Comments on: What age should my daughter start martial arts?

By: peter gunn

peter gunn — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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.

By: flagatorgirl

flagatorgirl — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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.

By: ?s R answers

?s R answers — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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!

By: Mushin

Mushin — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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.

By: Mel

Mel — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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

By: Ray H

Ray H — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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

By: Alex Ross

Alex Ross — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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

By: Joseph

Joseph — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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.

By: jamesf24

jamesf24 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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

By: Engr man

Engr man — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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