My five year old with limited attention and my three year old have been doing taekwondo and I'm amazed at how much they like it. The instructors at the studio we go to are absolutely phenomenal. It is great exercise and fun but also focusing on listening and discipline.

You can do two drop in classes for $10 I think. Try the tiger cubs class on Saturday and see if it is for you.

https://www.tkmainc.com/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If anyone can recommend their program that doesn't include sparring as part of the curriculum, I would be very grateful. TIA!

assuming you don't want to drive halfway around the beltway in rush hour for a kids class it would be helpful to know where you live?

We are in Bethesda, but I would definitely consider driving a good amount for the right program (even NOVA). Thanks!

None of the schools have an emphasis on sparring these days, so I wouldn't worry about that, OP. There may be some light contact with tons of gear on, but honestly I think that helps build character, and it won't be until they're older anyway.

More importantly, at 5 yo, the classes will teach discipline and respect and focus and not squirming around and goofing off. You want to find a school with teacher and classes that you like. The actual martial art style doesn't matter at this age (or ever, arguably).

Anonymous wrote:If anyone can recommend their program that doesn't include sparring as part of the curriculum, I would be very grateful. TIA!

assuming you don't want to drive halfway around the beltway in rush hour for a kids class it would be helpful to know where you live?

If anyone can recommend their program that doesn't include sparring as part of the curriculum, I would be very grateful. TIA!

My 7yo DD has been doing jiu jitsu for almost a year. Started at the end of Jan. They only get one recess a day so i like the extra 45 mins of exercise. I also want her to learn how to protect herself. Its more hands in than Karate in that they learn moves and practice on each other.

I grew up going Taekwondo. I liked the precision required for each movement, learning korean words and traditions, and how acrobatic some of the kicks felt. I think it imparted lifelong flexibility and I have noticed that I have ZERO trouble following along in aerobics classes because I am used to that format. I found it easy to take up dance after I got my black belt and wanted to try new things.

So I'm almost 40 and picked it back up 10 years ago. I do 2 kinds. You can actually compete even at this age. It's rad. Community, respect, always something new to learn.

My HS kid has been studying martial arts for 10 years. I couldn't tell you why she loves it, but I do know that it's helped a lot with self confidence and discipline. She's not much for team sports so it's great for her that martial arts is really about challenging yourself to get better, stronger, more disciplined, etc. Her school offers sparring, but as a separate class and not part of the regular curriculum.

My DS likes independent activities. In karate he is challenging himself to learn the moves, jump higher, kick stronger etc. Also, in karate class is when he is on his best behavior - more focused and and attentive than at any other activity. It has been great for his self control.

Anonymous wrote:My kids started kung fu at age five. The studio near us is non combative, so they don't spar. It's actually more similar to dance classes than karate, from what I can see. They do general conditioning and then practice specific moves, like a routine. It helps with fitness, dedication, determination, goal setting...It's also a separate group of kids to socialize with, in a range of ages.

Can you say what studio? We'd be very interested in a non combative martial arts studio. Thanks!

DD started when she was three. I started her young, because she was a kid who needed routine, and was resistant to anything new, and if she needed to do something (and I firmly believe that children need to learn two things, self defense and swimming), it had to be introduced early.

At that age, it's mostly just fun, but also learning to listen, basic manners, that sort of thing. At 4, they start learning curriculum. She got her black belt last year at age 8. She will be going for her second degree next year.

She has gone from being a shy, unsure kid, to being confident. She can handle conversations with adults, and knows how to stick up for herself. She has learned how to deal with bullies, and that it doesn't necessarily have to involve physical confrontations. The activity also keeps her fit. She has started assisting in classes for the young kids, so she's learning how to teach, as well as learning herself. And learning to be patient, being positive, how to give feedback, all sorts of useful stuff. If she keeps up her practice, when she is old enough, she will have a job built into her training.

My kids started kung fu at age five. The studio near us is non combative, so they don't spar. It's actually more similar to dance classes than karate, from what I can see. They do general conditioning and then practice specific moves, like a routine. It helps with fitness, dedication, determination, goal setting...It's also a separate group of kids to socialize with, in a range of ages.

My daughter did karate from elementary school through high school. It was great for her physical confidence and character development. My husband started going at some point, and it's been great for him, too, for the fitness (mind and body) and the community.
I don't think the type of martial art matters as long as the spirit of the school is supportive and it encourages good character.

Tell me why? How old is your child and when did you start?
My 5 year old wants to start learning karate but I am not sure what skill they actually learn or the benefits.
Thanks