Kids and Kung Fu/MA

[ewallace]

A remark in SPJ's thread influenced this one.

I am curious as to what others think about children in martial arts. To be more specific, what arts are more suitable for younger children.

For instance, many kung fu schools do not take children under a certain age.

TKD, if a good program for kids, can be fun and get them interested in MA. As well as a chance for us single dads to meet some hot soccer moms.(football moms to our overseas friends).

[SevenStar]

I don't see a problem with kids in MA - I have recently began teaching my 6 year old muay thai. The church also wants me to do something there, but I don't really have the time. I think some arts may have principles that are too complex for a kid to grasp, like say - "internal" styles - overall, I dunno if a child would derive much benefit from that.

A buddy of mine recently got a gig teaching capoeira in a local school here.

[MasterKiller]

Personally, I don't think kids should train until 11 or 12.

[wdl]

Personally, I don't think kids should train until 11 or 12.

That's about right. My instructor has a 4-6 year old class and a 7-12 year old class. In the 7-12 year old class most of them aren't really dedicated until the 10-12 year old range. There are a few younger than that, but they are mature for their age. The 4-6 year old class gets them introduced and they have fun, but I've yet to see a child that young extremely devoted. You can't expect them to be, although I'm sure there has been some here and there.

-Will

[ewallace]

wdl hit a good point. At least for my child, I want her to start with something that is fun since she is 4 now. I will probably have her in judo in a couple of years, and maybe boxing if I can find a good childrens' program. It's kinda tough though, because as much as I want her to have fun, she is already getting into situations at freakin daycare that I would like to resolve but my methods are generally fround upon by society in regards to adults and 4 and 5 year olds. At least she has good rock throwing skills, which we recently found out.

[PangQuan]

I think its another case of individual circumstances. Some children are ready to learn at an earlier age than others.

[wdl]

At least she has good rock throwing skills, which we recently found out.

Kids are adorable like that.

-Will

[red5angel]

hey 7*, do you know if your buddy is affiliated with a particular group for his capoeira?

[ewallace]

That's a tough thing about being a parent. You have to sit them down and tell them that what they did was wrong, but inside your thinking "you should have picked up a bigger rock...but excellent work".

[SevenStar]

I think its another case of individual circumstances. Some children are ready to learn at an earlier age than others.

bingo. my son WANTS to train every day. he gets upset if I don't make it home in time to train with him. Last week, I called the house after class to check on everyone, and my wife told me that he was in the mirror shadowboxing on his own. He loves it. Without a doubt, not all kids are like that, so training young ones can be a problem.

[MasterKiller]

I think there is a difference between showing a kid something to defend themselves, like a punch or throw, and putting them on a consistent training regiment.

[SevenStar]

hey 7*, do you know if your buddy is affiliated with a particular group for his capoeira?

yeah, it's nacao. I'll ask him his maestre's name. I posted a link to one of their sites a while back, but since we had the forum move, you won't find it. I think it was www.capoeirartist.com


EDIT - that's the right url, but they it's undergoing a redesign or something, I guess. there is nothing there now, except an under construction splash page.

[red5angel]

yeah, it's nacao. I'll ask him his maestre's name. I posted a link to one of their sites a while back, but since we had the forum move, you won't find it. I think it was www.capoeirartist.com


EDIT - that's the right url, but they it's undergoing a redesign or something, I guess. there is nothing there now, except an under construction splash page.

Thanks! I've heard the name just not real familiar with it. I bookmarked the page and I'll have to check it out once it's up!

[SevenStar]

I think there is a difference between showing a kid something to defend themselves, like a punch or throw, and putting them on a consistent training regiment.

we are consistent. we train jthree days per week, at least. I don't want to overwhelm him, so we only work basics - jab, cross, hook, uppercut, defense and footwork. we start with calesthenics, move to footwork drills, then shadowboxing, defense and I let him hit the pads. We then stretch and call it a night.


Now, I don't believe in ranking kids that age. there is nothing I hate more than seeing 9 year old black belts. But, I am all for them training at that age.

[ewallace]

I think its another case of individual circumstances. Some children are ready to learn at an earlier age than others.

Yep. Personally, I think it's great for young children to get involved in more sport-fun oriented programs. Maybe because I can relate. When I first played football (american football) in the "pee-wee" league, it was fun. Then it turned into wanting to win during middle school, and in high-school it was about wanting to be the best I could. But it all started out as fun, and no one forced me to do it.