Judo for DS, aged 6?

[Ceolas]

My DS has just turned 6. He's our only son and has 3 sisters. He's recently become obsessed with fighting/wrestling and trying it out on his sisters. We don't tolerate it but DH has suggested we try to find an avenue for his energy/aggrression.

The wrestling thing I think comes from 2 boys next door who are allowed to watch WWE and play violent video games to their hearts content. They also wrestle each other.

Anyway DH is keen for him to go to judo. He believes it will give him an opportunity to let off steam in a controlled environment. I'm not convinced it's a great idea. I've just been reading a judo website which mentions terms like "stranglehold". It makes me feel weak at the knees that he'd come home and try the moves out on his sisters.

Anyone got any views/experiences?

[stroppyknickers]

ds just started karate, loves it, and has been told that if he fights at home, karate will stop. He has been v good.

[Ceolas]

How old is he, stroppy?

[stroppyknickers]

sorry, he is six (seven in Autumn). My sister found that her feisty ds benefitted from karate as he learnt that people fight back, better than him! They start with a warm up, do some moves than do fighting (controlled!). And, we have banned Pokemon etc. We are also reverting back to CBeebies/ Playhouse Disney (gradually) and having less and less Biker Mice/Simpsons/Ben 10 (he hasn't realised!)

[vinblanc]

One of mine started Tai Kwon Do when he was about 6.5. The TKD school accepted them from age 6 minimum, as they need to be that old to memorise the moves.

I don't know about judo, but in TKD they are very clear that they can only use their skills in TKD. Aggression outside of this is totally not-on.

[Ceolas]

Am I mad to think it encourages violence?

[Ceolas]

Any more thoughts?

[giantkatestacks]

I dont think it does tbh - I think 6 year old boys are inherently a bit violent.

Its good for them to follow a structured class like that while still exploring what their bodies can do.

Just have a rule of no judo at home.

Why cant the sisters do judo as well anyway?

[stealthsquiggle]

My DS has done judo since he was 4.5 (now 6.5). Sensei is very very clear on not using any of it outside of judo, and we haven't had any problems.

Exercise your parental controls and block all cartoon channels with pokemon/power rangers/ben10 though!

[stealthsquiggle]

..oh and yes, why not send the girls too?

[Habbibu]

I did judo as a child - it's quite disciplined and respectful, and the principle is to use the strength of your attacker against them - it's not really an all guns blazing sort of sport. I really don't think it encourages violence at all - there are strict rules on what can be done, and it's all within a very respect-laden context - sportsmanlike behaviour is expected.

Things like strangleholds and armlocks are not allowed for juniors - don't think you'd begin to learn them until about 16 or so, so I wouldn't worry about that. It's good exercise and discipline - I loved it, but still hate to watch (say) boxing...

[Ceolas]

No objections to the girls going too, but they already have a pretty full extra-curricular calendar. DS has nothing yet. Tried football and beavers but they didn't seem to appeal for longer than a month or so.