Kick Boxing/tai Kwondo/karate

[phleb]

I don't know how many self defense techniques there are. but looking to send my kids once per week to one. Which would you sensible people recommend? it has to be a sport where they learn to look after themselves, as well as get fit, and be able to fight if the need arises. x

[jd_1984]

Basic karate is excellent for self discipline, fitness and confidence. We are sending our 5 year old he loves it!

[pixie373]

There are loads! My OH is a 5th Dan Karate instructor and I'm at yellow belt. Great fun and good discipline and exercise.
Both my boys (10 and 17) prefer Judo, as it's more physical and lots of contact. It's not self-defence though. My youngest also does kick-boxing, which he loves. But karate would definitely be my choice.

[Baby_Sham]

Agree with jd. Karate is excellent for confidence, and will give them the skills they need to defend themselves, if ever the need arises.
I would always recommend against kickboxing. Nothing personal to anyone on her that practices it, but in my experience, the majority of kids doing it are already little thugs.

[rockyracoon]

Funnily enough my daughter started kick boxing 3 weeks ago, she loves it. Every week they learn defensive moves which she wants to practice on her brother (he's having none of it) but it is first and foremost a sport, the instructors tell them, if they get into trouble they should run, not fight unless they have too. To be honest though, I think to able to kick someones arse would take a lot, a lot of training.

[Baby_Sham]

Apologies, pixie. Again, it's just my *personal* experience.

[pixie373]

Babysham- he IS a little thug. He loves it! ;-)

[Baby_Sham]

Hahaha well there you go! Least he won't have any trouble with the school bullies :D

[pixie373]

Yes, rocky. They will all teach you to leave rather than fight. Fighting is always a last resort to defend yourself or someone else. You can lose a karate license by causing unnecessary trouble/ acting like an idiot.

[Peter Pedant]

I dont think it matters which to be honest

I did kick boxing with the fella who was the stunt double for James Coburn and then tranferred to the fella who was one of the warders at Strangways. - - - and learnt to take knives off people which I did once.

and had great fun - - - (then I got a dog and went road running instead which the dog enjoyed more )

[Baby_Sham]

^^^ Peter Pedant = thug :P

[SlackAlice]

I introduced both of my boys to Judo and Tae Kwondo as a means of self defense and fitness, they eventually settled for Tae Kwondo. Anything like this taught in a responsible manner, gives confidence and self discipline in difficult circumstances.

Must admit I would have liked them to follow me in taking up Judo. It brought me many friends and up to only a few years ago gave me great pleasure in teaching. Finally reached Black belt 3rd Dan many years ago. When I gave up competition judo [too old ☺] I resorted to instructing and refereeing. I always stressed it was a sport to be used under supervision and as a total last resort, much better to walk away. Judo licences can be withdrawn for improper use.

[atalanta]

My son and my friend's grandson took up karate after being bullied. Bullying stopped instantly, and both boys went on to get Black belts. I think my son's Black belt helped him get a University place in the face of fierce competition.

[phleb]

Karate it is then. Thank you.