Too Young for Martial Arts??

My son started at age 3 1/3 and loved it!! Sometimes he would get too tired by the end of the class, but usually he stuck it out.

I looked at 4 and most places required the kids to be 5 or 6. My advice if he doesn't listen...is to try another group sport first. martial arts is all about discipline...if he won't listen and follow directions we won't get much out of the class and will be disruptive to the other kids.

K.,
Taekwondo mom here, for 17.5 years. Some kids are more advanced than others. Only you can determine if he'd pay attention enough to benefit from martial arts. Because once they get past the white belt, most instructors start them on the finer side of sparring. The program my 3 went through up to 2nd degree black belt, they try not to start them too early because at that age....before 5 or 6 preferably, the child isn't used to a structured, class environment. And many parents will use the program, whichever they choose, as a "knock some sense into my kid" or "teach him some manners". Half the job should start at home, and half in the class. When a parent has taken interest in their child's interests, it helps. Some use it as a glorified baby sit. The more involvement from a parent, the better chance of success. There are means of discipline too. And respect. So if you have an aversion to kids showing respect and being given pushups (a positive reinforcement), then I would take another direction. Because the instructors do expect respect from their students. It's a wonderful sport/art. And I have seen 4 year olds breaking boards, even. I';ve seen a girl with cerebral palsy in karate. I've seen a 37 year old who's mildly developmentally challenged and I intend to root her on till she's a black belt. Because she's inspirational.If you're in the South Lyon/Northville vicinity I can offer a tel. #. If a child is easily distracted it might be too early. But finding a good class program and sitting with your child to observe what goes on could give them an advantage when you do register for the class. They get to see how fun it can be at the same time as developing their focus and physique.

My son is five and we put him in Karate this summer and loves it. He has some 3 year olds in his class so I don't think four is too young. Some are rambunctious and don't want to pay attention but the class is so disciplined that they will put them in a time out just to get them under control. My son listens very well to all the instructors in the class and most of the other kids do as well. They drift a little but the teachers can handle it. The class is only a half hour long so they don't get bored from it being to long, and they work them hard so that is all they need. I live in allen park so i take him to the karate place on park ave. I dont know where you love but I recommend this place its wonderful.

my newphew is in it and he's 4 (loves it). The only thing is to make sure he knows that it's just for class. Our precious little newphew was standing on the couch with Grandpa and karate kicked him in the rib....which bothered him for a couple of days.

Hi K.,
4 is pretty much the youngest to start martial arts. I would say he isn't too young, but if he has too much energy it might not be for him. Martial arts requires a lot of patience and self control. You could always try it for a month and see how it goes, but for a kid with high energy, fast paced sports might be better.
I know what you mean about not being able to do soccer last year. My daughter was in ballet last year, and could barely make it thru a class, this year she is 4 and a little more mature. She loves ballet now!
Good luck deciding what to do, and congrats on the new little princess.

(btw, I am a martial arts instructor and was teaching 4 year olds yesterday)

My son turned 4 in August and he just started Taekwondo. He also is very energetic and has a hard time focusing but TKD is going pretty well so far. He does tend to lost focus a bit during class but when it's his turn to practice punches or kicks he's right there! I personally think it's a great energy release for him and the self discipline it teaches is great (and to the previous comment about martial arts being fighting...it's actually self-defense, not fighting). Not sure where you live but check out your local YMCA, that's where my son goes, I'm sure they would let you watch and the price is reasonable.

If he doesn't want to sit still, cooperate and be focused...I don't think the martial arts are a good place to start. My daughter took martial arts and it is very disciplined and focused. He is a whole year older now and would probably be more attentive...plus he will be running off some of that abundant energy. I vote for the soccer!

if he can't sit still and pay attention, why would you want to teach him to fight? soccer is good. keep putting him in lessons. i'm not sure that he can't pay attention, how does he compare with a group of other 4 year old boys, is he more trouble than the rest or just average?

You should definetly take him to see one or more classes in your area. Let him watch the class and ask him if that's something that he would want to do. Brainstorm a list of all different types of classes/sports and ask his input, what does he want to do?

My 4 1/2 year old nephew is in it. He LOVES it. And his parents love it. They put him in for disipline and focus. He is usually is a on the go kid, never still for more than a minute! IT WORKS FOR HIM... :)

I say yes, GO FOR IT! I bet your son would LOVE it!!! :)

Hi K.,
My son started Taekwondo at 4. He's 6 now and still enjoys it. It is quite disciplined. Although if a child is acting up they are put in time-out for a couple minutes and brought back in. Our instructor is really great with kids. He knows attention spans of children are small so when he teaches new things he does it for about 10 minutes and then will move onto things that they may already know. Good luck.
Chris

I'd say it might work for your son, if you find the right school

The school DH and I go to for karate has a class for 3-5 year olds. Their overall approach to children was a big part of why we chose this particular school over several others in our area.

Why not visit several places near you and talk with the instructors - maybe ask if you can watch one of their classes?

My Brother in law runs a Choi Kwang-Do school in Bellville. http://www.grecackd.com/ They have a program called little Ninjas for 4 yros. If he has a hard time staying in one place and listening to directions it might be hard for your son. You might want to try soccer again. At this age all they do is run around and kick the ball!

We go to Faett's on Elmwood in Lansing (not sure where you're at). They have a Tiny Tigers class that he would be old enough for. However, from what you said I'm not so sure this would suit him because it does require paying attention and doesn't quite let him burn off so much energy. But then again, he may do differently because it's different than other sports and "fighting" ha ha. My suggestion would be to check them out or some in your area because, for example, Faett's offers a free class so you can try it out. Other's probably do the same. That why you'll get an idea before you sign him up.

Another option that I thought of is Floor Hockey. I think they start them at 4 years old. Now is the time of year that it's going on and he could really burn up some energy with that!

Hey K., Martial Arts mom here for almost 8 yrs. My daughter started when she was 6, but we do have classes starting at age 3. Little Ninjas is teriffic for helping little ones learn how to sit still and focus. PKSA Karate is wonderful! The program teaches children how to stay safe. My daughter got her blackbelt at age 10 and is now helping to instruct others, adults and kids. Its very impowering. You can try out a class for a few weeks and if your little one doesn't like it or just isn't ready. Don't force him to go. But I think he would really excell! Good Luck!

I had no idea you had the ability to read minds!! LOL! I am in the exact same spot you are except mine turned 4 last Feb. We also tried Learn to Skate but that went about as well as soccer last year. Swimming is also a no-go after an incident in swim class that seems to have traumatized him for life! I want to help him find a hobby but don't quite know how! I will be following your responses!!!