I really like Kaizen Karate. They have classes in MD and Va, they seem to take it seriously, but not too seriously. Really helped my ADHD daughter focus and make slow but steady progress and advance. She is never going to be a karate master, but she goes, she practices, she takes belt exams, she retakes belt exams... And it's been very good for her.

Sparring doesn't begin for a while and is always done with tons of gear.

I do karate and have taught it, including to five-year-olds. The vast majority of the five-year-olds aren't getting anything out of it except fun, and that's perfectly fine. If you think your kid is going to get frustrated if they have trouble making progress, wait until 7 or so, but if they would enjoy showing up every week to re-learn the forms they forgot the previous week, mix up their left and right fists, and kick some pads around, awesome! Just don't be one of those parents who rags on their kids so they get demoralized. Find a friendly school like Tompkins Karate Association that doesn't enforce strict standards on the little ones, and they should do great. (I don't mean a no-standards black belt mill -- just instructors who are realistic about five year olds. If you think you're going to continue you definitely want a high level of skill and respect for the art. Ask how long it usually takes to earn a black belt. If they say something like "five years" or indicate that anyone can earn one, keep looking.)

Jhoon Rhee for tkd for 5 years, 3 years Brazilian Jiu jitsu.
Stared tkd at 5, bjj at 7.
Both are great, bjj is more a kick ass mma focus.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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!

Go to Flying Kick in Bethesda. Master A is the absolute best.

Thanks! Is this a non combat studio? Or is sparring part of the instruction?

Why are you so hung up on the sparring? It's not a big deal. They are covered in pads and won't get hurt. Martial arts are combat skills.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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!

Go to Flying Kick in Bethesda. Master A is the absolute best.

Thanks! Is this a non combat studio? Or is sparring part of the instruction?

Anonymous wrote: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.

Same for me. Although in retrospect it's not the most practical martial art in terms of self defense (fancy flying kicks etc) I'd say that all martial help to instill the idea that you can react to being attacked and will not just freeze up and freak out bc you have no combat skills at all. It's also been great foundation for kickboxing classes at the gym!

Now my 4 yo is in martial arts, and in watching him I am recalling all the advantages - it's great exercise! It builds strength, flexibility, discipline, and it's fun to be part of. Even if you wind up at a belt factory, it's a good experience.

I don't understand "non-combat" martial arts - maybe that is for little kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My six yo has been doing TKD for a year as his after school care. He likes the community (he has a lot of friends at TKD), and he has a lot of fun in class.

I like the emphasis discipline, focus, and respect. I also like that he is getting a ton of physical activity, which means he sleeps well at night.

Kids move through the color belts quickly, which I think helps with self confidence too.

Please just be careful with the belt factory places though. It's honestly totally fine for little ones but if you do end up with a kid that wants to get more competitive with it later on, these places often don't serve them well.

Anonymous wrote:My six yo has been doing TKD for a year as his after school care. He likes the community (he has a lot of friends at TKD), and he has a lot of fun in class.

I like the emphasis discipline, focus, and respect. I also like that he is getting a ton of physical activity, which means he sleeps well at night.

Kids move through the color belts quickly, which I think helps with self confidence too.

Please just be careful with the belt factory places though. It's honestly totally fine for little ones but if you do end up with a kid that wants to get more competitive with it later on, these places often don't serve them well.

My six yo has been doing TKD for a year as his after school care. He likes the community (he has a lot of friends at TKD), and he has a lot of fun in class.

I like the emphasis discipline, focus, and respect. I also like that he is getting a ton of physical activity, which means he sleeps well at night.

Kids move through the color belts quickly, which I think helps with self confidence too.

I started Taekwondo in college. I loved it. Its a great workout, improves confidence, flexibility, discipline, and confidence, and I did learn a little of the Korean language. My youngest DS started two months ago because he could use more discipline, a sport that he could potentially excel at (has an older brother with his own successes in fencing), confidence, and exercise. It didn't hurt that he had won a month of free lessons. After the month was over, DH and I really liked the instructors and the programs. Its AMAC (https://www.centrevillekicks.com). It does require sparring starting at the yellow belt level.

Anonymous wrote:

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!

Go to Flying Kick in Bethesda. Master A is the absolute best.