Karate for 5 Year Old

I don't know of any in Crystal Lake, but there is a great one in Wauconda. It's Gangi's mixed martial arts on Rt 176.

Hi K.,

We go to the School of Classical TaeKwon-Do on the north side of Crystal Lake (it's near the corner of Route 31 and Route 176), and we love it there! The teachers are very patient and kind, while at the same time, there is focus on respect and discipline as well. There is a "Little Dragons" class tailored to the 4 to 6 year old children, and classes for older children, too. If you call up the school, they will let you try a class for free, so you can see how she likes it. Great program and wonderful instructors!! Good luck in your search for a martial arts school!

Warmly,
J.

You have to check out Young Masters in Woodstock. They have a fantastic program! For 3-6 year olds they have Little Ningas classes. After that the classes include 6 year olds to adults, male and female, beginners to black belts. You can come and watch one any time and I think they may be running a special where the first class is free. My son has been going for the last couple years and LOVES it! The masters have over 100 years combined experience and they are great with kids. Check out their website which includes videos of the classes. www.youngmastersmartialarts.com

p.s We tried going through the City of Woodstock's rec center, but it was WELL worth spending a little more to go through a private program.

We have taken at 2 places in Crystal Lake.

For 15 months my daughter took karate at Illinois Shotokan Karate (thru the Park District). It seemed an inexpensive option, but after all the other testing and tournament fees, it wasn't cheaper than a private studio. The progress seemed slow and my daughter grew frustrated at the lack of opportunity to advance her belt color. I grew frustrated at the costs and how few new things were being taught. She is older (started at 12) so maybe this place would be OK for a younger child. The instructors are very nice and competent.

Just recently we moved over to Focus Martial Arts. I agree with everything the previous mom said about them. Good choice. Family business, but very successful. Their website is focusma.com.

There are lots of other Martial Arts places around town, they just teach things other than karate. Any way you go, it's a wonderful thing for your kids to do.

I know the owners of Focus on 31- they are awesome as well as their employees. my children are in Lees martial arts in cary- I like it as well- I am able to run to jewel or hallmark while they are in class. My boys have been doing it over 4 years now- there are a lot of girls in class. Its great for self esteem

I would recommend FOCUS Martial Arts in Lake in the Hills (Rte 31 & Virginia Rd). I have a daughter who is 6 and gone thru their Little Ninja class and since moved up to the PeeWee class. She just loves it. The owners are a married couple with five of their own children and are just amazing with the kids. They are hands on and very involved with the teaching. It's a very family oriented program. I have not come across any instructor that I haven't liked. My 10 year old son takes karate there and has been with FOCUS since he was 5. Early on he wanted to quit and it was because of some very good advice from an instructor that he has stuck with it and really loves it and is looking forward to getting his blackbelt. Please let me know how you turn out. Would love to see you join our group.

K.,

I'd suggest a YMCA program because we had a similar experience. My 4 yr old wanted to try it - so we did Tae Kwon Do at the YMCA. It wasn't what she expected and she only lasted on session. Now again at 5 1/2 she's asking to try again.

For us, going through the Y was cheaper than going directly through the "store front" school since we're already members. It's a great way for the kids to "try" new things in a familiar, family environment, and know that it's OK to not feel pressure to stick with it. My kids "try" different things all the time. I see they are stronger and more confident than some other little girls because they aren't afraid to try new things. They remember the classes they've taken and after about a year or so ask me to go again. I think exposure to different experiences is key to healthy child development...especially for girls and in our sedentary society where so many of their friends (at 5 and 4) talk about playing Wii, other video games or watching movies.

Best of luck - let me know what happens!

Sara

Hi! I would also recommend Focus in LITH. I also just heard positive reviews from another parent on Master Chung's Martial Arts in Crystal Lake.