Martial arts for kids?

Sigma Force

The Sprog is interested in taking up martial arts but is not the type of kid that is used to the rough and tumble (no siblings to fight with) however she is interested in it and was wondering how do they start beginner classes, is there a particular marital art that would be more suited I'm sure with regular classes her confidence would go up and know it's not all about beating the living daylights out of each other.

Would really like to get her into something like this for the excercise and of course no harm in learning self defence.

Any info. would be great.

Nothingcompares

The actual "name" of the martial art doesn't really matter. What's important is the kids are looked after well and it's fun/enjoyable/healthy experience.

best thing is to check out the local clubs or give your local area here and people may recommend good clubs they've had personal experience of.

paul moran

Hello,

As previously stated it is best to visit the local classes and speak with the instructors, get a feel for what the club is all about and the focus of the art/sport.

I always suggest bringing the children along to my class to watch the class and to say hello. This gives them a chance to see what Martial Arts really is and shows that it is not all power rangers and Jacky Chan.

If the child sees it as a fun and safe environment then they will be keen to give it a try and you as a parent will also feel more confident about signing them up.

Styles of martial arts shouldn't matter in your choice of club, only how you feel you and your child would fit into the ethos of the school.

Also you would be suprised how many schools and community halls have martial arts classes running so if you let us know where you are based we might be able to help.

I have an extensive Kung Fu 4 Kids program in Blackrock (moving to a fulltime gym in Deansgrange, Co Dublin), if I can be of any help please don't hesitate the check out the Kids club on our site.

Goodluck

angeldance

I started my daughter at kickboxing, because the junior class is on at the same time and in the hall I train in. She's 6 and does semi-contact. She's very sensitive and hasn't sparred yet, but last week she asked for sparring gear to give it a try so I'm gonna get her some stuff for her birthday.
She loves it, last night in the club they were having races, where they had to do cartwheels to the end of the mat then do 5 roundhouse kicks then do rolly poly's back, all the kids loved it. It's important to find a club and an art that she has fun in and wants to do. Go along to a few local clubs and check out what they have on offer. Good luck.

globalkb

where abouts do you live?

i agree with the others, the way the kids are taught is the most important element,its very hard to keep children interested so fun and games that teach them while they play is the best way forward.

there is a junior kickboxing class in loughlinstown leisure centre on tues and thursdays the instructor Glen Heenan has been teaching children for 20 years. he can be contacted on 0863993095.

as a female myself, martial arts gave me great confidence when i started as a teenager and im sure it will do the same for your daughter

lobstermonkey

thank you for that information - am strongly considering moving my niece from her current club to another.

Zen65

I would fully agree with the general comments made here already; it's not about the style it's about the instructor and the club's ethos. I've sent my kids to a couple of different clubs, and I preferred the club with the greater emphasis on discipline & respect for each other. Speak to the instructor beforehand, make sure he's qualified to teach fitness / martial arts. Watch a class and form your own opinion about the way the kids are treated and treat each other.

If you're on Northside of Dublin I suggest you check out St Vincent's club in Fairview, see the website at http://www.svjkarate.com/

If you're on the Southside of Dublin I suggest you check out Tanden Karate Club at http://www.tandenshotokan.com/

Best of luck,

Zen65