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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Which Martial Art is best for 5yr old to try?

18 replies

rabbitrabbit · 15/02/2008 11:07

Hello, is there anyone out there who could tell me which martial art class might be best for 5yr old ds to try out? He wouldn't be able to do anything too challenging i.e. lots of leaping about and exhausting himself, but we're looking for something help build up his stamina.

TIA

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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FioFio · 15/02/2008 11:09

This reply has been deleted

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ninja · 15/02/2008 11:10

Judo's great for kids - but that is a lot of rough and tumble. Where are you based? I teach Aikido and we have kids from 5. It's good as it has a more formal kata element as well as a freeplay element but it's not all kicking and punching.

ninja · 15/02/2008 11:11

I should have said we're in Manchester

Threadworm · 15/02/2008 11:11

My DS2 was 5 when he began taekwondo. It isn't too strenuous or gymnastic. A sort of coreographed sequence of moves, most of which are quite gentle and achievable. The atmosphere at the group he went to was supportive and friendly and controlled. They do gradings every few months which means they always work at the level an individual is suited to.

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 15/02/2008 11:13

Thanks FioFio and Ninja (great name!), we're near Godalming/Guildford and there seems to be quite alot of classes nearby...all very confusing!

OP posts:

LordVenger · 15/02/2008 11:13

I think five is far to young to start studying Marital Arts pursed lips

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 15/02/2008 11:16

Why LordVenger? I'm looking into gentle exercise for ds as he's recovering from an M.E type illness. His options are limited so I'd be interested in whether there's a specific reason for your disapproval?

OP posts:

Threadworm · 15/02/2008 11:19

I can't think of any reason for not doing it at five. It doesn't have to be about actual combat: that's an optional element.

cestlavie · 15/02/2008 11:21

lol at LordVenger

To me, I think it very much depends on what sort of little boy he is/ what sort of outlook you have on life. Certain martial arts are more passive/ thoughful/ introspective, like aikido, tai chi, some kung fu. Others are more active and have their origins in martial (i.e. soldier/ warrior) disciplines, like karate or jiu-jitsu. I did karate for a long time when I was younger and it's great for developing stamina but it's pretty disciplined in terms of the teaching (and the kata element). Something like judo might be a good middle ground.

At that age, the type of class is pretty important too - somewhere friendly and supportive and not too focused on gradings is important. Once you've thought about which ones might be appropriate, go along to watch a couple of classes and see how they're taught.

PeatBog · 15/02/2008 11:22

Marital arts

LordVenger, am I going to have to save you from yourself??

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 15/02/2008 11:22

Thanks Threadworm, we're not looking into it for the combat element, mostly social/exercise for ds to be honest. I found a Choi Kwang Do site which looks good so I've mailed them with our circumstances and will wait to hear back.

OP posts:

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 15/02/2008 11:23

x-posted with PeatBog and cestlavie!
Thanks for all the suggestions.

OP posts:

MascaraOHara · 15/02/2008 11:24

lol @ Marital Arts.. actually maybe 5 would be a good age to start grooming the husbands of the future lol

cestlavie · 15/02/2008 11:24

Blueblob · 15/02/2008 14:51

I wouldn't worry too much about the type of martial art at that age and go more by the atmosphere of the class. At our club the kids from 4 to 8 are taught in their own class and it's very fun based. There's no contact between children or actual sparring, they're not taught to fight as such.

funnymummy23 · 17/02/2008 11:18

Hi Rabbitrabbit
I'm an instructor with GKR karate based in the Crawley & Brighton region, My youngest student is 4 my oldest is 65!

We are a very family orientated group & we practise non-contact karate, for younger studenst the aim would be on learning moves & patterns & not on actual sparring (until they had passed certain gardes/levels) if a student didn't want to spar then they would never be pressuered into doing it.

What age a child starts any form of sport or MA is totaly dependent on the individual, my 5yr DS hasn't got the patience - he has ADHD but my 3yr DS has watched me train & now joins in, I have to actualy ask him to stop as he would keep going for hours LOL!

There are several Dojos (Classes) in your area, the Regional Instructors name is Terry McDonald, you can contact him via a mobile/ pager system 07659 599 981, leave your details & you'll get a call back

Original poster

rabbitrabbit · 17/02/2008 20:36

Funnymummy-thank you very much.
I have found a lovely lady who runs a Choi Kwong-Do class on Saturday's so we will be going for a trial next weekend (we're all going,decided to make it a family thing!!)
Watch this space...

OP posts:

funnymummy23 · 19/02/2008 22:53

Hi rabbit,
Good luck & all the best, I hope you all have a fantastic time.
Going as a whole family is a great idea, my eldest used to train with me, but at 13 decided to join the Air Cadets, so had to give up as the nights clashed.
My youngest will be joining properly in May once he turns 4 - I cant wait, neither can he LOL!!
Once again Good Luck & most of all relax enjoy it XX

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