Self defence for your kids

[Crazylegs]

Roughly what's the youngest age a child can start classes for Karate etc...

[redcrx]

i know of 4 years olds that do it

[jake-the-peg]

I teach Karate and whilst we do take kids at 5 it's much better if they wait to about 7 - their concentration's better and they're more focussed

[Crazylegs]

Thanks red. Jake 5-7?surely the younger they start the better? In china etc... do they not start the kids off as soon as they can walk so by the time they're 7 they are already well learned in their martial art of choice?

[jake-the-peg]

Our sessions run for about an hour and a half and we mix adults and kids so famillies can train together.

We find that can be a bit long for the younger ones to concentrate for.

Of course there are the "little dragons" type classes which aren't really much more than glorified baby sitting sessions but if the kids like it that's fine.

But we've had a few that have come in from some schools and the standards of what they know's not impressive.

Why don't you see if there's one that has a familly class - that's how I started - My son dropped out after a couple of years or so and I kept on - keeps you pretty fit!

[jake-the-peg]

If you want to judge a class take a look at the number of black belts there.

A good established class will have trained a number of Dan grades and will be good enough for them to stick around.

Just because someone's got a black belt doesn't mean that they can teach or even that they're very good. It's a bit like getting a driving license it certifies a basic ability not a mastery

[Crazylegs]

Thanks jake.

[Mully79]

Have to disagree with Jake a little on this one.

I take my 4 year old daughter to mixed martial arts. They run two classes there, level 1 and 2 for the younger kids. She's been going for 6 months and is getting to the stage where she'll be moving up to the second class in the next couple of months.

The first class runs twice a week for only a half hour each, and the second is also twice a week, but at 45 minutes each. Class ages range from 4 - 6 and the older ones are then able to move onto more specific areas / classes. The class time is perfect for that age group, as pointed out, concentration doesn't last.

She's coming on really well there, not only with the basic techniques but the general respect and discipline they have. They cover general fitness and have games/activities that incorporate martial arts to make it more fun, but also do sessions where they practice some of the techniques properly.

UItimately it depends on your own child, some at 4 may be a bit too young to concentrate or deal with the class without a parent, whereas others are ok. And of course whoever is running the facility, some places will always be better than others.

She likes it that much that she asked if she could have a punchbag at home, where she now practises her moves. Quite frightening as she's a tiny little thing, looks like butter wouldn't melt and then rips into that punchbag like you wouldn't believe. She tried ballet / tap a while back, it just wasn't her style :)

[flyingpig]

My grandson is 4 on Friday and has his yellow belt for Karate, he loves it.

[daffy654]

Mully... you do know that Mixed Martial Arts is the correct term for what is commonly known as Cage Fighting don't you?

[Mully79]

Hi Daffy, no I did not know that oh dear!

It's actually freestyle karate, dunno where I got that other phrase from??? My brain works in mysterious ways sometimes :)

[daffy654]

I was picturing 4 years olds cage fighting when I saw your post mully.... it wasn't a good image! lol

[Mully79]

Ha ha wouldn't surprise me if they did stuff like that up here in Manchester for pre-schoolers. Think I'd be terrified of my own daughter if she evolved into a cage fighter, bet she wouldn't get bullied at school though!