Self Defense for kids

Wondermum

I have two boys, one is very quiet and timid and getting some verbal bullying when he plays outside. Looking for a boxing or some sort of self defence class that will help build his confidence. Somewhere in the Dublin 12 (Drimnagh) location would be great. He is 11 yrs old and his brother is 7, would like them both to go.

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Wondermum wrote: »

I have two boys, one is very quiet and timid and getting some verbal bullying when he plays outside. Looking for a boxing or some sort of self defence class that will help build his confidence. Somewhere in the Dublin 12 (Drimnagh) location would be great. He is 11 yrs old and his brother is 7, would like them both to go.

The poor kid, I was bullied terribly in school myself and the thoughts of it sadden me.

The best advice I can give is to visit a few clubs in your area and see which one your children like.

I'd recommend boxing as a self defense over just about anything else, but if the lad is timid he may not like boxing but I'd give that a look.

Any kind of wrestling/grappling comes completely natural to children, they love it and take to it like a duck to water.. I'd recommend you look at Judo or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.. I'm not familiar with your area but maybe someone can recommend a club in your area.

They're my recommendations.

Mellor

In no particular order, I'd recommend;
Boxing, BJJ, Judo, Muay Thai, MMA

Scout the local clubs. They will probably each allow a free sessions or two, Get the boys to try it out, and see what they prefer.
If one like grappling, and he other striking, then there are often clubs that offer both classes.

smacl

Jaylee Sour Gardener wrote: »

Any kind of wrestling/grappling comes completely natural to children, they love it and take to it like a duck to water

+1 on this. From a self defence perspective for kids, IMHO it is mostly about confidence and being used to a bit of rough and tumble. Wrestling / grappling and boxing are all great in this regard, as they basically get kids used to a bit of contact and hard physical work, such that they ignore the bully who then moves onto an easier target. Worth remembering that bullies are essentially cowards that aren't going to enter into a conflict that they don't feel assured of winning easily.

For my money, wrestling and grappling are the most fun, which is a huge plus for kids and adults alike.

MagicIRL

The added benefit of something like BJJ (in my experience) is that it doesn't involved long kata sequences that need to be learned off and demonstrated. You're taught techniques and how to apply them, and then spar/roll with other students to perfect those techniques.

If your children enjoy learning things off, then maybe look for something like Karate etc that emphesises kata. If they're prone to losing interest, perhaps something more dynamic like BJJ etc would be a better option.

I'm sure most places offer a week or two trial run anyway, so you could get them testing out a few different styles.

youllneverknow

I'd recommend BJJ or wrestling.It just comes natural to them.

I am a bit biased as i only coach these to kids.