Does anyone else's 5 yr old do martil arts?

[crayon]

DS1 is quite diminutive and is constantly grabbed and grappled with by DS2 who is far chunkier in build and combative in nature. We were thinking of starting martial arts with DS1 to give him a bit more confidence in defending himself - not because there is a problem with DS2, because it's all play fighting, but for life in general.

Has anyone else any experience of this (and how is the best way to find out where classes are?).

Many thanks

Crayon

[CharleysAunt]

Mine started aikido at 5 (they're much older now) and I recommend martial (oops, nearly typed 'marital') arts training wholeheartedly - it's physical, develops awareness, confidence, discipline, relationships. Do you have anything particular in mind? (judo, tai chi, aikido ... there's a number of different 'forms') Try your local sports centre, yellow pages, or google it.

[Redlorry75]

My DD is only 3 but we have a RSDA (Real Self Defence Association) club in our town and I intend to put her down for the 'Little Dragons' clas as soon as she reaches 5 (thats the earliest they take them). I think it will be good for her confidence, her health and her discipline. Also in thisawful world we live in you never know when the skill could actually be of a 'real' benefit to her IYSWIM

[jabberwocky]

We're planning to start ds when he is 4. I've heard that it's really good for them.

[hunkermunster]

I love your posting name, Crayon!

But I read this thread title as "marital arts"

[popsycal]

ds1 started little dragons when he turned 4 - he was too young though we felt
the class was great though - going to ry him again in 6 months time i think
he enjoyed it but his cncentration was not very good

[Loshad]

my DS4 does karate - He's been doing it since he was 5.5 and loves it (into second term now). class is at school, after school and very popular.

[fransmom]

what's little dragons? whereabouts are the classes? my lo too young at mo but would like to start in future. tia

[mckenzie]

My 5 year old DS has just started judo and loves it. It was suggested by his teacher as he is having problems with his gross (and fine) motor skills. I was a bit worried as he's not really one for joining in with bigger more boistrous children (he's the smallest and youngest in the group) but the first thing he asked when we came out was "can i go again tomorrow?".

Fingers crossed it wasn't a fluke and that he does enjoy it again this week.