Confidence Club (Prevention Services)

Solutions For People 2000 Video | Confidence Club brochure [pdf]

CASI operates a nationally recognized Tae Kwon Do prevention program known as the Confidence Club. The Confidence Club is a positive youth development program dealing with issues of substance abuse and violence prevention. The lead instructor, Mr. John Wright, was one of the first participants of Confidence Club in 1986. Despite being one of the smallest Tae Kwon Do programs in Indiana, the Confidence Club has produced more junior state champions than any other. In 2000, a Confidence Club participant made the U.S. National Team Trials to represent the United States in the World Junior Tae Kwon Do Championships in Ireland. Two young men were invited to Colorado Springs in 2004 for team trials to represent the U.S. in international competition, including the Olympics.

Through participation, youth improve their self-confidence and develop resistance skills to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well as violence. The Confidence Club believes in positive youth development. Through support, empowerment, clear boundaries, expectations, and constructive use of time, the Confidence Club fosters a commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity.

The Confidence Club offers classes for beginners and advanced students; individual instruction; tournament training; participation in tournaments at the local, state, national and international levels; and testing for advancement. Family and parental involvement is strong in the Confidence Club. Parent-led fund raising activities and family fun nights are some examples such involvement.

The participants of the Confidence Club include children, adolescents, and adults aged 3 to 55. The majority are youth between ages 10 and 19. Many come from low-income families residing in Indianapolis Public School districts.

The Confidence Club’s primary activity is teaching the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do, which is practiced in 157 countries around the world. To learn Tae Kwon Do students must master some of the language and culture of Korea. Students develop an appreciation for diversity through direct teaching and the variety of racial and cultural participants. Participants are prepared to deal with diversity in their own environments. The motto of the Confidence Club is: “We say no to alcohol, drugs, and gangs, and yes to a clear mind and body.” Participants learn self-confidence, positive self-identity, a sense of purpose, and a positive view of the future. Youth experience positive social role models and learn a sense of giving back to the community. There is an emphasis on performing well in school. Participants bring in report cards every grading period, promoting a commitment to learning, achievement, and motivation. The high degree of structure of Tae Kwon Do promotes goal setting and goal attainment, through hard work and discipline.

Although it may seem contrary to teach non-violence through martial arts, the confidence of knowing martial arts skills negates the need for violence. Tae Kwon Do techniques are used outside the DoJo (gym) only as a last resort. Talking (communication, problem solving, and negotiation) or leaving the situation are taught as better options to fighting. By promoting positive youth development, the Confidence Club empowers adolescents to transition into young adults prepared with the skills, knowledge, and self-confidence to become productive, contributing members of society.

Participants choose their level of involvement and progression toward higher degrees within Tae Kwon Do. Participants may attend once a week or more. Participants also choose whether to compete in tournaments. They may choose to participate on a non-fighting level through “forms” competition or through sparing (fighting).

Family participation has been a backbone of the program from its beginning. Family members volunteer in yard sales, and annual events such as the Confidence Club Tournament, “Hoe down,” “50’s Dinner & Show,” and other events. Family members also provide supervision during tournaments.

Confidence Club members join the U.S. Tae Kwon Do Union, and are consequently held to its high standards. The lead instructor is currently the President of the State Association. The Confidence Club also participates with various other Tae Kwon Do schools throughout central Indiana in special events and tournaments.