Is tae kwon do good for kids?

[CrzyforPiglet]

My DS is going to be turning 5 next month and so far any organized sport we've had him try out he doesn't like - he always complains that he just wants to do his own thing (like run around and be silly) rather than listen to the coaches. We would like him to get involved in some sort of activity not only for the exercise but to help him learn to focus (we've had some concerns about his focus but he hasn't been tested for anything). I saw a flyer for Tae Kwon Do classes and thought that might be a good fit for him but wanted to get other people's thoughts. Thanks!

 

[We_Love_Disney]

Following instructions is an important part of tae kwon do. That being said, any program for a 5 year old will allow for the playfulness of his age.

Don't worry too much about organized sports at this time. 5 is an age for exploration, discovery and imagination. He has a lifetime to be 100% focused.

Gymnastics may be a better fit, at that age, it is jumping, balance, and organized fun.

 

[Disney Commando]

My DS is going to be turning 5 next month and so far any organized sport we've had him try out he doesn't like - he always complains that he just wants to do his own thing (like run around and be silly) rather than listen to the coaches. We would like him to get involved in some sort of activity not only for the exercise but to help him learn to focus (we've had some concerns about his focus but he hasn't been tested for anything). I saw a flyer for Tae Kwon Do classes and thought that might be a good fit for him but wanted to get other people's thoughts. Thanks!

My DS has been in Tae Kwon Do scince he was 2, (started in the toddler program) he is now 5 and a blue belt, he really likes it, since all the kids are in the same age group, it does go aray from time to time, but the Master is very understanding, and will give it a few minutes to run it's course.

Alot of places will offer a free month or a real cheap price for a month to try it out, to see if you like it. I would go that way, and if he does not like it, it didn't cost much

 

[Aristomommy]

DS5 started Taekwondo at 4. He is an active boy and still is, but I think this sport has helped him with following directions and listening. A lot of it is play based at this age and he likes the games they play, but there is also instructional time where all the kids listen and follow directions. Getting new belts is a great motivator also.

 

[Amelia Peabody]

My nephew is 5th level black belt and teaches TKD to young and not as young. I have to say his kid students adore him and we've watched them grow into delightful adults. There's more to it than the physical activity. It stresses self control and so much more. When they test for belts, there is also a written test, often essay on the higher levels. It is a well rounded program in all aspects.

I would recommend you speak to the master of the dojang. Is he just running a school for kids to break boards or does he take seriously the inner lessons TKD has to offer.

FWIW Dnephew was pointed to the program as a child to help him concentrate. He was National Champion when he was level 4 and competed in the World Championships in England. Of course his proud aunt was there with the camera(s). Good luck!

 

[mamamary]

My son took TKD a few years ago. What I didn't like about his class was the fact that no matter your degree of knowledge you were all grouped together(on the other hand he was able to take this class with my DH). One night while everyone was doing their thing the group was instructed to do various "moves". When it came time for a certain jump-kick my son fell and broke his leg in 3 places Needless to say that was the end of that.
Did he like the class in general - yes.

As someone else posted, you may want to check out gymnastics. My DS (and DD) did this from about kind. thru 1st gr. It was fun, you got alot of energy out, there are many different things to do there, you still need to listen and follow directions. Of course, at his age it was mostly "playing" as opposed to becoming a gymnast.

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

You could try calling around to see if anyone offers a free intro class. Several places around here do, complete with a demonstration from older kids, etc. You could get an idea about whether it's something that's right for both of you.

Good luck! (For what it's worth, my sons were running around like little crazy peeps when they were 5, too, and now at 10 and 12 they're able to focus and participate in sports and other activities just fine! )

 

[Christine]

Overall, YES!

My son did not (and still does not) like team sports. We tried various things that just made him miserable.

At age 9, we took him (crying) to Tae Kwon Do. Most places will give you a 6-week trial with a uniform for a very low price. If your child doesn't like it by 6 weeks, then you are free to go.

My son hated it the first few times but then quickly came around. He ended up really enjoying it, got on the demo team, and made some good friends he still talks to today. He did it for about 4 years. Then there was a "shake up" at the dojo and some of his favorite instructors left. At that point, he didn't care for how it was going and made the decision to quit.

In hindsight, he told me that it did give him a lot of confidence.

He spent another couple years not doing anything (he still hates team sports) but now in high school has joined the cross country team which is a bit like Tae Kwon Do in that you are doing your "own" thing but as a part of team. He's just fine with that style of sports.

 

[stichy]

My son as been doing tkd since he was 4 and he is currently a red belt. The most important thing at that age is to find a school with a great kids program. Our master is amazing with kids which really sealed the deal for us. Our school offers a few trial week of classes. We also offer different levels of enrollment. Some people sign up for just 1 class a week and other do unlimited. We choose unlimited and DS goes to about 3 classes per week. It really gives the kids a great deal of focus and discipline. My son respects his master so much that he would rather disappoint us than master. TKD skills they learn will also translate into everyday skills.