I would like to hear about your actual experience, as I am interested in getting my two daughters (6 and 8) started.
Also, what kind do you recommend.
Thanks!
2006-06-12 10:44:58 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
YES, get them started now! Children learn so many skills we as adults do not realize that those skills are so much harder to learn the older we get. Take it from me, your girls are a great age to begin martial arts lessons. Especially for women martial arts is such a wonderful talent to have. Tae Kwon Do emphasizes kicking and punching (females have wonderful lower body strength and so they could easily excel at this art), Karate emphasizes some more complex techniques (take-downs, arm bars, limb breaks, rolls, etc..) but I think it is excellent to learn as well. Jui-jitsu is similar to grappling, like wrestling only the key is joint locking. Aikido is all about flips, rolls, falls, etc,.. it emphasizes evasion technique. Your girls are the perfect age to begin because they have a workable attention span and by learning the techniques now, they will have time (years necessary) to learn how to effectively apply them and it is in those future years that they would be most likely to need those skills. Go for it, I'm sure they will love it!!! I hope they stick with it.
2006-06-12 11:00:49 · answer #1 · answered by Elle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends why they want to start. I can understand from a parents point of view your reasons but I would see what they would like to do first. I agree with Elle that Tae Kwon Do, Karate or Tang Soo Do are perfect for your girls at that age. It will give them confidence, allow them to compete should they wish to (again great for confidence and personal esteem) and it will teach them balance, distancing and respect for other people. Should they wish to learn more practical street defence style arts, I would suggest Krav Maga, Systema or Bujinkan ninjutsu (though you have to be at least 16 to train in ninjutsu due to the pressure on the wrists of the locks - not safe for growing bones - and the nature of some of the training). On saying that, i highly recommend Bujinkan if they are still interested at that age as it is not a power based style like Karate which can be a bit wooden (in my estimation) and is reliant on taking the other persons balance to survive the fight.
As a blanket answer I'd say anything is better than nothing and the sooner the better, especially in these times.
2006-06-13 11:20:42 · answer #2 · answered by havoc1269 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start them as young as possible. They are old enough there are six year old in my school right now. Take a look on www.smartpages.com under martial arts instrution and see what kind of schools are close to you. Visit a few schools until you find one you like.
2006-06-12 19:41:19 · answer #3 · answered by thepaladin38 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Martial arts training is not appropriate for children. Also, most women have little interest in martial arts training. Your best bet is to wait until your daughters are at least 16 years old and to ask them if they want to train. If they do and are mature enough, enroll them in aikido.
2006-06-12 17:51:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best for girls are about starting from age they have now... because would need some years of experience in order to protect their self few years later.
2006-06-12 17:50:54 · answer #5 · answered by goafurl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are old enough I know four and five year old's that are learning..it's always a good thing to know self defense and at that age there mussels and ligaments are still limber enough to learn some of the moves they won't have to stretch them as much as they would if they waited till they are older..
2006-06-12 17:50:16 · answer #6 · answered by conundrum_dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, my first two answers were 6 and 8. No joke.
2006-06-12 17:48:14 · answer #7 · answered by bay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
those are good ages, as the joints are still very flexible. In about 8 years they could be black belts or possibly ever a Dan
2006-06-12 17:53:00 · answer #8 · answered by gelloboy2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5 years of age the earlier the better I do suggest traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate or Okinawan stlye Karate or Judo
2006-06-12 18:15:48 · answer #9 · answered by roburo2002 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go for it now , taekowndo is perfect for girls , because they don't need to lose their femenity in it , it doesn't even need strong muscles , just endurance , speed , flexability and a little amount of muscles .. no face punching in taekwondo , it's all with kicking .
But, just a little information , i don't believe that a girl could realy beat men , specially tough guys , whatever she learns , it will just helps , but not kill bill or charlies angels hocus bocus .... there is nothing like that .. haha , trust me
2006-06-12 19:54:21 · answer #10 · answered by amgo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋