My son just turned 6, and we feel it's time to introduce him to some form of martial art. He's been exhibiting some focus and anger issues, and we think this will help.
We'd like to focus on the less violent arts that stress throws, holds, and balance, as opposed to kicking and punching.
I'm hoping someone can give me good recommendations for a great studio near Beaverton or Cedar Hills. We'd like an instructor who's loving but firm, and who can help us instill respect for self and others.
Thanks in advance!
Hi L.,
May I recommend, having studies martial arts, that you enroll him in Aikido vs. Karate or Tae Kwon Do. You might also consider Tai Chi. I cannot recommend certain instructors, but I would definately stay with those two disciplines. You might also take him to the free classes, like the introductory class, and interview the instructors and find the best fit for your son.
Best of luck!
T. Nelson
My husband is a black belt in Judo. Although I like wrestling which my kids have done I have learned one thing from my husband.
Make sure that whatever instructor you get teaches that whatever you do you walk away from a fight. My kids have done several different things in martial arts and we have been very careful about this. When we find that the instructor is not teaching this concept we leave. There is a lot of instructors out there that don't teach this and it is very bad for kids.
Instructors should teach kids how to defend themselves but also that they have the guts to walk away. And, yes, a loving firm instructor is very good asset also.
Personally I have done Tai Chi as my husband has. That is a very good sport.
Unfortunately I don't know anyone in the Beaverton area.
N.
We are at World Champion Tae Kwon Do in LO. It is fantastic. Lot's of confidence building and working together. We couldn't be happier.
http://www.worldchampiontkd.net/Murrayhill/
They have a location in Beaverton.
Aikido is what you are looking for.
