Kids and Martial Arts

Joined : 04 Jan 2008 Posts : 9

Hi all,

I'd just like to try and get people's view on what is generally a good age to start kids in martial arts. I know this largely depends on the child and I guess to some degree the style of art

I started, what I consider as late, at age 16 into Kyukushin Karate. My daughter is coming up to 4 years old and I am hoping that I can find a good, structured, well taught class to, what I hope, will develop her love with the arts and help her grow in many ways (not just street safety). If she likes it from an early age I hope she would want to continue it...

I'd just like to try and findout other peoples views and opinions based on your experiences of teachning or attending training on:

- suitable ages
- up and downside
- what to look out for
- suggested style

Thanks for your feedback

Sumprash

Admin Joined : 16 Aug 2007 Posts : 232

Hi Sumprash,

As you say, it seems to be a really subjective question dependant upon the child in question. That said I have covered in the past for kids classes and I have a number of boys ranging from 4-6 in my immediate family and I think that 6-7 years old is the right age for a structured class.

4-6 I think dads, uncles etc can start to work with the child on a one to one basis in short blasts of about 15 minutes.

I'd stick to light, fun grappling styles until they are a bit older. At a young age start them with games which require some rolling about, some balance work, some body movement into position etc. Make it fun above all and with little to no emphasis on violence. Think bear and lion cubs playing.

The last thing you want to do is put them off by being too disciplined and too harsh too young. Let them be kids above all, no fear and no stress at all at that stage. I would hold off anything serious until they reach teenage years.

Just my two pennorth though, I think the fact that you are asking the question at all means you are on the right track mate.

Subject: Re: Kids and Martial Arts Thu May 01, 2008 10:51 pm

Hi Sumprash,
Chris provided you with excellent advice that I wholly concur with...

I , too, prefer grappling-based systems over striking-based systems as they are more kid-friendly when it comes to interactive, sparring-type activities. One caveat to that though is I generally don't recommend teaching kids 13 years and younger choking/strangling techniques due to their inherent dangers.

When it comes to striking-based systems, I recommend prudence be exercised when it comes to full-contact sparring especially in kids 13 years and younger. While power generated by kids in this age range is relative to the body size, weight, and mechanics of the kids in question, any hard blunt force trauma to their brains at this stage in their development is not something I can comfortably recommend having kids experiencing. Light to semi-contact sparring is what I would limit kids to at this stage.

As far as recommended systems, well, they are the exact same ones I would recommend to adults with the appropriate limits exercised with kids. They are the MMA-based ones (which I freely admit I have a bias for): Western boxing, muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Western wrestling (e.g. freestyle, Greco-Roman), judo, sambo, and san shou. The most important thing in studying any of these systems is picking a good, kid-friendly/sensitive instructor. So, be extremely selective with who you send your kids to.

Hope this helps. Take care and good luck...

Best Regards,
Lito
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Subject: Re: Kids and Martial Arts Fri May 02, 2008 1:58 am

they start school at about 5 years old.. they should start martial arts at the same time.. it should be FUN martial arts for at least a year

if they learn to enjoy it early on, they will learn to carry on enjoying it when the more serious aspects are brought in

kids under 9 are in my opinion too young to learn serious stuff, and in fact I wait until they are at secondary school from 11 years on

just my take on it

Joined : 04 Jan 2008 Posts : 9

Gents - thanks very much for comments, very very insightful.

I think interest in sport for kids is extremely important from a social, confidence, strength, relief from day-to-day things, friendship, willpower etc etc

If you know of any recommended schools in the harrow areas please do let me know.

Otherwise based on your comments as long has sport & games are part of lifestyle from an early age, until an appropriate system in our area makes sense, I guess that would be an suitable alternative providing she enjoys what she does?

Thanks Sumprash

Joined : 11 Apr 2008 Posts : 25 Location : South Wales, UK

I have a large junior class and had to increase the start age to 8yr old, as the younger ones were not disciplined enough and were distrupting the older ones.

I teach them the same basic principles as the senior class, but obviously none of the destructive techniques - good movement, posture and mindset are some of the main elements. The main thing I find is to vary the training, as kids soon get bored with regimental drills. I incorporate pad work, which always goes down well, groundfighting, as well as some fun training, games etc

If the kids enjoy the training and feel comfortable then they will progress naturally.

I had twins start with me 4 years ago aged 12 and they are doing their Junior Dan Grading this month - This progression is always pleasing to see and they can now see that they have great potential to make excellent Senior Dan grades.

Hope this helps
Al

Joined : 04 Jan 2008 Posts : 9

Thank you guys for great feedback