Karate or Judo for 4 yr old?

[Pinkponk1]

Hi ds is 4 and having an issue with a boy in his class being heavy handed with him. Can anyone recommend whether karate or judo better for this age? Would like to build his physical confidence and strength ideally
Any ideas??

[hippo123]

I would say at 4 he's to young for either, however if I had to pick between the 2 then judo. It's more hands on than karate. That said it really depends on the teacher. Try both and get a feel for them. Avoid those overpriced pma schools like the plague though. If they have 6 year old brown belts, 4 year old blue belts etc theres something wrong.

[ReallyTired]

I think that lot depends on the instructor. My son hated Judo, but did karate for four years. Judo is far more physical than karate.

In my experience judo and karate instructors make it VERY CLEAR that they should not use what they have been taught in the playground. There are far safer ways of dealing with play ground bullies.

[WalkingInMemphis]

I think introducing them to a martial art for this reason is completely inappropriate IMO. Like the pp said, any decent instructor is going to drive home the fact that what they learn should never be used on the playground at all.

Dc have been doing Judo for a while and it's been beneficial to them in lots of ways. As an unexpected result it's actually IMO improved ds1's ability in football too as he seems more willing to get right in the thick of the game and tackle etc. I think Judo has given him the confidence to get up close to others iyswim wheras before he would kind of dance around on the outside of a football game and not be pushy enough with tackling.

[Pinkponk1]

Absolutely. Please don't get me wrong I'm not suggesting I would like my son to use judo moves in the playground!! It's a way I think like you say of maybe building physical awareness and confidence

[howtodrainyourflagon]

I think most decent organisations ask children to be 8 before starting judo. Karate can be taken at a younger age.

[tallulah]

Our karate club doesn't take children until 5, and IME very few are ready that young.