Martial Arts for 5 Yr Old Son?

I have trained in TaeKwonDo and Karate for a total of 10 years. I have a black belt in karate. My daughter started at age 5 in Karate and is now a Brown Belt at age 10. I enjoy the TaeKwonDo/Karate style of Martial Arts because of the emphasis on kicks and the physicality of it.

I have taught a kids' class for two years and I think Martial Arts are a tremendous benefit for almost all kids. Your son sounds like a good candidate for this sport. The kids that tend to do well are typically independent and somewhat competitive, and don't always like team sports. Stubborness is OK :-) My daughter fits this description (she loves swimming,too), and her stubborness will carry her through her black belt test process, which is grueling. The confidence and strength she has gained is noticeable.

I think visiting several schools and observing a class or two would be the best way to understand the differences and get a feel for the type of instruction offered. A school should not have a problem with you and your son visiting, asking questions, and taking time to decide. A too-pushy sales pitch would have me moving on to another choice. An instructor for a kids' class should be strict but not overly intimidating and also allow for a little fun during or at the end of a class. The teacher should know and use each student's name. Respect should be taught by showing the students respect, also.

Be sure to get the financial information, and be sure you know what is included. Some school charge a monthly fee for as many classes as you want to attend, some charge extra for each belt promotion, tournaments are usually optional and come with an added fee. Sparring equipment might be included in the overall fee or may be extra. Typically sparring equipment must be purchased through the school or only from approved vendors. We started sparring when we reached Green belt.

Good luck in your search!

Both my boys are enrolled in Martial Arts - I can't tell you how much it has helped them!!!

Five is the PERFECT age...

When selecting a Do Jung (pronounced DOE - JUNG (like junk with a "G") (some are called Do Jo's - Doe Joe's)- you need to ask for a free week of lessons so that you can see how the Masters interact and teach the children.

Our Masters work with the children - in groups and individually - and while they promote, they do NOT give out belts just because you show up. You MUST know the forms in our Do Jung. If they just promote in groups - then I would NOT join them...as each person (even adults) progresses at their own rate and should NOT be promoted just because they showed up.

The care of the facility is important too. You will see a TON of respect for others personal property, etc. as trust, respect, self-control are important in the Martial Arts field.

Talk with the parents of children enrolled and see what they say as well. You can get a feel for the place from them as well!

GOOD LUCK!!

My 5 year old just started karate tonight. It was GREAT!!

His program is operated by the Illinois Shotokan Karate Club, and they have locations all over the place. Ours is offered at the Darien park district.

We are brand new to it, so definitely take my advice with a grain of salt, but I was quite impressed by their Sensei.

My babysitter tonight was telling me that her sons have been in karate for years, and that MOST places in Illinois require you to sign a contract for the whole year. This organization that we are doing does NOT do that. You pay for a semester at a time (8 wks, once per week).

If you are interested in learning more, their website is www.iskc.com

Good luck! I am really excited about this, after striking out with t-ball and soccer.

My 5 year old son is doing Taekwondo through ATA and he loves it! They teach the basics of the art, respect for themselves and others, stranger danger, self-discipline, etc! Both instructors are very knowledgeable and actually care about the students!

If you have a few studios in your area to choose from, go sit and watch during a session and see which one you guys like.
I think it's a great idea to get him involved in MA, its very good for kids.

I believe martial arts is great. Our 17 yr old daughter studied 6+ yrs and achieved her black belt. You learn SO much from a good program.

The trick is to find a good program, not a "belt factory" that promotes because you pay fees.

Our daughter was privately trained in a very small school. It was well worth the money we spent to make sure she was trained in a good setting with a guru who would not pass her unles she truly earned the next step.

Good luck.

I studied martial arts myself for years and have just signed my own son (also 5) up. I think it's fantastic for all the reasons you've mentioned.

That said, I think it's less a question of which martial art and more a question of which dojo (martial art school). Ask around with everyone you know. Sit in on classes. See which space makes you personally feel comfortable.