Does anyone know any karate schools that take kids at the age of 2?

Question

I am in Philadelphia, PA and so far all of the karate schools I have contacted won't take kids less then 3. Does anyone know any karate schools that take kids at like the age of 2?

Answer 1

I must ask a question first.

Is your child very very mature at 2? most are not yet which is why the standards vary from ages from 3-5 years. it really depends on the maturity of the child and their ability to focus, concentrate and listen to the teacher and do as they are asked to do with the others.

IF your child has these abilities as such an extraordinary young age take your child to a school and show them first hand and let them judge and decide after they meet your child.

I am afraid most will probably tell you to wait until they are three, four maybe even five. the best way to know for sure is you know your child best and if you think they have the ability to focus and follow along with directions and such which would be as i said unusual but not impossible. Take the child to the school and let the teacher make a first hand observation themselves.

Oh and I have to agree DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE. Make sure the classes are with multiple children of young age and importantly can you stay and be there. Usually at the adult classes you cannot sit in and watch over and over other than to decide if you want to join, but in the case of kids, any respectable teacher would allow you to stay and watch the class to ensure they are safe and as he said Senseis are teachers not babysitters. only you know if your child can do these things or not. IF so take them as i said, but if you really are not sure than maybe wait another year or two though looking into the credentials and lineage of the schools around before hand cannot harm anything, so when your child is ready be it now or later you can choose a reputable school.

Make sure they know their Lineage, where their teacher and teachers teacher came from back to its origins and founder.

Ask to see diplomas and certificates and don't be fooled by lots of glitter of trophies. Watch a few kids classes and see if you think your child is ready or not.

Hope that helps

good luck.

Answer 2

The youngest black belt at the place I go to is 14 years old. And the youngest blue belt is about ten. But they have really earned it, and they have been to a lot of classes since testing is every 6-7 months. Usually only half of the time is focused on form, and more time when testing comes because it is a big part of it. All places have younger martial arts programs, all though this one seems to try to appeal more to parents. At my dojo, the only difference with the kids is they do little kid exercises like animal runs and games, but form and sparring material is the same. 10 years and only a purple belt is ridiculous. I have my green belt now and I have been going for a year, but our ranking system has stripes, but green is around the same area as your green. 2nd degree black belt is much for 13 years old. If he brags about it and doesn't really show much skill, it is probably just his money getting that for him. That's the usual warm up for class, but they might be doing a lot of form to distract from sparring. Sounds like he is just out for the money. My instructor talked to my parents about money ONCE, and that was it. Even when our check was about 2 weeks late, he just took it and thanked me for it. Games and fun things are okay, but they shouldn't be majority of the class. And they should have fitness or self defense benefit. Once in a while we get out the foam bats and have a few rounds, but the last time we did that was like 2 months ago. It's good to learn how to use weapons though, because if the other person has a weapon, you can pick up something quickly and fight back. Kicks below the belt should be allowed, just not to the groin. Yeah, your dojo does have some McDojo qualities, and I don't I would have stayed there for very long. But all dojos have one or two.

Answer 3

Oh my. I think 2 is too young. There's a Shotokan place up there on Eaton Road (I think it's called Norristown, but it's on the right beside the post-office on the way out to Willowgrove Mall, before the Aspca) which takes 6 years olds. I think 6 is a better age to start, personally. I don't see the benefit in a 2 year old learning karate.

Answer 4

you are not looking for a dojo, you are looking for a "day-care" center where you force your kid to wear a gi.

at 2 your kid can't be interested in anything but big bird.

do the martial arts world and your kid a favor by not having him/her feel awkward by wearing a gi or uniform they don't want to be wearing, and the martial arts world by not promoting this kind of "kiddie krotty" crap.

you are wasting your money.

EDIT: IMO 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc. are all still pretty much baby sitting. Until your kid can take a NYC subway home by himself or a bus from school- he is not mature enough to be in a fighting class. It is not a bad Idea to have them around or immersed in it, but I don't think kids that young actually get anything out of it that simple running and playing tackle football or baseball with friends won't get them. Then again, I don't have a kid.

Answer 5

Defensive Arts Center
3901 Conshohocken Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19131
P: 215 - 877-6304
F: 215 - 877-6305
[e-mail]
http://logikbox.com/ph_aikido/news.cfm?nf_nfid=22

Answer 6

I taught for 10 years and I went crazy watching people bring 4 year olds in. No way would I agree to teach 2 yr olds.

Answer 7

No respectable Martial Art instructor would ever agree to be your baby sitter. That's all it would be. If you find one, make sure you do a thorough background check, because there has to be a reason they want to spend time with a child that has no ability to concentrate, comprehend, or learn the Martial Arts.

Answer 8

Just my view but two is way too young to begin any training like that. Just my view but I think that if your wanting any training your wasting your cash. There again if your just wanting a babysitter or play date I think you could find one a little more cheap than what ever your paying for classes.

Answer 9

Two is too young! They don't have the coordination or enough understanding of what they're doing. Are they even toilet trained? Wait until they're at least 4-5 years old.

Answer 10

My question is "what do you expect a 2 yr old to get from any martial art- it's not supposed to be a baby sitting service.