“Daddy, I want to take Karate!”
” Mommy, Jimmy on the bus hit me again today”
There are many reasons why parents want to sign their children up for Self Defense or Martial Arts classes. Is my child to young?
Martial Arts and Self Defense Styles
There are as many different styles of Martial Arts as there are religions in the world. You have probably heard of Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu, and even Aikido, but there are still numerous styles and offshoots of the Major styles.
What Style is the Best and what style should I choose?
In reality, it is this author’s opinion that the style of Martial Arts your child will learn is not that important.
What is important is the method of teaching and training that your child will undergo. With Martial Arts training your child should learn self-respect, self-esteem, and self-discipline, along with the confidence and ability to defend themselves.
I suggest that all parents visit several locations with their children to observe the Instructor at work. The beginner’s class is where your child will start.
Do you want your child viewing this instructor as a role model? Most children will look up to their Martial Arts & Self Defense Instructors as role models and will be in awe of their abilities and skills.
It is also important to view an upper level class. The beginner classes are usually very tame, and the teaching philosophy is tailored to a younger audience.
Cost
The majority of Martial Arts & Self Defense Locations (or Dojo’s) run their business on a membership basis. Customers must sign contracts, where they are obligated to pay for a certain time period to participate. The locations are run like a gym membership, you pay for a certain length of time and may participate as often as you desire.
Rarely are the “hidden costs” discussed when signing up for a class or membership. In Martial Arts there are numerous skill levels that are equated to a belt rank. After a certain period of time and training, the student is ready to advance to a new level or belt in their martial arts style, and a “belt test” will be performed.
As the child advances in rank, protective sparring gear is required. Now this is normally mandatory for the child’s protection and safety, but can be expensive. Normal safety gear for Martial Arts consists of Foot Pads, Hand Pads, Head Gear, Mouth Piece, Groin Cup, and optional Spar Vest.
Parents, factor in the total cost of classes, testing fees, and required equipment when making your decisions.
Age
At what age should my child begin Martial Arts or Self Defense? I have seen children as young as 4 years old participate in Martial Arts or Self Defense training. The age of which a child should start Martial Arts or Self Defense classes should be judged on an individual basis and be determined by the parents.
If the child is currently enrolled in grade school and has no problem adapting to those conditions or settings then they should be considered old enough to benefit and participate from Martial Arts or Self Defense instruction.
There are many reasons why parents want to sign their children up for Self Defense or Martial Arts classes. In reality, it is this author’s opinion that the style of Martial Arts your child will learn is not that important. At what age should my child begin Martial Arts or Self Defense? I have seen children as young as 4 years old participate in Martial Arts or Self Defense training. The age of which a child should start Martial Arts or Self Defense classes should be judged on an individual basis and be determined by the parents.
