Martial Arts for an 11 year old: What should I be looking for?

Question

In Arizona, so many choices. How do I narrow it down? What should I look for?

Answer 1

i would say shop around there can be many good martial arts for 11 year olds. but if i had to choose 1 martial art i would definately choose taekwondo i started tkd when i was 7 years old and i am still doning it now it it great and it will give you a great firm understanding of the diciplnes and expectations of baisically every martial art

Answer 2

Go and watch some of the classes at schools or studios that are reasonably close to you. Schools far away are not always a good option since it will probably be you driving them for the next several years to class three or four times per week.

See how well the instructors relate to their students and if the students seem motivated and interested. Motivated, interested students tend to stick with it longer and are usually much happier. I would also look and see if they put emphasis on other aspects like school work, respect for others, responsibility for themselves and their actions, etc. If you don't find any that you like then widen your search. Other things like the price, if there are hidden costs (like testing fees, equipment costs, etc.), as well as contracts and if so are they short or long term are all also factors. Check if there is a trial period/program that you can enroll your son in to see if they like it may be another?

Based on all of the above then you are better prepared to make a good decision. That all sounds like a lot but it will pay big dividends in the long run. It really pays to shop when looking for one if you want the best value for your money and the most satisfaction for your child and yourself in making this choice.

Answer 3

Look for something fun but worth your money. I took martial arts when I was 9, but quit quickly after it because they were too hard on me. I came back when i was 15 and now I love it because I'm am actually learning very handy self-defense moves, having fun, and losing weight at the same time. I suggest you observe the 11 year old in a few classes (2-3) ask if he/she likes it, and see if he/she is actually learning something and having fun. (What would be fun is if you asked him/her to do some move on you, preferably something that won't harm you a lot, like an escape move, and if he/she pulls it off, he/she can continue going to that school.) Sparring is a must. Sparring is, for me, a way to have fun and improve my skills during a real life situation, like a simulation or something..

I know martial arts isn't really about having fun but an 11 year old won't be motivated enough to go to his/her classes on learning defense alone. 11 year olds probably want balance: become strong and have fun doing it.

Answer 4

i myself take martial arts. i found the way i learned the most was to have a teacher that could be both kind and somewhat of a hard @$$ you should look around and try out as many different classes possible. and know that martial arts isnt just about fighting it is a lot of flexibility and mind games. you dont want a teacher that will push your child too far and end up seriouly injuring him like my previous master

Answer 5

Look for a place with standards and well trained teachers. Go to a class or two before signing your kid up and see how you like it. I suggest ATA Taekwondo because it is a legitimate organization with trained professionals. Also, taekwondo is probably the best option for a young kid. It isn't too intense like other martial arts such as Muay Thai or Aikido.

Answer 6

Go for a good Judo or Jiu-jitsu school Tae Kwon Do associations such as ATA and styles such as Ninjutsu are mostly mcdojos. Meaning they take you money and dont give you any worthwhile hing in return

Answer 7

Ninjutsu!!!

Answer 8

i say TKD!!! it will teach your kid how to use his body properly and leave him drained after a class.

Answer 9

brazilian jiujitsu is great for kids.

Answer 10

you should become a champion if you want. i really like karate. it's THE GREATEST