Martial arts for toddlers?

[franch]

BIL is an ex-judo olympian, apparently the budokwai do judo from age 4, I like this idea and wondered if antone had heard of anything for younger toddlers? I know it'd just be dressing up and messing about, but still :)

(DD1's going to start ballet soon and I think I want something to balance out all the girly prancing - if it's not this it's gonna be football )

I know somebody who teaches a martial arts and they prefer not to take them until they're older as they need to be able to concentrate, focus and follow instruction for an hour. I guess it depends on the instructor though, if you're keen on getting them involved it would be worth phoning round some clubs in your area.

The other thing to consider is the age where they can understand that there is a time and a place for punching and kicking.. so that it doesn't get taken into the playground etc..

Hi franch

Most reputable clubs will not take a child till after their 5th birthday. DH will be teaching DD karate as soon after her birthday as she can understand "not in the playground".

There are NSPCC guide lines which state that a child should be over 5 yrs old to undertake a martial arts lesson and it stipulates what kicks, punches throws etc you can teach to each age group safely and sensibly taking into account average physical development for the specific age group iyswim. It is also important to ask if the instructors are a) all black belts, b) all over the age of 18 (You cannot get insurance to teach unless you are a blackbelt and over 18) c) that they have been through a CRB check d) that you can watch till the child has settled in and that you do not have to pay up front.

In the asociation DH teaches in there is a £25 fee for a licence which is hanbded to the student this is a form of insurance and everyone undertaking a martial art should hold one. The it is £3.50/less on for children and slightly more for the adults this is an average cost for this area btw.

Hope this has been useful and not just drivel.

If I can help any further please cat me or contact me through the quiz page if you still visit it hun.

check out wtdefence.com - our local school takes children from 3/4, they don't learn any fighting they play games and learn skills such as focus and self discipline leading on to more active classes when they are around 5.

there is something called little dragons that takes them from 4 i think

Just spotted the more recent posts here - very helpful, many thanks

ds does karate and started at age 6. He loves it and the Sensai is very into self control and appropriate behaviour (when and where to use Karate etc) Since he is built like a brick outhouse everyone behaves in his lessons