i have a 4 year old who takes american kenpo in your opinion and experiance what is the best age to start ?

Question

i have a few ppl in my family saying she is to young and doesnt understand that she cant use it on others...cause to be honest she loves it and does it on everyone she sees but to her she is just playing so my question what is the best age to start she already has a junior orange belt

Answer 1

definately to young.and the instructer should know this he's taking your money under false pretences.swimming would be better for your child at this stage.it'll save thier life more than ma at that age.it also helps them a lot physicly.
EDIT.the wall-anyone who teaches 4 yr olds other than a relative who teaches them for nothing is in it for the money.taking money from some one to teach a child of that age is fraud.

Answer 2

My daughter is currently 6 years old and takes Kenpo. She started about 1 year ago training with me. The first few months I would agree that is was just fun for her, but if her instructor is a good instructor they are teaching much more that technique's. They begin to learn about EA (Environmental Awareness), How to escape someone grabbing them, most important the verbal assertiveness and confidence. It has assisted her in school and has taught discipline, respect and focus which effects every aspect of life. I disagree that she is to young to train, because martial arts if a way of life, learning to life the "Martial Way", not just a way to learn how to fight. The best fight is one that never happened, and the other aspects in which they are learning teach them how to work and get along with others helping to prevent those little altercations. My daughter has used her training a couple of time. Only thing that concerns me is that you stated that she does it on everyone she sees, this could show immaturity and you might need to talk with your instructor to emphasize that it is dangerous to do on other people, pets, Mommy and Daddy, etc. That helps them realize that it is training not games.

Answer 3

This totally, completely depends on the individual child. I have taught some 4 year olds who are VERY capible of knowing what is self defense and what is playing. I have also briefly taught 10 year olds who do NOT understand the concept. As long as the child knows that Martial Arts techniques are not playing, and gets calmly but firmly reminded if they begin "play fighting", then it should be OK. Most 4 year olds will not quite grasp the concept, though, so be prepared to remind her many times- especially if she watches many cartoons. Only YOU and the instructor can judge this.
Hope this helps...
Sensei Cox

Answer 4

Four to five is a good age to start martial arts training. It is not just about being able to kick and punch, but the things that she will learn from participating with others, and when she is ready, advancing further when she gets older. She can learn how to follow directions, how to be safe in a modern society, and best of all self confidence as a child. This last one can help children make better decisions when they get older. Last but most importantly, she will have fun!

Answer 5

8 years old, or knowing left from right with an hour long attention span. at eight years old, i have found that most children can be taught well enough to learn a form affectively. also at the age of eight, children also start to realize what the like to do, so if she gets very motivated she will succeed no matter what. but yes 4 years old is too young. six at the very youngest but four never

Answer 6

you are being mislead. in my opinion you should not train a child until they have the concept of real life and play time.

4 years old? no, way too young.

you have a noble ideal, and great to see parents taking an active interest in their childs future well being, but you may want to try more age appropriate hobbies. and as Bushido stated perhaps swimming lessons would benefit her at this age.

I started with my son when he was 8.
up till then I just told him to punch the nose. young kids stop fighting when they see their own blood. easy tuition, and free.

once again though, I congratulate your desire to do the best for your girl.

Answer 7

It all depends on the maturity. This is not playtime and you have to explain that to her or it can get her in serious trouble. Martial Arts is not a toy and you can seriously hurt someone if you do it wrong. While a good martial arts school can teach a lot of good things like discipline, self confidence, and goal setting, bad ones teach egotism and are a breeding ground for bullies.

Answer 8

I would advise you let the kid learn as soon as possible. The thing is make sure the kid gets a good instructor. Make sure they arent in it for the money and that they have some real skill. Browse around to see what kind of schools there are and choose the one you think your kid would want to do. Heres the hard part though. Most schools that teach the kids classes are the ones that are in it for the money so it may be hard to find one thats not

Answer 9

I don't even accept children under six in my classes. Its with the understanding of the parents that if the child doesn't have the ability to tell the difference between class and play, they'll have to wait till they are older.

Answer 10

the best age to start is when the person loves martial arts and takes it for a real reason