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What age should my daughter start martial arts?

August 20, 2009


Question on age to start martial arts..

My daughter is almost 4. I know it's a bit young but what age is good for a girl to start taking martial arts. Also which is best for a young girl?

Answers in Comments below..

Written by SelfDefenseWatcher · Filed Under Martial Arts Q and A 

Comments

17 Responses to “What age should my daughter start martial arts?”

  1. peter gunn on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    I would not advise starting anything serious before the age of 6 Kids younger than that are usually not aware enough to really know what they are doing.
    Between the ages of 6 and 12 I'd advise to find a class that is specialised towards minors. They need a specific way of training, and extra attention as they are not always as devoted, their minds linger easy and they tend to be less careful with one another.

  2. flagatorgirl on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    A lot of martial arts gyms have a pre-school or young child program that combines the martial arts skills with basic gymnatics on those big foamy blocks.

    If you are set on waiting, I think that six is a good age to start…If I'm not mistaken, she'll be starting school right around that age and it will definitely help her confidence.

  3. ?s R answers on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    Lots of kids start with taekwondo. Many of those schools really stress discipline and will focus on building motor skills, rather than actual martial arts. That is not a bad thing. I'd say it also depends on her attention span and maturity. Will she be comortable listening to the teacher and be able to focus? At our dojo, we accept students starting around age 12 because we teach practical self-defense, which can be inherently dangerous. Have fun!

  4. Mushin on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    In my experience as a parent and as an assistant karate coach, 8 years old is good because kids tend to be more attentive at that age, generally!
    Any style is good as most styles tend to advertise whether they accept kids anyway.
    My son practises traditional karate and jujitsu. Taekwondo, judo, hapkido and some kung fu styles are also suitable for kids.

  5. Mel on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    There's a 4 year old in my tae kwon do class, and she does really well! And so cute too :-)

    When they're that age, of course any instructor with a brain won't make them actually spar. They might do non-contact practice sparring, but nothing that will hurt them.

    Her older sister (I think she's 8 or 9) is already a recommended black belt, and can spar with the best of them. She's really good! I've actually see her do a flying spinning-wheel kick and knock a black belt in the head!! You should have heard the people in the room – it was hilarious! Not to mention the surprise on the black belts face :-)

  6. Ray H on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    Six years old.
    Any martial art will do, just find a good school.

  7. Alex Ross on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    As soon as possible… Kenpo now,Kickboxing later, then jiujitsu.

  8. Joseph on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    I would visit the local schools and talk to them so you get a feel of how they would teach. I do Kenpo and I would feel very comfortable putting a four year old in at the school I study at. They have a good program for minors and would not do any serious training with someone so young.

    The thing is the Kenpo school in your area may be completely different. That is why you need to go visit.

    Visit several martial arts schools to find the style that fits you.

  9. jamesf24 on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    I started when I was 14, I wish I had started sooner.

    I started my daughter when she was 8. She turns 10 this summer and is really just starting to get her techniques "crisp and clean" with focus and power.

    We do have a "Lil' Ninja's" class that is for 4-5 year olds. It's only 45 minutes. They do learn a couple of punch defense and a couple of grab defense things, but mostly they just run and jump and kick the bags and have fun. We start to teach them basic kicks, punches, stances and the beginners forms, but we don't critique them at all. (We do correct mistakes, but we are not critical) Most are still very uncoordinated at that age.

    James

  10. Engr man on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    now is alright just remember that there will be three year intervals (approx.) of liking and not liking the experience untill adulthood so this is something to keep in mind

  11. SiFu frank on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    As soon as she is potty trained. Our school starts them in a program that is designed for children from around 5 to 8 yr. Of course the program has the flavor of martial arts but with an emphasis on fun and discipline. The class is shorter than our regular classes. It takes a tole on our instructors. ;) Careful that you don't stick her in a program that resembles day care. This should be in addition to any daycare (after care) provided.

  12. John on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    I would recommand TaekwonDo(ITF; NOT WTF!)

  13. Punk(Lazy Man) on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    I agree with Mushin

  14. Alex S on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    if she wants to start taking it, i would say asap! it would be something for her to do. and it may come in handy.

    well i would say maybe

    a form of karate cuz that uses punches, kicks, it hink grabs and throws too.

  15. Sensei on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    In my honest opinion, I think Judo would be the best for children that age.

    It is so much fun for them tumbling and rolling and throwing each other around.

    She'll have a blast and burn off some of that 4 year old energy. Some schools will take her for Judo at that age.

    I am not a Judo person at all. I just think it's the best for them because it also teaches them how to prevent hurting themselves if thrown down or if they fall.

  16. James P on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    whenever you feel like its time

  17. RIYellowBelt on June 21st, 2009 4:21 pm

    I'm a 31 year old Yellow Belt training in Taekwon DO. Martial Arts to kids in my opinion is about having fun, learning discipline, and helping with self-confidence. As far as the age goes each studio is unique so I would suggest sitting in a couple of classes to make sure you can have some background to discuss with your spouse when considering the idea.
    Martial Arts is a very positive environment for kids to try new things and not succeed from time to time, but they will be encouraged to get up and try again. This translates well in their lives as they will constantly be presented with challenges and tough decisions.

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