Questions About Martial Arts

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!

Hi Kelly,

My daughter had been jumping from one activity to the next until she started Karate about 7 months ago, even though she is a girlie girl, she loves it and put everythign to keep going. Not every place is the same, I have heard many children saying "I am an orange belt I got it in 3 months!" but they don't even have a certificate so if they have to start at a different school, they will have to start all over again, find a school that is AKKA certified, the one we go is great! It is located right beside the main library in 87th street behind Mc Donals. What matters the most for me, is that the instructors are motivated and help the child to like the art and do their best, Mr. Mc Daniels is awesome! We even had a week of Karate camp at their place and the kids were thrilled! The cost varies depenmding on what you want, some schools are cheaper but beware of what they have to offer, after doing some research, I found that a good price is not a good service or learning experience.
We pay $130 a month and we go twice a week, but you can go everyday if you want and earn the belts faster, of course they have to pass the test, but there is no need to practice at home, they give them all the tools and instruction and they are ready to pass the test when the day comes. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw my (8 years old at the time) doing 30 push ups and 30 sit ups for the test plus all the exercises and convinations that she learned. Here is the phone number if you want to give them a call: ###-###-####
Check them out at www.akkaop.org
If you decide to try, we have coupons for friends for a free month, I can send you one if you want.
Call and tell him that you know Miss. Abadie (that is how they call my daughter) and me:)
He is a lot of fun and that is why kids are so happy and want to go all the way to black belt!
Hope it helps and you can find the right place for you!
Oh! They start at 5 I believ, but I think it is a little too young....it deppends on the child. Ask him, he is really nice! And his wife helps with the camp too. They also have to teachers (women) that are awesome too! Good luck!
Mariana

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.

My husband started judo over 20 years ago. My 15 year old and my 5 year old are both taking judo now too. I started the classes a couple weeks ago with our 3 year old. We love it. Judo does not consist of punching, striking or kicking - it's more like wrestling. I encourage you to research the different martial arts before you make a decision. Some will promote from belt to belt faster, while some take longer. Our 5 year old has done very well with learning the techniques, and I think his two years in preschool helped his attention span. Our 3 year old is still working into it. I wanted a martial art that taught discipline as well as self defense without violence. I found it in judo and since we have a class that all 5 of us can attend together I love it. Once you decide on which martial art to go with, do some research on the senseis. Be a "guest" at a couple different dojos to see which sensei your child will mesh with better and which one you will like. We tried a couple different ones for the kids before we found one that really sees what each student is doing, pays attention to each one to make sure they are doing it right, explains the hows, whys and why nots of each move, etc. Welcome Mat Judo has several locations. It runs $45-50 for 8 weeks, and classes usually run once a week. Good luck in your quest!

Kelly,
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.

Hi, Kelly. 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!

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 Kelly-
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 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.