Karate for 6 Yr Old

Hi J. ! I couldn't agree with you more. Starting him at this age is a plus. Not only would he be getting some good exercise but it's also a good esteem builder.It would also help to build his confidence in defending himself.Wish you the best!

J.,
I also have a kindhearted son who is on the small side. If you feel karate would boost his self-confidence then go for it. BUT keep in mind that as hard as it is for us mothers and fathers to watch it happen--all kids are different. I am a very direct, up-front type of person, and it's hard to see my son in situations as you've described. He hasn't gotten pushed around yet--but I'm vracing for Kindergarten! He is aquiet kid and although he loves to talk, other kids miss a lot of what he says or offers because he is very softspoken. I think, in the end, all kids find their own way eventually. Sometimes I think it's harder on the moms than on the kids! Build his confidence. Teach him to speak up if he doesn't like something. Good luck.

We enrolled our son in karate around age 5-6. It was the best thing we ever did. He learned a lot about how to block and how to get out of certain holds (so if someone would grab him and try to take him he could fend them off). One of the biggest things in karate is discipline. They're taught not to use what they learned to start a fight. That it's just a way to defend themselves. He's 9 now and hasn't been in it for about a year and a half, but wants to get back in it. It just makes us feel better to know that he can defend himself. He is a pretty laid back kid and wouldn't use it unless he had to, but he has the knowledge of what to do it he's in a bad situation. With that said I would look around and find a place that best suits your child. We found that a better fit for us was an instructor that teaches out of his home. It had a smaller class and he was able to have more attention just placed on him. Hope this helps you with your decision.

My brother took karate and it was a wonderful experience, but his instructor would not even accept students until they were at least 7 or 8. His major issue with younger children is that any form or karate can inflict serious injury if not used properly. A younger child is still very implusive and might react in a manner that can cause serious damamge. I would not start a child in karate that young.
You are crediting because he did not hit the kid back, but now you want to teach him how to hit back? Not only hit back, but how to hurt someone. I don't have a problem with karate, I have considered enrolling my children, and it was the best thing that my brother ever did. Just check your motivation for enrolling your child. If it to teach discipline and self confidence or for exercise or involvement, then great, but if it is to teach your son to fight, them I would reconsider.

I was in the same situation with my son who is now 7 1/2 and finds the good in everyone which isn't always a good thing when there is a bully pushing him around. We enrolled our son in karate (Champions Martial Arts) and wow what a difference we have seen. The confidence that has been instilled in him is mind blowing. Not that he will be as stern as needed possibly but he at least now has the confidence to handle the situation appropriately.

Personally, my husband and I strongly recommend it because if they are being bullied, they need to have more self-esteem and confidence instilled in them and it truly has made a difference. Our son loves karate and is already a 2nd degree yellow belt in just a few months due to his motivation and inner strength. Good luck!

Jamie,

I own a martial arts school. Style is not as important as the instructors who are teaching your child. Visit several schools in your area (if interested, I can give you suggestions on where to start) talk to the parents and ask the kids what they are learning. Most will give you a couple lessons free. Don't be pressured into signing up before you check out a couple, unless you get an awesome feeling from one. Do NOT let price be a factor, I know that's hard, but trust me on this one. We work with everyone because we know the benefits of the martial arts.

Make sure they have a character/personal development program in place. Make sure the ratio to kids is low...too many schools have 30 kids with only 1 or 2 instructors.

I have seen amazing changes in kids over the years (including my own). Martial arts have awesome benefits if taught by the right person. There are some real butt heads out there still teaching kids how to be bullies...

Good luck,
B. I.
The Training Academy
Elkton, MD
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YES start him in Karate, or some type of self defense class. I have a now 15 year old and she was bullied all her life and she is just not that type of person to hit back so I made her go take Jajetisu and she can defend herself now. She has gotten in to two fights from being bullied and now that she did defend herself they have left her alone. Plus I have noticed her self esteem is better now. She is a yellow belt already and it has taken her one year but I told her she can quit when she is a black belt.
Jade

Since I'm a blackbelt in TaeKwondo I may be a little prejudiced .. but I do think martial arts are a great way to instill some self-confidence in your son. He will learn how to block punches and will have the self-control to not hit back at the same time. If you find a good dojo they will teach him courtesy, respect and self-control. It will also increase his fitness and strength.

i am going thru the same thing my son is in kindergarden and the kids are calling him gay and always mean to him..he is so nice to everyone and an easy target..i have talked to teachre and seems no change...my husband tells him to punch them in the face and they bug him anymore...i certianly know he can do that b/c of bully guidelines..i think karate may give them the confidence in them selves..it breaks my heart at this young age they already have to deal with this nonsense...will be anxious to heard advice you recieve..you are not alone!!T.

I considered Karate for my 5 year old since he is high energy. My sister in law, who is 6th degree black belt, said NO way. It is too much focus and pressure at such a young age. She suggested 8 as an age to consider.

Karate tends to get a bad rap. As someone who took karate as a child it teaches self control and self discipline. It doesn't turn them into bullies or makes them mean. Do some research about it.

Have you talked to the teacher and the principal? Sometimes they don't always see what happens and once they are informed they will keep an eye out.

Good luck.

HI J.!

Yes, we too have had a rough year with one of my boys. He's 8 years old and although he hasn't been hit he has had to deal with alot of kids picking on him. He begs me to send him to another school at least once a week! The schools need to get better control of these sitations. We should not be in fear of our children getting physically harmed while their in school!!!! My son was in karate last year and we took him out because he was getting tired from going 3 nights a week but we should have kept him in! It was an awesome experience for him. It teaches self confindence also. We will go back again! Are you able to volunteer in your childs classroon? I did that last year and we didn't have any problems. I was ubable to do that this year due to my other 2 younger childrens school schedules. I wish you the best with this and i'm sure you will get lots of advice from the wonderful mom's that are part of this great site!

Take Care!

L.

www.astonishingresults.myarbonne.com
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Karate might give your son some self-confidence. However keep it in mind that if he responds to violence with violence, he too will be punished. The schools consider each child to be "guilty" if a fight occurs on the school grounds.

I would address ... and if necessary repeatedly re-address the issue with the school. They are responsible for the welfare of your son while he is in their care. They need to be reminded of this.

You know the other child's name ... if his mother is called in to the school for a conference, that could put an end to the problem. If it does NOT put an end to the problem, stay on top of the school to do their job. Put it in writing and if it gets you nowhere, call the local papers.

Each school is mandated to institute bullying rules ... due to Columbine. Force the school to enforce their own agenda.

J.,

From what I know (which may not be much) Karate teaches discipline mainly and self defense but I am not sure Karate is legal to use in self defense these days. I would call the local Karate Studio in your area and talk to someone there for a better understanding.
Good luck!
Chris

No personal experience on this one, but I think karate is a great idea. It should make him feel strong and empowered and know that he can take care of himself if need be. I also know that karate teaches discipline and the appropriate way to defend yourself. I say give it a try and see if he likes it.

I don't have experience with karate, but I did take Tae Kwon Do briefly. From that, I learned that the martial arts teach respect and honor which help to instill confindence. The instructors I had focused on self-defense which is meant to keep you safe, NOT "beat-up" your attacker. I plan to enroll my now 2 year old daughter as soon as she is old enough. People who practice martial arts seem to have so much self-control and would be a positive influence on your son.

You know something---most children at this age go through this, if not now later. But I say go for it with the whole karate thing. There is no better technique that a child to understand when and where and how to fight. There is a place and time for everything and any kind of martial arts will teach you that and above all, teach your child confidence.
mom of 4.

My son is 4 and takes Karate. I love it and he loves it. It can great for self confidence, if you have the right teacher. His instructor is very hands on and constantly complementing them, even if its not the exact way he has a great way of turnign the negative into the positive. Plus the self defence end of it. They also teach the kids that it is not to be used to beat up people, just if you are going to be hurt. They also learn repsect, loyalty.

I had my son enrolled in Karate when he was 6, and I was disappointed with it. They stretched, and excercised, and learned "forms"- bassically a series of steps and kicks they memorize that looks cool, but has little self defense value.My son was really bored with it, and got frustrated trying to memorize all the steps.I want to say it was Tae kwon doe, but I'm not positive.
On the other hand, my brothers growing up took kickboxing, and it helped alot. They focused on building muscle through calisthenics, and, well, fighting.They were skinny little boys, but in a couple of years, they got beefed up. It gave them alot of confidence, too.
I'm pretty sure their instructor is in Burlington City on High St.,now. His name is Eric Golden.
Good Luck!

My daughter when she was your sons age took karate. she was not being bullied or anything she was just a tomboy and liked it. we found it built self confidence and if anything she could at least defend herself. A good school teaches kids that violence is not the answer. My daughter went to Action Karate and went for 3 1/2 years. We moved out of state that is why we stopped sending her, but I felt that they had a great program. www.livegreeneasy.com

Hey there....My son is seven, and ending his first grade at the local public school. He takes the bus. Last year we had an incidince of bullying, which the bus lady took care of. This year we've had two instances on the bus. The bus lady did what she is told to do in the first instance. My son handled the second. It was verbal bullying, and he told the kid if he didn't knock it off, there would be "consequences". We then discover this kid id new to the same school, but different age group. The instructors will be informed after the holiday, and they also will address it. The first was a little girl my sons age, I wasn't sure what to do about it. The second time was a fourth grade boy. He has been enrolled in Tiger Schullmans karate since he was four, off and on.(he took a year off after my father died) Between bullying incidences we took him to the Tiger Bullying seminar, these are free for all kids. They encourage you to bring everyone you know. We asked at the school waht to do the first time. The message was to respond appropriately. If the bullying is verbal, be verbal, tell the bully you won't stand for it. But if it gets physical, then you have every right to defend yourself. Yes, I understand completely the school has a no tolerance policy, but I have the same policy with other kids thinking it's okay to put their hands inappropriately on my children. My daughter is 4 and also enrolled in tiger. I think it is one of the greatest experiences I can allow them. They know, even if it is a bit scary, that they can protect themselves. The instructors harp on being aware, and do not tolerate bullying by their student. They teach in every class that we do this for defense and exercise. This is the second Tiger school we've been to(had to move) and I recommend them to everyone. Very kind, fun, and strict. They teach discipline, but in ways kids can grasp.

Definately take it up with the school, but I also agree that your son should be able to "hold his own" if, God forbid, it ever comes to that. They may punish both children equally, but you want your son to stay as far from injury before the teachers get involved, if it ever comes to that. ( I think I rambled a bit here, sorry....3 kids sometimes get the better of me!) Good Luck...

J.,

My son started karate when he was 4...not for any of the reasons you're describing...but because he thought it was cool and we liked the structure, discipline and physical activity that came with it.

He is now 11 and has been in and out of karate over the years. There are so many positive things about it. We love his instructor...don't know where you live, but we're in Mechanicsburg and would highly recommend his.

P.