Which martial art should I have my 3 year old son study, and how should I go about choosing a sensei?

Answer 1

I have different perspectives on this as I am both an instructor and a parent.

As an instructor:
I have had kids as young as 3 or 4 in my classes, but only with an understanding that they are there to have fun and maybe learn a little. Kids at this age need to learn how to move their bodies, coordinate hands and feet, and other basics. Discipline should come from mom and dad, not martial arts. I generally encourage parents with young children to investigate swimming and gymnastics. These are great for developing flexability, coordination, and body awareness.

As a parent, I have to admit my daughter started young, just barely 4. She grew up in the dojo and by that age, I could no longer keep her off the mat. She has gain discipline and skills from teh dojo that she has carried into her chosen interests: vocal music and drama. But, I never pushed her to be in the dojo or to train. She wanted to do it because it was special time we spent together.

As to art choices, I like judo. Punching and kicking too easily move to the playground and younger children need to seperate movies and play from the arts they are learning.

Chose a dojo and sensei carefully. Look for a place where you can try two or three free classes first. Avoid contracts, and seek an instructor that emphasises the importance of school. At this age, classes should be play based and fun. If your child does not want to go after a month, you are in the wrong place. At this age, I even look to places that train in shorts or sweats and a t-shirt instead of a uniform.

Martial arts have a lot to offer, but it is usually best to wait until the child is really ready to seek out the training themselves. Perhaps you have a future olympic athlete in some other sport, let them chose the path.

Answer 2

Brazillian Jujitsu is going to take over Karate soon enough as the number one Martial art practiced. So if you want him to be in terms of "fashion" ahead of the pack, then go for B.J.J (brazillian jujitsu).

However, knowing how much wear and tear it could put on somebodies body it makes me wonder what damage it would do to your son at such a young age.

Why not wait a few years, just so he can grow some more but in the mean time get him enrolled in Swimming classes to improve Cardio and bone growth which will give him an edge for when its the right time for him to start training in a martial art.

Answer 3

forget it-he's too young!!. as an experienced instructor i never teach any child below six years of age for two main reasons-1 the attention span simply is not there i could teach a youngster something and the following week they come back and have completely forgotten what they were taught the week before-trust me when i say it gets infuriating. and 2 being three years old your son is very small so there is also the safety factor-much as it saddens me to say this but very few senior instructors will teach a three year old-they will leave this to a subordinate-who more often than not have no idea in teaching infants (which i am afraid your son is). wait a couple of years more first-then make your choice.

Answer 4

There are a lot of suitable choices here, but also a few concerns. Due to the young age of the child, you really want to stay away from anythin that can place undue strain on bones and joints. A child of that age has very tender bones and damage to growth plates can cause real problems in later years. This is much the same reason that young girls are restricted from toe walking in ballet (I have two daughters that do ballet and Tae Kwon Do). This brings me to my personal recommendation (Tae Kwno Do). My daughters have been taking lessons and competing in Tae Kwon Do since they were abount six years of age, and I have extensive experience in Tae Kwon Do, Combat Hopkido, Bushido Ryu, Boxing and Kick Boxing. Based on my experience, I would recommend Tae Kwon Do as one of the better arts for children, but I would also recommend you visit several Dojos and speak with various instructors.

Answer 5

I plan to enroll my kids in Shotokan Karate and maybe Judo, at the age of 4 1/2, because they would be at an early age,
it would be good for discipline, indurance, team work, leadership skills, respect, morals, helps built up confidance yourself, not be bullied when older.
if they start at that age by the time their 10 they'll have a greater understanding of things, maybe it'll be something part of their lifes, however if they don't like it and would prefer to some spend their time in another productive way then they're free to do so,

Answer 6

Most schools won't accept kids until they are five, and having been an assistant instructor, that sometimes is even too young. What I do with my daughter (3 years old) we play fight, but when she gets older, I will teach her the basics, and send her to a good dojo. All I can say is let your son be a little kid, they grow-up so fast.

Answer 7

I have studied taekwondo, hapkido, kung fu, and tai chi. They are all quite valuable and each unique. In my opinion, hapkido leaves the joints most vunerable to injury, but they all have the potential. Taekwondo has been the most popular with kids in my experience. Choice of an instructor is vital. Get someone with whom you connect. The instructor should be discussing safty first and when your son is old enough scholastic achievement should be a factor in martial arts.

Answer 8

just play wrestle with him for now. get him balanced and determined in play with people he loves and trusts. wait until he is 5 or even later till you put him into any martial art.

he needs to develop more. its like teaching him to drive , better to wait until he has matured physically and emotionally before pushing him through it. until then, it is money down the drain, and he wont be able to tell the difference between play and real.

I dont know anyone who would even teach a child under 5 that isnt theirs.

Answer 9

With a Child that age, you MUST begin with something that will tech discipline and respect, as their minds are still conforming. I highly recommend Tae Kwon Do. Just be sure whatever school you get them into too, deals with kids on a daily basis. For with children that age, you must be able to be creative and keep their minds interested. Kids that age, tend to loose interest really fast, unless you make it interesting. I teach kids myself, and it is a challenge, but to me a fun challenge to figure out ways to allow them to have fun, while learning at the same time.

Answer 10

Begin with JUDO. Visit many dojos/schools and ask a lot of questions. The two major U.S. Judo organizations are the: USJA and the USJF. They are both good. So give them both a phone call and ask questions.