Questions About Martial Arts

My husband and I are both black belts in Tae Kwon Do and plan for our daughter to begin classes when she is 4-5 depending on her ability to sit still and pay attention. Since she sits in classes with us she is already beginning to kick & do her high block at 19-months. Martial Arts is a great way to reinforce discipline & manners while working on coordination, focus & confidence. We've had kids tell us that their grades have improved since beginning Tae Kwon Do. Our studio has classes for younger groups, one for all levels & one for upper levels. Regardless of the class, lower levels often get more attention and excel even when they are with upper belts. It is often good for a lower level to have exposure to the upper belts so they can better model after someone with more experience. We have studios in Blue Springs, Lee's Summit & Liberty. Classes are available Monday-Friday and you are able to attend as many times as you would like per week. I'd be happy to provide you with a 30-day free trial to the Blue Springs studio if you would like. For more information about the studio go to pruterstkd.com. They are family run. Mrs. Pruter is a 6th degree (Master) with 28 years experience & Mr. Pruter is a 5th degree (Master) with 25? years experience.

Hi K.-
I see that you live in Overland Park as I do. My 8 year old daughter takes Tae Kwon Do classes at the Martial Arts Institute in Overland Park. She started last year at 7 years old. She loves it and I am happy with the results. We chose Martial Arts Institute as it was close to our home and the owner Master Justin Tjelmeland visits their elementary school frequently to teach classes and such. I would have started her earlier than 7 but she was busy and involved in other things. I also think 5 or 6 is a good age to begin but it depends upon their developmental level as well. Some kids are ready sooner than others. Most places will let you try it out and you can see if they are ready and like it. The most important thing is that they enjoy it. If interested, here is the contact info: Martial Arts Institute 12655 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS ###-###-#### www.MartialArtsInstitute.net

My husband and son are both black belts and have been involved in Tae Kwon Do for 7 years. Five years old is a good starting age for kids, they have to be able to pay attention
and take instructions. It's a great way to learn new skills and gain respect for others. $70./mo is the rate per month, per student. Uniform and pads are extra. Classes are available 3x week, including Saturdays, but it's up to you how often you want your kids to attend. The school they go to is on Shawnee Mission Pkwy, between Nieman and Quivira (behind Ford dealership) Master Lee is a great instructor and also has other black belts help teach the kids. It's great you are considering Martial Arts for your kids!!
V.

Hi, K.. I think martial arts in great for kids. It can teach them discipline and listening skills. My son tried it, but didn't end up staying with it. In order to move up in belts, the kids have to study and practice at home and go to tournaments. He wasn't ready for any of that yet. He was 7 when we enrolled him in Tae Kwan Do. I know of a boy that was in junior high who was a black belt, so it depends on how driven your child is to earn the belts. We took him to the class at Shawnee Civic Centre. I liked it, but wished there was more direct instruction with the "newbies" by the instructor showing them the basics. Good Luck!

K.,
My oldest daughter started asking over a year ago if she could start taking Karate. She had done dance and gymnastics, but she wasn't really ever that passionate about either. I did look around a bit, and of course wanted something close to the house. I didn't like the way some of them grouped their classes. She was 5 at the time, and some of them go by level only and had little kids in with adults. And even though they are learning the same thing, they don't learn at the same level or speed so I wasn't really wanting to go that route. We finally settled on Tiger Rock Academy in Olathe. Its at 119th and Blackbob (approx), and I know they do have another location. They have a website. Elizabeth is 6, and will be 7 in Oct. She started about mid May and absolutely loves it. The instructor Mr. Hartley is wonderful with the kids. They do divide their classes by rank, but also keep their younger "Tiger Cubs" in a seperate class, as well as teens and adults. She has already earned her first two strips on her belt and is on her way to testing for her yellow belt the end of the month. The cost is 99 per month, and that includes the ability to go to class every day (except Sunday) The classes are 50-55 minutes long. You do have to willing to devote time to this sport...they are required to take 2-3 classes per week. We did the starter class to try it out initially which is $25 for 3 classes and the uniform, which was definitely the way to go. There have been other expenses, like a training manual and will be other things to purchase as she advances. She is loving it though and we are willing to invest if this is what she wants to do. My husband took it when he was younger and is considering taking it up again. If you add a second person, or even the whole family to the plan, it is $169 per month. Good Luck!
I was just looking at the next persons response...Mr. Chun Lee's Academy was where my husband took his classes so many years ago! We thought it would be neat to send our daughter there too, but not close to where we live. I know from my husband though that he is also a great instructor.

Martial arts is a great idea for kids! They teach discipline and control as well as self defense. The age you can start a lot of times depends on the art form and the instructer but you generally can start them fairly early. If your kids are younger, you might want to start with one of the softer art forms like Tai Chi or Aikido which are also great for older people as well. You could make it a family activity and get a good workout for yourself at the same time.

i have a 21 month old and i'm totally into getting him into some sort of "activity" when he's ready...i've heard that 3 is a good age to start organized activities as that is when they are more capable of listening and being part of a group. i have NO idea about where to look, but i'd start by getting the yellow pages, finding a few close to you, and comparing prices. i would also check the facility out, go watch a practice (or whatever they call it!) to see how it's run and the general atmosphere. good luck!