Should i remove him from martial arts classes?

[BillywigStings]

DS1(3) does Muay Thai boxing and enjoys it. We only chose it as his cousins go too and the venue is practically next door to us. The other nearest martial arts place (Tai kwon do) is too far away and I always wanted my kids to know how to defend themselves.

However DS is already a bit rough in play with other kids and isn’t above taking a swing at us too if he is angry. I am wondering if I’m just encouraging him by sending him to a club which teaches him how to punch and kick. I take him, and I have never heard the instructor address the idea of ‘no punching and kicking outside of boxing’, he literally just teaches them to punch and kick and they run around and do different activities. I’m not opposed to this, and I address it myself, but should there be more emphasis on this?

If you were me , would you send him to a less violent activity instead, given his behaviour? Or just work on it?

Mine too and he's the same but karate is about self control and meditation no?

Mine ask the instructor to speak about it with him?

Long time martial artist here. I’d say speak to the instructor and see what they have to say. Stay and watch a few classes, too. If there’s an emphasis on controlling oneself, respecting others, and helping, then you’re in a wondeful position to tell DS he knows better than to hit (and I’d encourage you to tell the instructor if his hitting increases.)

If the kids are kind of just left to go at it, I’d definitely pull him.

IMO, 3 is far too young for MA, because of self control issues, and also because they grow so fast they lose track of where they are in space, which can mean people get hurt.

Gah, that soubded judgy. Sorry. You may have found a wonderful class that’s great for your DS. I personally wouldn’t teach that class (for various reasons.) That's what I meant to say!

I'd personally send him when older. Even if the teachers talked about self-control and discipline, they are too hard for a 3 year old to understand. I'm not saying that 3 year old can't and shouldn't be taught how to behave but it is a time when they are trying to learn about their emotions and it generally has to be done when sat down quietly.

Physical activity is great for kids but maybe a less contact based one?

My children did martial arts in primary school and it gave them great confidence.