Karate classes?

[Jolie C]

My son is 5 years old and is VERY interested in karate. He wants to be enrolled in a karate class, but I would like some advice/opinions first. What is a good age to start? What are the classes like? Do the kids actually kick and beat on each other? How do you find a good class as opposed to just any class? Anyone who has experience with this, please chime in! Thanks in advance.

 

[aprilgail2]

My daughter started at age 4. There is NO actual hitting or kicking of each other. They learn moves, they learn disiplin, they learn self defense. My daughter went from white-orange and is now a yellow and will move up again the end of the year. She is now doing board breaking which she enjoys. They also start out doing jumping jacks, crunches, push ups and other exercises so its good for her to get out and get moving there. She goes 3 times a week and it costs 65.00 where we go.

 

[Microcell]

I took a class when I was 19 and they actually instill disipline in those little ones that take it. They teach defense and offensive moves to use only to save your own life. They frown upon bullying with the skills you are taught. They are a last resort tactic. I fully plan on my DD and DS take it to boost confidence.

 

[piratesmate]

Our son teaches TaeKwon-Do & their dojang has a "biddies" class for 4's & 5's. They have to be 6 to be in a regular class...unless they're very self-controlled & get "promoted" from biddies by their teacher.

We found that rules re: contact vary more by school than by style. (karate, TKD, etc) There is a karate school near here that reminds me of the villain from the old Karate Kid movies. Our teachers do not allow students to participate in tournaments that allow contact. Jr black belts (under 16) gets points for being within 1" of the target, but can be disqualified for actual contact. Lower belts have different distances - depending on their experience.

You should be able to talk with the school's owner/teachers to find out what their style is like. Our school also allows visitors & a free class to see if "this school is for you." That's how we selected a school for DS.

 

[Meriweather]

MY DD started at age 3.......she stayed with it for 9 years before school and other activities took over.
She learned so much!!
She still has a lot of the reflexes and style that she learned then. It was one of the most beneficial and helpful learning experiences she has had.
I would do it again in a heartbeat.

She is now almost 22 and has so much self confidence and disipline.....I think a lot of it is from all the early training.

 

[tkd lisa]

The tkd in my user name stands for Tae Kwon Do. I have a 2nd degree black belt, and was the senior instructor at a local school for about 3 years.

5 years old can be on the young side to do martial arts. We did take children at 4, but my own children didn't start until 6 and 7 and they were still pretty fidgety. If your child can focus on an activity for 20 minutes independently, they are probably mature enough, since no single activity would be longer than that. You will also find that in most schools, the students are totally on their own. Sometimes the parents can watch, but often times, the class is on the other side of a wall, and parents are out of sight.

Good schools will offer a variety of options for classes. They can be broken up many ways such as by age, by belt level, by the focus of the class, etc. I would strongly suggest either a kids class or a Little Ninja's type program. Little Ninjas usually are for the younger kids, and have some lower requirements. For instance, they might not do any sparring, or they might only have to do kicking combinations, or they might not need to learn the terminology. They also are more focused on activity, and the classes are usually shorter, with more teachers.

I think the most important thing in any martial arts school is finding one that has an appropriate level of respect for the discipline that you're teaching. Any martial art is NOT a game, but has real life consequences. In our school, any student who repeatedly used his skills outside of class was no longer a student. Our master also requires all his young students to bring him copies of their report cards. They got "stars" for all As, and stars if they had made improvements from their previous grades.

Try out a variety of schools. Most will offer the first lesson (usually in street clothes) for free, and they often have trial programs for a good price. We offered a 2 week program for $29 and a 6 week program for $99 which included the uniform. This provided 2 to 3 classes per week. I will also say that martial arts is not a one night a week activity. If you take less than 2 classes per week, you're not going to learn enough quickly enough. So be sure that the school you choose has enough flexibility to fit into your schedule.

Good luck!

 

[tkd eeyore girl]

Ms Jolie -
like tkd lisa, i too instruct taekwondo; I own a small school in partnership with my town's parks & rec department; I too am a 2nd degree black belt, certified instructor. I am also the mom of a 15 yearold autistic son who is a 1st degree black belt. I work nationwide at ATA tournaments with people of all ages with special abilities, physical and mental/emotional.

I belong to the American Taekwondo Association. In the ATA, Tiny Tigers is the class/program for children 4-6. Courtesy, self-discipline, self-control, following directions, focus are emphasised in this program together with taekwondo techniques, memorization, improvement in gross and fine motor skills.

As for finding a program for your child, after you have researched what is available in your area, visit some schools and observe their programs - watch a class. What kind of class are you seeking for your child - i.e., what is important to you that your child learn from participating in such a class. Visit with the instructor/ school owner and ask any questions you may have.

If you would like to discuss this with me further, please feel free to pm or email.

 

[Lynn CC]

DS who is 17 takes Kung FU...he says your never too young to take martial arts!

 

[KelNottAt]

My DS12 and DD10 study taijutsu. They each started in a "little ninja" program in kindergarten. When they reached the age of 7, they moved into the "regular" program. That's when they began matriculating to black belt. DS just earned his black belt in April...so, yes, it took the better part 6 years.

I highly recommend the karate school my kids attend. However, there others in the area that get terrible comments. It all depends on the program. From what I've been able to pick up about other schools in my area, be skeptical of any that offer black belts quickly...less than 2 years. (Others may be able to say if that is a fair comment.)

Also, like tkd lisa said, a karate program is a big commitment. It's not like any other sport that is played during one particular season. Karate is year 'round, 52 weeks, 2+ times per week. Plus, it's expensive. Our school is now charging $125 per month for new students. You must be serious when you sign up.

My kids have gained tremendous strength, and skill from their school. In our case, the lessons do involve real hitting, kicking and holding. They learn comprehensive self defense against armed and unarmed attackers. They started breaking boards at the age of 5.

But, beyond the physical lessons, I can't say enough about the moral lessons. Martial arts truly do emphasize respect, discipline and patience.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions.
Kelley

 

[ToyStory Fan]

I have studied Martial Arts myself for a few years, and my DS-5 is going to start. My school actually has an after-school/after care program that buses the kids in from the local kindergarten etc. This is where he will start, DW works too, so we need an after school program.

Anyway, they will start them as young as they can providing they are mature enough to understand, follow instruction etc. In my school at no point during the "beginner" classes are the students (adult or children) striking each other (other than during self-defense move training and it is only minimal/"staged") AS they progress to intermediate and advanced level then strikes/sparring becomes more prominent - but always closely supervised and the discipline dictates that the higher ranking belt can only spar as "hard" as the lower ranking belt can accomodate.

As far as picking a school goes - I am not a huge fan of the mass markted schools like the one named after a certain striped feline, there is some benefit, but you and your children will be better served by a more "family oriented" owner operated school. Go to schools in your area, and observe, most places will let you, observe the advanced as well as the beginner classes - this will tell you alot about the attitude that your child will develop. Ask about other things they do within the community - my teachers volunteer their time to teach martial arts to the local law enforcement groups, they also give free women's self defense seminars and are extremely pro-active in monthly charities etc.

My DS is excited to start and I am excited for him, hopefully your son will have an enjoyable experience doing it.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

I would just suggest going to the schools you are thinking of enrolling your child in and see how the classes are taught.

I studied for several years before I got married in Kempo/Kenpo (I've seen both spellings used). There was a kids class in just before mine and they always seemed to enjoy themselves very much, you could see the pride on their faces when they learned something new.
I'm planning on enrolling my 5 yr old this fall, good luck.

 

[Jolie C]

Thanks for the responses, everyone! I was completely confused about it before, but I certainly have a better idea of what I'm doing now.

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by tkd eeyore girl

I belong to the American Taekwondo Association. In the ATA, Tiny Tigers is the class/program for children 4-6. Courtesy, self-discipline, self-control, following directions, focus are emphasised in this program together with taekwondo techniques, memorization, improvement in gross and fine motor skills.

That is what my daughter is..a Tiny Tiger!! She goes to ATA here in my town!

 

[dizagain]

Hi! I have a DD, 8, who has been taking martial artl classes since January - she's loving it!!! I must admit that I'm not completely educated in the martial arts, and I didn't really research. We have a friend who is rapidly climbing the ATA ladder - she's a natural and takes 3-5 classes a week....that's not for us at this time.

I selected a children's program with qualified instructors. As a previous poster said, they spend about half of the class conditioning - I love that part! My DD gets a real work-out! They do contact fighting, but it is so LOW-KEY and not scary. They wear protective gear and learn proper techniques. They rotate different skills each class (we only go once a week) and throw in neat obstacle course activities as well. I am happy where we are, but I know that should she decide to get serious, we'd have to move to another school. It's a great activity and has already done wonders for my DD's confidence - I guess it's a bonus that it's HER activity and not her sister's!!!

 

[heart4pooh]

I have been taking a tae kwon do class at my local gym for the last 7 weeks. I wanted it for the "kick butt" work out. It amazed me immediately how my self confidence and discipline improved. Tomorrow my son who will be six on the 21st will begin tae kwon do, too. He is small for his size (only 35 lbs) (He's over 40 inches and can go on the bigger rides at Disney World and really, that's all that matters...LOL) and I hope it helps with his self confidence, too. My girlfriend is adopting her foster child. As a single mom she can't afford to send him. So I decided this morning to forgo my class and pay for him to go instead. I will still be able to workout in the gym for the hour they are in class and that is what is important to me. I know the instructor is a great guy and was real patient and encouraging to me and it's only $30 a month. Good luck!! I'm sure he will enjoy it.

 

[Littlehero'smommy]

I also recommend visiting several schools of different martial arts to choose the style that would fit your son the most and also get school recommendations from other parents. Our DS who is 7 started taking Isshinryu from a school in our area that has been operating for 30 years, they never advertise because they do not have to, the school is filled by word of mouth. He started when he was 4 and has worked very hard to get to the brown belt he is today. He has learned respect, dicipline, honesty and the perfection of his character. He will take a younger student aside and help them with their forms and techniques when he sees someone struggling before or after class. This amazed us the first time it happened. When you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up he will tell you a karate instructor and a baby doctor. We have seen how so many students have grown from shy and interverted to full of self confidence and the amazing pride you can see in their eyes. His school also requires a form filled out by each students school teacher and parents on their grades and character before each belt promotion.

 

[Melora]

My husband and oldest daughter (Sarah) are both black belts in traditional Karate. My DS 9 is a green belt

There are differences between styles and what they teach you.

My hubby believes in classes that do not put you on the fast track to get a black belt..many schools offer classes specifically designed to get your black belt in the least amount of time.

His Karate (Go-ju Ryu) style teaches self defense and self discipline but it is not available everywhere unfortunately. Remember that anyone can set up a karate school..and give themselves any belt they want. There is no regulation so just because someone says they have a certain level belt doesnt mean they have the background to support it. For someone to be a multi level black belt they should have many many many years of training. My husbands teacher has been training for 30+ years and is a 6th degree black belt.... He can only grade to another level every 4 years.

Basically what Im saying is to look into the instructers background and make sure he isnt just giving himself a "level" that he really didnt earn.

 

[Littlehero'smommy]

Like Melora said, there are some schools that do the fast track to a black belt and there are a lot of fly by night schools opening up in our area and a lot closing. Look for the schools that have a long standing ownership and good community reputation and respect. Even though my DS is currenlty a brown belt at 7. It will be approximately 2 1/2 years before he will be able to test for his junior black belt. Our school will not promote before the age of 10 even though he may know the test requirements because there is a certain maturity level that also comes into play with all the other requirements. His brown belt was 1 hour long test of calisthenics, forms, sparring, etc; the junior black belt test is 3 hours long. It is not easy and takes a lot of disicipline.