Tell me about Martial Arts

[Aidensmom]

My son, who will be 5 in about a month, wants to take martial arts classes. I know nothing about the various types of martial arts. Please tell me what you know about the various forms.

There is a Taekwon Do center down the street from us, but I really don't know how that differs from the various other forms of martial arts.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I took Tae Kwon Do classes for quite a few months a while ago and it was fantastic! If for no other reason then it was a tremendous workout. It also teaches kids respect for themselves and others and discipline. The only downside was the cost. It cost me about $100.00 to join, which included the uniform and 1 month's usage of the dojo. Each month was an additional $70.00 for unlimited usage of the dojo and another $40.00 each time I wanted to test for a belt. It got to be quite expensive, but that was the only downside.

 

[Littlehero'smommy]

Call different martial art schools in your area and get the class time that your son would be attending and go and visit during that time, this should not be an issue with the school. Watch how the children and instructors are interacting. Is there a respect level there, even at 5 there should be. Check out their websites online and pick up any brochures they may have. What is their motto, what will they be teaching your child? What is most important at the school? Character, Respect, Discipline, etc. You may have 2 schools that teach the same form, but will be doing it totally different. We were so glad that we did this. Our son has been attending the same school for 5 years now and we couldn't have made a better choice.

 

[ChristmasElf]

Tae Kwon Do is the Korean form of martial arts. Although it can get expensive, the amount of discipline and respect you will see in your child is amazing.
Try to join a Tae Kwon Do school that is "world" affiliated and not an ATA school, as their is a difference. "World" Tae Kwon Do means that your child will not lose his rank once he starts working towards his black belt and would even be recognized as a "Black Belt" (once he gets to that point) in other countries. I know that might sound "silly" and maybe you don't ever plan on moving from the USA, but it does make a difference.
We paid $40 for each "colored" belt, yellow,orange,green,purple,blue,brown,red etc.
and then $400 for the Black Belt test and then each degree of Black Belt after. (per child) so it does get up there. But very worth it.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

My two oldest boys have been taking Tae Kwon Do for the last 4 years. My DS8 just tested for his Bodan (Poom) belt. This is one step below black belt. They attend 2-3 times per week and absolutely love it. My boys have learned a great deal of respect, not only for others, but for themselves. They have a great deal of patience and determination. Heck, it has even worked for punishment....When my boys give me trouble, I have them drop and give me 20 !

 

[Aidensmom]

Thank you for all your replies! This school near us stresses confidence and discipline according to the website. That is a great idea to go observe some classes.

I am currently paying $500 a month for daycare which I will no longer be paying in August, so as long as the cost is less than that, I have no problem with it. He is very excited that I told him I would enroll him somewhere, and I think this will be a great thing for him.

 

[Bob Slydell]

My 5 year old son (he started when he was 4) absolutely loves his Tae Kwon Do class! He's now a green belt and starting in the fall, is going to begin sparring and training with weapons, in order to work towards his black belt.

As others have said -- go observe a class and watch the interaction of the instructors, as the instructors make all the difference. DS' teacher is one of the best people I've ever seen with kids, ironic because she doesn't have children of her own (actually, she just got married to the other instructor/owner of the school, and they invited all the kids from their school to their wedding )

 

[Annette_VA]

My DS started taking Tae Kwon Do just a few weeks ago, right when he turned 5. He's loving it. He just got his yellow striped belt (1st belt above the beginner white belt) yesterday & is so proud of himself.

I can already see it changing him for the better. We get a lot more "yes ma'am" and "yes sir" which is always nice to hear. He seems to be more attentive now.

The class he's in meets 4x a week - you can go to any of them you want. We try to make at least 3 classes a week.

Our TKD's site has some great info on what you can expect from a kids TKD class: http://www.tigercho.com/kidspage.html

 

[Aidensmom]

My DS started taking Tae Kwon Do just a few weeks ago, right when he turned 5. He's loving it. He just got his yellow striped belt (1st belt above the beginner white belt) yesterday & is so proud of himself.

I can already see it changing him for the better. We get a lot more "yes ma'am" and "yes sir" which is always nice to hear. He seems to be more attentive now.

The class he's in meets 4x a week - you can go to any of them you want. We try to make at least 3 classes a week.

Our TKD's site has some great info on what you can expect from a kids TKD class: http://www.tigercho.com/kidspage.html

That is a great link, thank you!

 

[grlpwrd]

I would check out different places first before signing up. We checked about 3 different places with different programs before signing up for the program we are in now.

Of course, different schools and methods of martial arts can vary in price, training style, etc. I think it's important to find a good "fit" for a child.

GL!

 

[Tinkin]

My 8 yr old daughter recently started Aikido classes (Japanese form of martial arts) and she loves it.

I researched different types of martial arts and really felt aikido was best suited for her and for what I hoped she will learn from it.

Good luck!

 

[Towncrier]

Our son started with Tracy's (Kenpo) when he was 5yo. The discipline aspect was an immediate plus for him. James became very focused and had a junior black belt by his 10th birthday. He continued with weekly lessons right up until last week when he headed off to college. He found a couple guys in his dorm who are also into martial arts, so now he has someone to spar with and to keep his skills honed.

I feel that it is important to find an instructor that meshes with your child's needs and that the form of martial arts is secondary to that decision.

 

[MamaLema]

My 7 and 9 year olds have been taking karate almost 2 years. They go about 4 times a week. I agree with pp, the only downside is the expense, but to me it's worth every penny.

My 9 year old has always been shy and I feel karate has helped him to overcome his shyness. It's a great sport for kids to run around and burn off energy, it can be done year-round, and they learn self defence.