Karate for Kids?

Mr Play · Post by **Mr Play** » July 18, 2005 9:52 pm

Our 5 (and a half) year old son wants to take karate lessons. The school we're considering has a class for 4-6 year olds; http://www.karate-mesquite.com/school/

Has anyone let their kids take lessons at this age and how did it go? I have zero experience in the martial arts...

phjrsaunt · Post by **phjrsaunt** » July 18, 2005 9:55 pm

My niece and nephew both took classes when they about that age. It gave them an outlet for a lot of energy, taught them about organized, disciplined competition. I doubt they remember any of the actual "moves" now (they're, GULP, in their early 20's), but I think they learned some good social skills there.

sailingagain · Post by **sailingagain** » July 18, 2005 10:08 pm

Martial Arts are G-R-E-A-T for any child. It gets them some excercise and it teaches them discipline and respect.

Just research the school and the instructor. Taking them to a "McDojo" is not recommended. By that I mean a karate school usually located in a strip mall. They tend to be just money pits. They will hurry the kids along and allow them to "buy belts". Find a respected school with a respected instructor that will teach the kids correctly and not rush them along because different color belts are cool.

Might I also recommend you find a school that teaches jiu-jitsu?

Brown Eyed Girl · Post by **Brown Eyed Girl** » July 18, 2005 10:13 pm

Bill...I have no personal experience with karate or other martial arts, but I often recommend them to my students/parents. I have seen the discipline, respect, responsibility and focus that they instill in kids, along with a lot of self confidence. And the best part is that they help the kids relate those ideals to every aspect of their lives, not just the activity they are participating in.

buffettbride · Post by **buffettbride** » July 18, 2005 10:40 pm

Victoria never really wanted to take Karate; she's not so athletically inclined. However, two of her classmates have been involved with Tai Kwan Do since they were about 4-5 and are almost black belts at ages 8 and 12. They are simply amazing children. It provides discipline and structures and many schools won't allow participation unless grades are up.

I'd just recommend doing your homework and finding a place you feel is comfortable for you, your kids, and the instructors.

Sam · Post by **Sam** » July 19, 2005 2:00 am

I most hold heartedly agree....find a good Sen-sei and dojo. It is not about whooping A$$. It is about mental and self discipline and focusing, also they learn self esteem. It is better to start them at a younger age...they don't have as many things or blocks to unlearn or overcome.

I really do not think or feel you or your keets will ever regret it. Just stay away from the places that guarantee a belt every X amount of months. A belt should only be given when it is demonstrated that the student has actually learned and is capable of more than breaking boards or paying the fees and actually earned it... not for bragging rights! No matter the form or style... Choose wisely...perhaps you may decide to join the dojo as well.....you never know... Each style/form offers different "things" so to speak...but all have the mental and self discipline in common....no matter Chinese, Korean,or Japanese.

Best of Luck

Marnin Grita Guy · Post by **Marnin Grita Guy** » July 19, 2005 2:32 am

My niece took karate for many years starting at around 5. It brought her discipline... in other words no temper tantrums. She has turned out to be a beautiful and well rounded young lady who just so happened to attend her 1st Buffett concert here this year. Be prepared for a lot of competition training if it really is the right move. My niece went on to win a gold medal at the Jr. Pan-Am Games. Can you say overwhelmingly proud? I also know that as she goes to college this year she can "whoop some ..." if need be!

Marnin Grita Guy · Post by **Marnin Grita Guy** » July 19, 2005 2:40 am

buffettbride wrote:Victoria never really wanted to take Karate; she's not so athletically inclined. However, two of her classmates have been involved with Tai Kwan Do since they were about 4-5 and are almost black belts at ages 8 and 12. They are simply amazing children. It provides discipline and structures and many schools won't allow participation unless grades are up.

I'd just recommend doing your homework and finding a place you feel is comfortable for you, your kids, and the instructors.

Thats funny "BB" my friend in Denver whom no longer works at KDVR still teaches Tai Kwan Do in the area. She was a national champion and wrote the "Idiots Guide To Tai Kwan Do". She also is a feature columnist for the "Tai Kwan Do Times". Funny is it not! Wonder if she instructs them?

HockeyParrotHead · Post by **HockeyParrotHead** » July 19, 2005 6:51 am

fp..... our keet has been doing it for nearly a year and loves it. My impression is that it all comes down to the instructors. They let us participate on a buddy pass for four weeks to see if it was really soemthing he wanted to do, and he was hooked. He has fun and they make it an interesting program. Yes vote here.

buffettbride · Post by **buffettbride** » July 19, 2005 8:16 am

Marnin Grita Guy wrote:
buffettbride wrote:Victoria never really wanted to take Karate; she's not so athletically inclined. However, two of her classmates have been involved with Tai Kwan Do since they were about 4-5 and are almost black belts at ages 8 and 12. They are simply amazing children. It provides discipline and structures and many schools won't allow participation unless grades are up.

I'd just recommend doing your homework and finding a place you feel is comfortable for you, your kids, and the instructors.
Thats funny "BB" my friend in Denver whom no longer works at KDVR still teaches Tai Kwan Do in the area. She was a national champion and wrote the "Idiots Guide To Tai Kwan Do". She also is a feature columnist for the "Tai Kwan Do Times". Funny is it not! Wonder if she instructs them?

I wonder! I have heard nothing but glowing comments from this parent about the dojo. It's in Lakewood, CO in the Green Mountain area. That would be so coincidental! This woman's kids are amazing though. Very humble, respectful, smart, fit...real great kids. My little Victoria has had a crush on the boy since Kindergarten.

I wouldn't owe that all to the Tai Kwan Do, but it's certainly helped reinforce the parenting.

PHBeerman · Post by **PHBeerman** » July 19, 2005 9:37 am

My oldest used to be in Tae Kwon Do. Now he is in a general Martial Arts class. They mostly teach Ju Jitsu. He has loved it, and the discipline he has gotten from it has been great as well.

sailingagain · Post by **sailingagain** » July 19, 2005 12:32 pm

PHBeerman wrote: Now he is in a general Martial Arts class. They mostly teach Ju Jitsu. He has loved it, and the discipline he has gotten from it has been great as well.

Mixed Martial Arts is best. It teaches you a wider range and variety of skills. It's good to know how to defend yourself on your feet as well as the ground, since most fights end up there.

It's cool to hear kids are starting to learn MMA as opposed to just 1 skill.

pair8head · Post by **pair8head** » July 19, 2005 12:51 pm

Have never taken any classes, but my brother started his kids on it when they expressed an interest. What everyone has said is true, discipline is great. One thing they haven't mentioned is something my brother told me when his kids started. "A black belt looks pretty dang good on a Resume"

prrthd1987 · Post by **prrthd1987** » July 19, 2005 3:06 pm

I took tae kwon do at about age 11... and there were many kids younger than me who took it and absolutely loved it! It is a real confidence booster and it kept me in shape! (now, I would probably tear a few muscles if I tried to do any of those moves

)

land_shark3 · Post by **land_shark3** » July 19, 2005 3:21 pm

DON'T DO IT!!!

I took for a few years when I was much younger and you see how I turned out.

land_shark3 · Post by **land_shark3** » July 19, 2005 3:23 pm

pair8head wrote:"A black belt looks pretty dang good on a Resume"

Unfortunately, nowadays it needs to be preceded by "Six Sigma".

PHBeerman · Post by **PHBeerman** » July 19, 2005 4:08 pm

land_shark3 wrote:DON'T DO IT!!!

I took for a few years when I was much younger and you see how I turned out.

Whew...I just called to cancel my son's Martial Arts classes.....That was a close one.

land_shark3 · Post by **land_shark3** » July 19, 2005 4:52 pm

PHBeerman wrote:
land_shark3 wrote:DON'T DO IT!!!

I took for a few years when I was much younger and you see how I turned out.
Whew...I just called to cancel my son's Martial Arts classes.....That was a close one.

I'm here to help.

ParrotheadGator · Post by **ParrotheadGator** » July 19, 2005 4:54 pm

I really wish I would have gotten into some form of martial arts as a child. I'd love to do it now, I'm just too damn lazy

Mr Play · Post by **Mr Play** » July 19, 2005 10:39 pm

Great feedback - thanks! He had a demo session and loved it, so we signed him up for 2 months. There are no competitions or guaranteed advancements. The instructor is all about discipline and respect. I think it will help build character and confidence. I'll let you know how it goes...