Not Sure Which Type of Marital Arts to Put Kids In

You sound like me a few years back. Our kids have been through several different martial arts. Our daughter (17 now) is almost a black sash in kung fu, she is a junior black belt in basic karate and i think judo. My 8 year old was in red dragon karate which recently switched over to a new one called, kaizen martial arts (it's more of a combination - mixed martial arts - taking parts of many different martial arts combined). really, my advice, find a cheap one close to your house that you like. even try local parks and rec. if your kids love it, follow through and look more closely. if you're looking for the discipline of it and focus like i was, find the most convenient!!! they should all teach about the same thing!!! and i want to say...good choice!!!!

My kids are still too young for martial arts, but my husband and I were once very involved in Shotokan karate. Based on that experience, if and when we want to start our children in a martial art, I am truly going to look at the teacher and the school rather than the particular art. Of course, most martial artists probably consider their particular art to be the best, but for the goals of training children, I personally don't think the type matters much. I think it's great you're looking for self control and confidence. Those are fantastic benefits of martial arts.

I would strongly suggest that you visit a few different schools and speak with the instructor, asking questions about the particular discipline and how it differs from another type of martial art you are considering. Once you get a good feel about a couple dojos, sit through a class with or without your children. Personally, I will likely be leary of schools where you have to pay for a huge number of regular tests and I will definitely avoid schools that require a contract. I mean, dojos need to make money, but it's just something that would cause me to lose interest.

Of course, the primary concern is to make sure that the kids are safe and the school is conscious of and actively ensuring their safety.

Martial Arts, if taught properly, all teach "discipline" and self-control & confidence....
I would recommend Judo, or Karate.

there are offensive or defensive Martial Arts, with some being more combative than others and some more competitive.

Tae-Kwon-do is "popular" now.... but personally, I prefer more the Judo or Karate I mentioned above. They are less "noisy" as my daughter put it. LOL And, the emphasis is on handling the energy coming AT you and deflecting it, versus "attacking" the force that is coming at you. Both my Husband and uncle did Judo and Karate. And, it is also practical and the skills CAN be used in years to come... because you are using your whole body and not just your legs as in Tae-Kwon-Do.

And, some martial arts schools just seem to focus on the kids getting a different belt color... but it does not necessarily mean they have the "skills."

So, if you want something that will be "useful" in other ways, like for self-defense in everyday life... I would recommend Judo or Karate. But, find a teacher that is good with kids.

All the best,
Susan

My kids ages son,6-3/4 & daughter 9-1/2, have been taking tae kwon do for the last year and a half and the master is very into self-discipline and self respect. The Master also is in contact with their teachers. Before belt testing their teacher as well as myself or my husband sign off on whether the child is ready to take the next belt test.(my son just became a senior green belt and my daughter a green belt). It's in the Poway area and we love it there. I even take some classes myself when I can.

Master Hong has 2 schools, the one we attend in Poway and also one in San Diego near Kearney High School.

Hope this helps.

~D.