Would you allow your child to do martial arts???

Question

My son is 4 and does a mixed martial art - part kickboxing/karate/tae kwon do/self defence... But when I mention that their kids might benefit from doing it, they shy away like I have blasphemed or something... Because of the violent world we live in, I would hope that my child learns right from wrong and if things get out of hand, that he is equipped physically and mentally to deal with situations when they arise and control them...

What do you think???

A specific thing that many martial arts teachers are looking at, is "Lil Dragons", which has more than just martial arts involved...

Answer 1

i think it can be a very good thing. it teaches self control, and the proper way to deal with a given situation.

Answer 2

I have a couple problems with kids' MMA, not because of their age necessarily. One, MMA implies that there are more than one art to be trained in, then blended together. It's not just rolling around smacking each other. The fact that most adults don't understand this concept leads me to believe most kids wouldn't either. Second, I wonder as I see an increase of 7-12 year old boys "interested" in MMA if it isn't really another example of the parents living through their kids. To become well-rounded enough to do MMA, a lot of hours must be put in. When I was a kid, kids only did one or two activities once a week. Now kids do more extra-curriculars than college students.I've always been against the idea of "professional kids", no matter what the activity, be it martial arts or beauty pageants. I think when a child is old enough to pay for his/her own training, then that is their business. But when a person is not old enough to value a buck, how can they possibly understand the pros and cons, except for what they hear and see from some other source? Can little kids learn in MMA-style classes? Sure. And there some programs that teach kids well. But they strip out the competition (not old enough anyway), they have extra padding, sparring is carefully monitored...is that really MMA, or is it an eclectic fitness class? Do they really learn the foundations of several martial arts, or just bits? Call it what it is. A class, taught by coaches, with kids in it. If parents are fine with that and they can pay for it, go for it. But if they put their kids in it (or older kids sign up for it) thinking they will be the next UFC star, they're delusional.

Answer 3

Martial arts are excellent for kids.

I am an instructor and a parent , and when my little girl is able she will be training (As soon as possible). She is 9 months old and loves hanging around the dojang with daddy.

I also teach a "Little Dragons" program for 3 to 5 year olds.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a child doing martial arts , and I actually thought the idea of us all being a bunch of thugs had died in the 70's , but I guess not. (You mention how people shy away when you talk about it) I know the reason my mom never let me train as a child was because of what she thought I would become.

Answer 4

I think your decision to equip your child with mixed martial art is a very good idea. I have a 7 month old and when he is old enough I will enroll him in martial art classes as well. It is very important that we equip our children so they are able to handle situations as they arise. As long as your son and other martial art students know the difference between right and wrong and when to use their techniques appropriately.

Don't worry about what others may think, you are doing the best thing for your child.

Answer 5

Its a very good thing, as long as youn know enough about the martial art to be comfortable with it. There are many martial arts - I would stick to the ones that are practiced as a sport primarily instead of the ones that involve a lot of eastern philosphy and mysticism. Start doing it with your child - its the best way to decide if you are comfortable with it. What does it matter what other people say anyway?

Answer 6

I love it! great job! If you don`t teach your child when and how to fight he will eather hurt himself or be one of those kids that think they need weapons to defind themselves.Plus boy have the instinct to fight letting them burn it off in a controlled environment is a good thing... kickboxing, karate, tae kwon do, and self defence is everything a child needs to learn.Each martial art clas teaches something different and most of them only teach counter active moves (that work if you are being attact but not to attact someone.. . I have been looking at classes and such for my son but i wanna start taking them before him so i can help him learn to do it right.Where do you live to have such a diverse class of martial arts. it sounds like fun

Answer 7

I don't see a problem with it. It's just so that they can stand on their own two feet. In martial arts, they learn discipline and honor not just a way to kick someone's butt. As long as they aren't violent with it, I think it's a great idea. If your kids are acting aggressively, you may have to take it away but that rarely happens. I used to think that martial arts was just a bunch of violence until I attended a class myself for a research paper. that was VERY enlightening! I think it's a great idea for kids.

Answer 8

My son is 3 1/2, and he'll learn right and wrong from me modeling it. Martial arts at this age is more for exercise and enjoyment, not disaster preparedness. We plan on involving our son in martial arts when he gets older, but my belief is you walk away from physical confrontation, not engage in it. That's the markings of a real man.

Answer 9

If my child showed an interest I would definately sign them up. I think it teaches great self defence and self control. I think martial arts have wonderful things to share. I'd even like to take a class or two for myself someday.

Answer 10

Well personally, I think it would be good. But as long as you monitor him that he does not turn into a bully and then use it. As long as you parent him with the values of right and wrong, he may grow up to be a good kid, who just so happens to know the martial arts. He might even get a movie job out of it, and then remember to repay his old, decrepid, parents with a new house who let him go to the classes.

Answer 11

All of the children that I know that participate in martial arts are taught the difference between violence and self-defense. Martial arts teach children discipline and are very valuable.