Would Karate help teach my son discipline?

Question

My son is five, and sometimes has a hard time listening. Would something such as Karate, that teaches obedience and self control be a good thing for him. Please only experience Karate people answer.

Answer 1

The answer is yes. Learning karate can develop disciple, obedience, respect and self control. My answer is from personal experience. I learned karate and it has help improve me in many areas such as respecting others etc.

However you also need to consider these 2 factors:

1. Tender age
Your son is only 5 years old. Certain karate masters believe that only a person age 7 and above should start learning karate.

2. Different types of karate school
There are at least two types of karate school; the traditional one which teaches moral values and the commecial one which just teach you karate techniques as long as you pay them.
Be careful with the commercial schools as they may not teach your son the correct way of karate (which includes teaching moral values).

Answer 2

The short answer is YES.
I've been in the Martial Arts community for over two decades and I can tell give you some advice:

First, keep in mind that your son is only 5. He is bound to have trouble concentrating at an adult level. He will tend to let his mind wander, it's natural. Now, that being said, martial arts are a great method to teach kids. The physical exercise helps burn off energy. The discipline teaches kids to focus on what they are doing. It is a good way to meet new friends. And as long as your son enjoys it, can be a lifelong passion.

Second, choose a good school. There are two things you need to consider when choosing a school. Does the style they teach match your sons personality? You may find your son doesn't like Karate, but prefers Judo, or visa versa.
And finally, take a good look at the instructor. Take the time to watch both a kids class and an adults class. If the instructor allows to much horseplay (there will always be some in the kids class, there should be minimal amounts in an adult class) you might want to look elsewhere. The instructor should be firm with children, while still keeping in mind that they are children. (Don't be surprised it the instructor seems like a teddy bear in the childrens class and a drill sergeant in the adult class). And of course, ask yourself, would you be willing to enroll yourself into the class?

Answer 3

Absolutely! However, you really need to take the time to research the school and find out if they take the time to teach discipline. Also, bear in mind that any martial arts discipline can have the same effect (not just Karate). Some disciplines are more focused on introspection and respect than others.... I have practiced martial arts for 17+ years, in a great number of disciplines, and can attest that some will merely tap into and aggravate your son's natural aggressions, e.g., tae kwon doe (apologies to all u tkd fans). Anyway, make sure you take the time to meet the instructors and ask about their children's programs (what they learn, how they learn, what happens when children are not listening/ behaving - and the ever important question, the answer to which will tell you everything you need to know about the school - what happens if a child uses the new martial arts to act out aggressively, outside of the martial arts school). Hint: If they dismiss the question or they do not have a firm response, do not enroll your son there.

Answer 4

If he goes to the right school then yes. A Karate class for someone who's 5-7 should be no longer than 45 min. and full of fun events to keep their attention. We do stretching, then basics, then a Sensei (Simon) says game that teaches terms, then kata, then sparring, then we do silly races like run like a monkey, super hero, crazy person, dinosaur, barbie, etc.
Your son is 5 and does not have a very lengthy attention span. Karate can help (over time) with that. It also teaches respect, and self control. It gives kid something to work at and take pride in while having fun at the same time.
Be sure to visit many schools and watch the kids classes first. Don't go to a school where they make you sign a yearly contract, most kids won't decide if they really like it until a month or two later.

Good luck and have fun.

Answer 5

I have studied and/or taught MA since 1987, and I can tell you with much certainty that children at that age can learn MA for discipline. But the majority of children between the ages of 4 - 7 do not have the ability to focus, because, at their tender age their young minds are like sponges, very small sponges. Their world revolves around fun. What I'm trying to say is;
1) If it's not fun for that child then he/she will not be
interested and will act out even more than before

2) Most Instructors are not properly trained to handle
more than 3 young children at a time. So the
instructor becomes an over paid baby sitter.

Now do not misunderstand, I am not knocking the ability or knowledge of these instructors, what I am saying is when there are more than 3 children of that age range, then the instructor has to try and keep all of the children interested at the same time and correct any and all mistakes.

As someone else has already stated to your question, DO SOME RESEARCH ABOUT ANY AND ALL SCHOOL/INSTRUCTORS THAT YOU ARE CONSIDERING.

Answer 6

It depends A LOT on the instructor. Some are better than others so you have to shop around and make sure you pick a good one who holds discipline in the dojo with high regards. Good instructors have total control over the class and everyone follows the rules of the dojo. Also look at the senior belts in the class. Do they look like good mentors/role models for your son? Senior belts reflect the teachings of the instructor. If they do not look disciplined, then it probably isn't a very good dojo to go to.

If your son can make it through a few months, then karate will definately help him.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

I do not practice Karate, I practice a different martial art. I would absolutely think Karate would assist your son in being more disciplined.

First and formost their chain of command structure extends the DoJo. They are to respect all masters, including parents. The next thing it teaches is finding alternative methods to aquire the same thing. Last but not least it also shows that for obeying the command of a master one will be rewarded with what they desire.

I would recommend however not overdoing it. The martial arts have two important times. Time to learn in the Dojo, and time to train at home. You may have to participate in some of the homework.

I would advise letting him take the martial arts. I know that it has made me a much safer and much more wise person.

Safety in Knowledge,
Silence

Answer 8

I teach children from ages 3 and above. I recommend trying karate, but realizing that you will need reinforce any of what is taught in class at home as well. Be sure to watch several classes, and don't get taken in by all the hype of the large schools. Look for a good class with a good instructor that requires respect from his students. If his current students aren't well-behaved, yours won't be either. Don't sign any contracts until you are certain you have found the school for you.

Answer 9

I found a kung fu school that was really good with kids. They learned to focus and have fun while still learning some new exotic skills. My son was not quite 5 yet when he started and was easily distracted. Martial arts helped him learn how to concentrate on what he's doing. He's disciplined, kind, very friendly, well-mannered, and does very well in school. He's now almost 12 and still learning from the same school. He's about the ranking equivalent of a 3rd degree karate black belt.

I also studied in that school. I saw many kids who were almost lost cause material turn around, empower themselves, gain confidence, learn to respect, develop skills that they never thought they could do and become disciplined kids.

Answer 10

Yes, I would say so, any kind of activity such as karate will teach a child discipline and respect.