Young kids and martial arts?

C

clowns

New member
I saw a video of a young girl, maybe in the first or second grade. She was having problems in school. She could just not pick it up. Her teachers also said that she was some what socially awkward. Her parents put her in martial arts to see if it would help. It did. She started playing with the other kids more and her grades went up.

When reading a lot of answers on here I see a lot of people that have problems with children in martial arts for various reasons. I am not just talking kid black belts but the children partaking in martial arts all together.

So my questions are

What are the problems with having children in martial arts?

Do these potential problems out weigh the benefits that the children may gain?

Should there be a minimum age, If so what age is this?

I understand this is an opinion based question so my pick for best answer will go to the most thought out answer, not the one I agree with
 
Honestly I do not have a problem teaching children or with children being in a "good" martial arts program (not the mcdojo crap like the ATA).

I do have a problem with all the deadbeat parents out there who drop their kid off, want a miracle and have no understanding of how to raise children. That is why I work with the kids. To give them a good chance at gaining self esteem, self defense and abilities to set goals...but some of the parents could use it more than the kids many times since they are just very lousy at being what they are supposed to be...a parent.
 
Their is no problems with children in martial arts. if they have alot of energy or anger it will help with those kind of things and it teaches self discipline and respect like crazy. and for age i have been in martial arts literally before i can remember my father was a 3rd degree black belt instructor and had his own taekwondo school before he died. so for age never too early. everyone is very respectful and friendly. i loved being in tournaments when i was a kid and thought i was so cool like a little ninja in my uniform and headband thing.
 
Hmmm.... well it depends on what your personal belief is. What you see the purpose of martial arts to be.

Personally I do not see martial arts as a social event or a way to get kids involved, that sort of thing. Thats what boy/girl scouts, and after school activities are for. Now yes it does do those things but thats merely a side effect. I do Karate for instance and I've always been taught that it is a private thing, its a personal journey of self improvement and the other karateka train alongside of you but not with you so to speak.
I see the purpose of martial arts is to perfect your mind and body for a number of reasons. Seek discipline and build character while learning to defend yourself....and yes to have fun also.

The problem with young kids is simply that they are to young to take it seriously. Its like a game to them....they are to young to understand things like honor and character, inner strength, etc. They would just as soon do gymnastics!

Now I think its great when kids get involved in martial arts....just not until they are old enough to know what its all about, physically and mentally. Even if they don't entirely understand it just yet as long as they are matured enough to try. And mature enough to take orders and behave, and understand its not a game.

I would say no children under 10 should be allowed. Exceptions of course exist but in general I think thats a good rule..... I know a 4 year old who trains in Karate, its silly! Its just a game to him, he doesn't really try and sometimes gets bored and wanders off or quits taking orders. I've seen him leave the floor to play with his toys when he gets to bored.
 
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