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My son started Tae Kwan Do when he was 3 (now 5) and it has been great for him. Not only has it enforced discipline and confidence but it has also helped develop his coordination and memory. He has needed to memorize 19 and 21 step "forms" and to do so he has had to really learn to pay attention. The Korean he is learning doesn't hurt either! I would say that it isn't really a social activity though, but rather a solitary discipline. We have been able to fit in soccer in the spring and fall and that it more of a social sport.
Once kids reach 3 or 4, they are definately ready for karate! Learning the basics at that age prepares them for the tougher skills later on. Most of it is play at that age anyway.
My son was autistic and his therapists and I thought it was a great idea to start him in ATA Tae Kwon Do when he was 5. He is now 6, no longer autistic but still has some social problems that karate has really helped him with. It has also taught him to control his own body, focus and to be more responsible. Half of his class time is learning moves, the other half is group play. Perfect for his age.
I think karate teaches kids to work with others but to also respect others and to develop their own strengths. Plus my son loves it!
I started my 13 y.o. daughter in karate as well, at her request. She saw what it has done for my son and became interested. She also started a year ago and though she is older, she is learning a lot.
Plus it is so cute to watch them at the younger ages just starting out trying to do all those kicks and chops!
There are many types/forms of Karate. Kenpo is the one I chose for my son. He was 5. I can't tell the ages of these kids but the young one looks about 4 maybe.
In kenpo there is not a big push on the white gi with my experience. A gi ( pronounced "gee") is the traditionl dress associated with marital arts. My son wore a black gi which was really easy to take care of as opposed to white. The class could also wear black t-shirts in place of the gi. In most cases you need to pay for the belts that are earned. When looking for a class ask about these things (class belt certificates should be free).
When I started researching Kenpo I found out it's history and the diversity of change it has under gone and it's relationship to the other disciplines and that's what make me decide on Kenpo.
There are 3 branches of Kenpo.
Once kids reach 3 or 4, they are definately ready for karate! Learning the basics at that age prepares them for the tougher skills later on. Most of it is play at that age anyway.
My son was autistic and his therapists and I thought it was a great idea to start him in ATA Tae Kwon Do when he was 5. He is now 6, no longer autistic but still has some social problems that karate has really helped him with. It has also taught him to control his own body, focus and to be more responsible. Half of his class time is learning moves, the other half is group play. Perfect for his age.
What a great post! I have an almost 4 year old son in the spectrum and was reading this thread out of curiosity. I think in a couple of years we'll start him with a martial art, it really helped me when I was a kid.
My son started when he kept getting bullied by this kid named Johnny. The knocked him off his bike, beat him up in front of this girl he really liked and then beat him up on halloween. Finally I had the maintenance guy teach him a few moves and now he finally earned their respect.
To add:
Make sure payment plan contracts are well read and agreed upon.
There are many places out there that look at the money and treat the programs like some type of day care thing.
It's important to get references and discuss (frankly) what this, how much that.
If the child gets sick, how many days a wk, how long is the contract.
The best places do monthly or have plans that can be stopped without to much penalty if things don't work out.
Like any other place where you are paying for services; know what you are buying.
Watch out for guarantees that the child will get this belt when and so forth and so on. Belts are awarded on ability and not money.
My son started when he kept getting bullied by this kid named Johnny. The knocked him off his bike, beat him up in front of this girl he really liked and then beat him up on halloween. Finally I had the maintenance guy teach him a few moves and now he finally earned their respect.
holy crap! i think i knew your son! and i actually was tought karate by that crazy maintenance guy until he had me waxing his fancy old cars! what ever happened to your son?? i heard he went to japan or something and fought in some crazy death match?!?
I introduced my son at 14, thats the perfect age in my opinion because his body had developed and had power to do kicks and throws correct, he could'nt drive yet so it was something to do (kept him busy and out of trouble) . then by the time he was 16 and driving he was already up in rank (purple belt) and he did say somthing about quiting during this time but i told him to hang in there, and he did, he made his black belt when he was 18, he's very proud of this, in fact he just made a speech about it in speech class in college
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