA or boxing, taekwondo places far less emphasis on full-contact combat. Sparring in taekwondo is highly structured, with clear rules and a points-based system. The goal? Scoring technical hits to specific areas using speed and precision—not bashing your opponent into submission.

And here’s something that might surprise you: the rate of serious injuries (like concussions) in Taekwondo is significantly lower—especially when compared to mainstream sports like football, rugby, or hockey (6). When injuries do happen, they’re typically minor (7).

Schools use safety gear, a structured belt and sparring progression system, and certified instructors to ensure kids stay safe as they learn. At Mozhdeh Martial Arts, every member of our team holds First Aid qualifications—so we’re prepared for anything and committed to preventing any misinterpretation of Taekwondo as violent behaviour.

So, if you're picturing your child in some sort of street brawl scenario—breathe easy. That’s not what taekwondo is about.

Does Martial Arts Make You Violent? Not if it’s Taught Correctly.

Schools that maintain the traditions of martial arts - respect, self-control, and personal development - are the most effective at reducing antisocial behaviour. If a school is focused only on competition (think Cobra Kai) then taekwondo violent behaviours may be more prevalent (1). 

Check out this video for more on this:

Martial arts schools that focus on character development and long-term engagement have been shown to help kids improve emotional regulation, anger management, and even social skills. Reputable taekwondo schools like us here at Mozhdeh Martial Arts put character development and safety first.

The bottom line: taekwondo doesn’t make kids violent. It helps them become more emotionally intelligent, self-disciplined, and resilient.

Sure, they’re gaining combat skills—but more importantly, they’re learning to use them responsibly.

References

1. Harwood, A., Lavidor, M., & Rassovsky, Y. (2017). Reducing aggression with martial arts: A meta-analysis of child and youth studies. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 34, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2017.03.001

2. Stamenković, A., Manić, M., Roklicer, R., Trivić, T., Malović, P., & Drid, P. (2022). Effects of Participating in Martial Arts in Children: A Systematic Review. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 9(8), 1203. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081203

3. Roh, H.-T., Cho, S.-Y., & So, W.-Y. (2018). Taekwondo Training Improves Mood and Sociability in Children from Multicultural Families in South Korea: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(4), 757. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040757

4. Chami‑Sather, G. (2004). Focus, self‑confidence and self‑control: Transfer of teaching techniques from a Taekwondo den into the regular classroom. The Sport Journal, 7(2), 1–16. Retrieved from https://thesportjournal.org/article/focus-self-confidence-and-self-control-transfer-of-teaching-techniques-from-a-taekwondo-den-into-the-regular-classroom-2/

5. Hwansuck Choi, & Sunggu Jo (2020). The Effects of TAEKWONDO Training on the Leadership Skills and Community Spirit of Middle School Girls. International Journal of Martial Arts, 5(1), 39-47.

6. Tommasone, B. A., & Valovich McLeod, T. C. (2006). Contact sport concussion incidence. Journal of athletic training, 41(4), 470–472.

7. Schlüter-Brust, K., Leistenschneider, P., Dargel, J., Springorum, H. P., Eysel, P., & Michael, J. P. (2011). Acute injuries in Taekwondo. International journal of sports medicine, 32(08), 629-634.