Martial arts are one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kuk Sool Wan, Tai Chi, and mixed martial arts schools are popping up in every city and town. It looks exciting and some of the children in the advertisements are very young. Are the martial arts suitable for young children and how do you know if your child is ready for martial arts classes?
Speaking from the experience as a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, as an assistant instructor, and a parent, I can assure you that martial arts are safe for children as young as 4. The key to success with martial arts at this age is matching the child with the proper program. Many martial art schools have “Mighty Tiger” or “Little Tiger” programs that are geared toward the youngest children. Look for a school that has a program especially designed for children 4-6. There is a reason for this. Children in this age group usually have difficulty with certain gross motor skill like balancing on one foot, bringing hands and arms across the center of the body and back again, and alternating one hand or foot with the other in rapid succession. While these activities may challenge older children and adults, children in the 4-6 age group may not possess the muscle ability to perform them. Classes for these children focus more on body control than kicking techniques. They will learn three basic kicks and a few basic blocks, however they will also learn to focus their mind, body, ears, and eyes on the task at hand. Mighty Tigers will learn to sit still for a short amount of time. Additionally, they will learn to be confident and strong.
Your 4 to 6 year old child is ready for martial arts if they can follow simple instructions and can work in a group setting. It also helps if they can be away from their caregivers for 45 minutes to an hour without severe separation anxiety. Another requirement is that your child should be fully potty trained.
When your child is ready then it is time to select a school. There are many different styles of martial arts, choose one that you think will be fun for your child. One you find a style you like, check out
the schools. Most schools will offer a free trial lesson. This is a good way to see if your child will like this sport. Before signing any contracts, be sure you know about the school’s philosophies and that you know the staff. Check to be sure that all of the instructors, assistant instructors, volunteers and anyone working directly with the children has undergone a recent criminal background check, including fingerprints.
Another point to keep in mind when choosing a school is that there should be at least one master (4th degree black belt or higher) teaching the majority of the classes. Other levels of black belts can teach at times, however the amount of learning that occurs between first degree and fourth degree black belt is incredible. Someone who has achieved master rank is an expert in their martial art and has the wisdom and skill to teach it correctly.
Is your child ready for these arts? Most likely they are. Try out a couple of schools to see which one is the best fit and then enroll them. You will be amazed at how quickly they learn self control and self discipline. Small children will have less temper tantrums and you will see older children focus better on their studies. Martial arts have a place in every young child’s after school activities. Why not see if your child is ready for martial arts.
