Karate Class for Almost-5-year-old Son?

My son, now 23, started karate at the age of 5, and LOVED it. He wasn't much into sports, but really enjoyed karate. He advanced all the way to first degree black belt by age 10. He got involved with Youth of America Karate, (not sure if you have that in your area?), I'm in IL. It's a wonderful organization, and it's all about the kids. Karate is great for teaching them to be disciplined and be respectful of people. I had worries my son might become a bully when he was growing up, and it was quite the opposite. He never used his karate moves on anyone except in tournaments, which by the way, they can be involved in tournaments & get alot of trophies! My son has a roomful of trophies. He is now a 3rd degree blackbelt and still practices here and there. Good luck, it's a great 'sport' to be involved in!

Just shop your local schools to see what they have available. We put my 4 year old son in martial arts (Hung Gar Kung Fu) because he just seemed to have a natural interest and ability in it. Since he was 3, he's liked balancing and balancing games. He loves to "fight" his dad. Then he started standing on his dad's knees, and staying on even when his dad would wiggle his legs to gently knock him off. I had a little talk with him, and we went to visit a class (ours is 2 days/week from 4-5pm, but you just have to search your local schools to see about hours). He watched the class, I paid very close attention to the attitude of the teachers, students, and spoke with moms who were there, kinda "interviewing" the school as much as I could. Soccer I had no problem putting him in, but I was really picky about where he'd learn a fighting skill because I didn't want him picking up bad attitudes or anything (like I've seen in so many little league baseball games, lol). Love the school, love the class, he is learning respect and self discipline, getting some exercise, but it's also not so reliant on a "team" but more on your own goals and your own pace, as far as how fast you pick up on things and move along. He can choose as he progresses to be on a tournament team or just do it for his own benefit. Can't speak more highly of it. I also love the fact that he has perfect posture, even when sitting on kneeling, he's developing self confidence and pride and it shows. Soccer is neat, I'll always love it because it's what I played in high school, but this is something else......so glad we found it!

my 6 year old is doing karate through Red Tiger Karate. I like it and you sign up for 8 weeks at a time, so no long term contract

http://www.redtigerkarate.com/

the new session JUST started this week, so you can still sign up. They have 2 different Carrollton classes... one on Wed and one on Friday (tonight!) So you could go tonight for a free trial class and then pay for the session next week if your son likes it.

The friday class is at the Senior Center. Keller Springs just west of Josey. next to the library. 6pm

Just make sure they don't lock you into a contract... I signed my son up for karate at almost 4yrs old with his friend... He loved the first day, that was it!!!! After that he fought me tooth and nail not to go... I made the big mistake of signing a 6 month contract that I had to fight tooth and nail to get out of....PS his friend is still in it and it's been 1 year...

We did Tae Kwon Do for ours started them at 3 years of age.

Most martial arts programs are in the evenings and at night with some classes available on the weekends. Since it is geared toward older people (school age and up) you will hardly find classes during the day.

Most do offer a two week trail for free just to see if the kids are really interested in it. You might have to buy the outfit. The free trials are worth it. You want someone who is great with kids and who will give them the encouragement and support they need.

It has been a few years, but my oldest attended Sidekicks Martial Arts. www.sidekickskarate.com They have a location in Carrollton and at least one other close by. Out of the the 3 places I took my son for martial arts as he was growing up, I liked them the best. Not sure what it is like now, but worth checking out.