Martial arts for kids

[Chocaholic]

I am just seeking some opinions.

My son is 2 years old and very active. I am thinking of enrolling him in martial arts classes after he turns 3 (In August). I think he will enjoy it and it will have the added benefit of increasing his self-confidence (not that he needs that LOL!). I am not really concerned about the self-defense side yet but I am sure it will help by the time he gets to school if we continue it.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the different styles available & what is the best one for a child to participate in?

We have several in the area offering classes to children and I am not sure what is the most suitable.

[diannescruffy]

Hi,
My kids do Taekwondo but you can't start until you are 6, I'm really not sure if any martial arts would take kids that are 3 but not sure. My eldest has been doing Taekwondo for 6yrs now and it has benefited them all greatly. In their self esteem, confidence and definately discipline. They know how to defend themselves and are taught to only use martial arts in self defence. My eldest was being bullied at school and he is definately not a fighter, so he put up with it for a while until one day he had enough and did a move on this boy to put him to the ground without hurting him and from then on was never bullied again.
I wish you all the best in finding the right martial arts for your DS.

Regards,
Dianne

[Laranna]

I can highly highly recommend Aikido. It is a self-defence based martial art from Japan stemming down from jujitsu. It is non-competitive and non-aggressive and teaches you self-defence and discipline. It relies on technical skill, not how strong you are or how hard you can hit someone.

It is a really flowing martial art where you use your attackers force and energy against them and go with the flow so to speak to throw them or disarm them or restrain them, but most of all they learn how to move out of the way and escape from a situation. It is really empowering to be able to know I can throw a man twice my size across the room with out using muscles (not that I have any!)

I've been doing Aikido for about 7 years now and was an assistant instructor in our dojo to the children's classes before I got pregnant and put my training on hold. I'm going for my black belt in a few months time. The younger kids like yours will learn the techniques but the focus is on fun and being able to feel safe and escape an attacker. Alot of places don't take kids that young. Our childrens classes start at 5 years old.

It's non-competitive so there are no competitions like other martial arts, but we do have a belt ranking system from white belt all the way up to black belt. Gives the kids something to work towards, goals if you like.

I could talk about Aikido forever I don't know of any dojo's in your area but if you have any questions feel free to ask!

[Danni]

I studied Karate since I was 7 and it has become a huge part of our lives. Our Karate school takes kids from age 4, but occasionally have had 3 year olds who have been mature and focussed enough to begin a year early.

Most good Martial Arts schools will give you some free lessons, if not,don't even bother. You and your son need to know if this is what he is interested in, and whether he is old enough to participate fully etc.

Not only will it increase his self confidence, it will also help with his basic and gross motor skills, coordination, interaction with other kids as well as adults, his balance, awareness skills, assertiveness etc etc. It is invaluable for children to learn a martial arts with an accredited and xperienced instructor.

I will be enrolling ds asap!

[Chocaholic]

Thank you very much.

Sounds like I will have to go and have a look at a few classes. A couple of the places have classes from 3 years old but the majority of the time is more like athletics & gymnastics with a little bit of martial arts just to introduce them to it.

I do want to focus on fun and then the self-discipline. Self-discipline mainly because DS1 is going to be a solid man like his dad.

Thanks again.

[Danni]

Yep good idea. Ring a few differnt types in your area, and go along to watch and/or participate in their classes. Please ensure they all hav working with children clearances, appropriate accident and injury coverage/insurance, and are accredited instructors with coaching qualifications

[~Saram~]

Cho kong do on riverway are great , or they were a few years ago when we went there. Tey have the tiny tigers and encourage the tradition and the discipline while being understanding that they are only littlies.

[Chocaholic]

Thanks Mabello. I hadn't even thought of some of that. Will definitely check it out.

Saram, that was one of the places I was looking at. Great to get some feedback!

[hanaabaza]

Hi,

Saw the post and couldn't help but reply! I have actually been teaching Martial Arts to kids for almost 12 years, and I can say without a doubt that it is one of the best things you can do for a kid... but I will say they at a very young age it doesn't really matter which Martial Art you choose.. let me qualify this:

You should choose a school that has a structured cucciculum and testing process. It should also have certified instructors (not just black belts, but people that have learned how to teach!) and the focus should not be on kicks and punches. For kids the most important part is developing the right attitude, building focus confidence, mental discipline and channeling energy. The physical skills will follo naturally..

Of course you want to make sure you pick a Martial Art that your child will enjoy, but first be on the lookout for a solid teacher and a school atmosphere that is friendly and open. I would also wait to start until the age of 4 or 5... if your son is younger than this, he probably won't realize the benefits right away..

Hope this helps!
Hana Abaza - Therien Martial Arts (Stittsville & Manotick)

[Danni]

Hana, Certified instructors MUST be accredited coaches now. If not, they should not be teaching anything to anyone. They need a minimum of cert 5 in workplace assessment and training

[adilenekate]

Hi,It's a very good plan for your kid to have him joined for martial arts when he turns 3..I was in search for a good Trainer and finally got it and now I have bring into being with the best ideas from taekwondo, judo, aikido, kung fu and even boxing.It's the right time to join your kid in here so that it will be so helpful by the time he does his schooling.have a great day