Karate or similar for nearly 4 year old DS

[bradsmissus]

Does anyone send their DCs to karate or anything similar?

They do classes at the school he will be going to in September and I think it would be right up his street.

Also, what is the difference between karate and tai kwon do (?Sp) ?

[basementbear]

Mine did Judo from that age - at their club they are not allowed to do karate till they are 6 or 7. Judo is supposedly safer for littlies because it is more wrestling than kicking or hitting - in any case they are not allowed to throw until they are 6 (they have to have a licence with the British Judo Association which also insures them. Best to check the rules of the club for safety issues. At age 4, there was lots of games, doing roly-polys etc and not much of what you'd actually call Judo !!

Sorry can't tell you the difference between any of the other martial arts - our school also does a Judo club but we were already enrolled at a different place so not sure what the school rules are.

[Tangle]

There's a scary number of different martial arts - if you google for something like "martial arts styles" or "which martial art" you'll get some links. This covers some of the more common styles including Karate and Taekwondo. (btw - I'm not an expert at all, just been starting to look for DD)

[Workieticket]

I'm pondering this one too at the mo - think my DS (4) would love it, but I'm a bit wary of it making him more aggresive...anyone's experience of this would be gratefully received

[BCNS]

Mine did judo at 4 (still do), lots of rolling about and games and running round the mat and kneeling.
they learn how to control themselves, gain confidence, respect etc.

it's brilliant.. though check with your local club if they start this young.

doesn't make them more aggressive at all..

[Tangle]

Workietickit - I've had other people express that concern when we've mentioned we're thinking of it for DD. Neither DH nor I have any direct experience, but we both know people that have trained in MAs to a high level - and those friends are the most pacific people we know. If its taught properly, the fundamental lesson or any MA is not agression but control. I think its along the lines of they know that they can put you on the floor without thinking, so they don't feel the need to try.

Hope that helps (and makes sense )

[PlumpChocEggyBaps]

Karate is an excellent sport for children providing they can follow the discipline and etiquette. In my club kids classes don't do much in the way of 'proper' training as their bodies are considered too immature for many of the techniques involved but they are taught basic blocks, stances, kicks and punches. They also play lots of games! (And they do look very cute in their gis!)

It is true that karateka are rarely aggressive and a lot of that does stem from what Tangle said- control. I have seen one or two slightly aggressive children who have changed completely after doing karate, becoming calmer and more capable. Apparently it has also had a knock-on effect into school! (Not saying that your ds is aggressive in any way though)

Incidentally, the difference between karate and tae-kwon-do (according to our club) is that tae-kwon-do is for namby-pambies.