My son is turning five this month. Is he too young to take karate lessons?

Question

He has an two brothers (one turns 8 next month and one turns 3 this month). I think he'd enjoy the lessons and has great focus but I'm not sure at which age lessons should start. He's had two years of preschool and will start kindergarten in the fall. Any advice?

Answer 1

I think it's a great age to begin karate.

It has nothing to do with "violence" or fighting, or even self defense. The main things your child is going to take away from this will be discipline and self-confidence.

A lot of places have "trial" lessons where you can try it out for a few weeks. Sign him up and see how he likes it!

Answer 2

In my city, my child's karate school takes kids starting at age 4. It's called Little Dragons (and they look adorable in their uniforms btw). They don't learn self-defense or fighting techniques right away. It's more learning to respecy themselves, adults, and others. The classes are short, half an hour, which is plenty for younglings. My daughter started at age 6, and is still attending 3 years later. Now she gets to help the smaller kids out sometimes and she really enjoys that. I personally started figure skating at age five, also Brownies, Sunday School, and Boys and Girls Club. I loved going to all those activities and still use many of the skills I learned early on today.

All that being said, you are the mom and know your child best, and you and he will make the right decision. Trust yourself! GL!

Answer 3

Five is often a great age to start different things, especially if he's showing interest in the activity. I know of 3 year olds who take various martial arts classes (in my tai chi class, we have several families with kids down to age 4 who all participate together). For your own peace of mind, I would recommend that you check out the facility in which your considering enrolling him in classes and see what the age ranges are in the class as well as observe how the instructors interact with the kids. Good luck!

Answer 4

I have heard that karate is an excellent sport for younger children (4-8 range) because it keeps their attention. They won't be standing around waiting a majority of the time, as in T-ball. It is a good intro to fitness, and aimed toward the beginner's level. Of course, only you can judge your child's attention span and maturity level. Some karate places will let your child try a class free of charge.

Answer 5

I was in a Tae Kwon Do school and there were many five year olds in the children's class. All of the children enjoyed the classes very much and learned confidence and made friends. Martial arts is a great way to learn self discipline and also know how to protect yourself. They will teach him not only the martial arts but also the dangers of strangers and self defense.

Answer 6

I think it's a great age to start. I've seen loadsa little kids that age taking karate at the local fitness centre and it looks like it does them a world of good.

Answer 7

The best way to determine this is to see if any instructors in your area accept children that young. Make sure they have some experiance. Then, see if you and your son can observe a class with the instructor teaching other children the same age. After you observe, if you like what you saw, ask your son if he would like to try it.

Answer 8

Let him try it......it would be great for his age to start.....i have a friend who started karate lessons at the age of 3!!!!!!i am serious about that!!!

Answer 9

I started Karate when I was 6, but my sister was 3. Be prepared for crying and emotions when he doesn't understand why he can't do things the older kids can.

Answer 10

I think that's about the age that they start taking kids for karate. That would be great for him. They learn so much by taking karate so I think that'd be a great move!