My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Parenting

what martial arts/self defense classes for 5 year old girl

12 replies

elizaregina · 16/04/2012 08:55

Hello I dont know if I have posted in the correct place here, I was wondering if anyone knows of a good martial arts/self defense for my daughter to start...I have no idea what all the names are for the different ones and what they do.

I would love to know when she is older, should someone attack her ( there have been four recent attacks on women on my road!!), she will be able to give them a good kick or hit to run away.....I also think its something she would love.

OP posts:
Report
VonHerrBurton · 16/04/2012 14:15

My ds has been doing taekwondo for a while and it's been brilliant. There are a few girls there and one of his close 'girl' friends joined on Friday after thinking about it for a while - she loves it. I can't speak for other MA, but we've found TKD to be great for his concentration, self esteem, fitness and he's made loads of new friends outside of school, which has been positive.

At gradings there have been girls of all ages, from about 6 up to 30, but I know they start earlier just fun classes. There's a great atmosphere and a real family feel to our club.

TKD is a defensive sport, they do not teach or promote it with the intention of using it unless it's in self-defence or in defence of the weak.

Good Luck!

Report
ragged · 16/04/2012 19:39

Judo has been great for DD. Judo is like martial arts wrestling (but not as full on as Sumo). But really it depends on individual clubs, how and when they are run, etc. All of them can give a person great physical confidence. I don't like local karate but do like Judo & DD also does MMA. Better at that age if they can just pay as they go & not have to direct debit monthly. Look for a club that has an ethos of fun with discipline, not just repetition or tough-guyness. Something with regular grading is good.

Report
boaty · 16/04/2012 20:55

DD did karate from the age of 7. Got her 1st dan at 14 and became an assistant instructor. At 16 was mugged by a group of youths. She put 2 on the floor, 2 others trying to film it on mobiles ran off thinking better of trying to take her on. The police thought it was funny and were full of praise! She occasionally teaches primary aged kids when she returns home and eventually would like her own club. She works as a gym instructor. Find a club/instructor you feel comfortable with but has a strong sense of discipline. Visit a number of styles and try sessions.

Report
boaty · 16/04/2012 21:00

Oh and beware of clubs that have kids getting black belts in a couple of years! That is about keeping students not producing high standards. It takes time and years of practise to achieve a decent standard. Some clubs do junior belts that have black belts but these are not full belts!

Report
elizaregina · 16/04/2012 21:15

thanks for all advice, I know clubs arnt going to encourage her to us skills to fight but it sounds like some peoples kids have found it very useful.....many thanks some info here for me to look into.

OP posts:
Report
winnybella · 16/04/2012 21:20

DS did judo for a year, then had a break and does jujitsu now and loves it. It's sort of between judo and karate- there's wrestling and kicking/hitting. I was even thinking about signing up myself.

And what boaty says, I think a belt per year is about right (so say, from white, through yellow-white to yellow).

Report
ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 16/04/2012 21:23

Kuk Sool is a really good all round martial arts, kicking throwing pressure points forms etc with weapons and sparring if you want. Its really tightly controlled so you won't ever get a dodgy instructor.

Report
itchywitch · 17/04/2012 12:45

Krav maga is great if you can find it near you. Its very practical as its based on natural reactions and can be used effectively by everyone, small or large. The general idea is to neutralise the threat/counter attack and get away asap. Also big focus on being aware of your surroundings.

Report
FoofyShmooffer · 17/04/2012 12:57

My DS did a mix of karate/American kick boxing from age 4. It was a program called Little Dragons and as far as I know they have them all over the country. It is geared towards fun and discipline with each activity no more than 10 minutes long within a 45 minute session. The children earn badges up to a little Dragons black belt when they are 7. Obviously this is is when they start on actual recognised training at red belt level. He loved it.

Report
Flowe · 24/04/2012 11:48

Another vote for Little Dragons. My son (4) loves it and is learning how to concentrate, listen, work together, just as much as learning the moves.

Report
Shaj · 07/07/2014 08:48

Hello,New Martial Arts Class In East Ham For Kids And Adult Class In East Ham.Wing Chun which Is A Southern System Of Kung Fu Which Does Not Require Strength.Also I teach Tai Chi Combined Together.
Benefits

Reduce Stress

Coordination

Concentration

Awareness

Self Defence

Discipline

Thursday

Kids 6-15 Pm To 7-15 Pm

5 Pounds Per Session.

Mixed Class 7-15 Pm To 8-15 Pm

Friday

6 Pm To 7 Pm Kids.

Adults

7 Pm To 8 Pm
.
6 Pounds Per Session

First Lesson Free.

//www.eastlondonwingchun.co.uk

Email [email protected]

Contact Nr

0790 3706742

Thanks

Sfu Shaj.

Report
violaorigens · 06/04/2018 20:02

Hi all,
I teach Capoeira in Hampshire and Dorset to children and adults
Personally I think it's the perfect mix between martial arts, acrobatics, dance and music (percussions and singing). Each practicioner, whether it's adults or child, will be attracted by one of these features and will be able to develop that in depth, as well as improving in the other areas, so it's a relatively complete discipline in my opinion

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.