and moreover, they seem to think that its a children's thing, and that 4 year olds can do it. wow what sophistocated stuff can you teach to a 4 year old! i opine that no one under age 7 has any business learning martial arts ( which if you remember were invented as hand to hand combat styles for asian military members), not as an extra activitiy on the agenda of the soccer mom!
people keep asking, i'm 17 is it too late? it makes me downright mad to see that! is it too late? no, quite possibly if you had started earlier it woudl have bene too EARLY. that is to say, you might have had less dedication to it. which, afterall is really what matters most.
what has MA come to that its a "children's sport?"
2007-08-28 20:43:43 · 9 answers · asked by the Bruja is back 5 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
yeah but i did gymnastics as a kid and i was flexible, then i iddnt do it for like 8 years. and i lost it. but then i got it back i'm 21.
2007-08-28 20:54:38 · update #1
Great question. I get asked this question all the time.
Here's my opinion:
Starting early is nice for discipline and getting martial arts to become part of our children's lives, but the reality is that kids so young change interests very quickly right?
So I agree with what you're saying that waiting till later is a good plan.
Other reality is that if a child moves through the ranks and forms of a system and obtains a higher level, even black belt at the age of 10 let's say, they really are NOT capable of protecting themselves from anyone bigger then they are. To me this instills a false sense of security in children. A black belt at 10 is not the same as a blackbelt at 20 or 30 etc.
2007-08-28 21:20:56 · answer #1 · answered by 8020rule 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, this question does seem to crop up a lot in various guises... All the Junior high level belts in my do-jang started around 4 - 6 years of age... We've got a few 9 to 12 year old JUNIOR Black Belts.. I stress the Junior; I know there's a correct term for it but it's getting too late to look it up... I started my own 9 year old in TKD because he has ADHD (scientifically diagnosed I might add), and ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder)... I've been told by several specialists that the combination of discipline, balance, ritualisation and authority in martial arts is an ideal therapy for kids like mine... He's now a blue belt, and in his case it most certainly works... At the other end of the scale I'm 55 and a lowly yellow belt (junior reckons I should call him Sabumnim!... Yeah Right!!! ;-)... Except for the really hairy ones I think most martial arts have a lot to offer almost all age groups.. You're never too young to learn respect for yourself and for others, and you're never too old to learn self-defense and boost your fitness and self-esteem... Damn! but I like this Forum... All the best.
2007-08-30 11:11:43 · answer #2 · answered by Origami 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
children that start martial at the age of 4-6 are most likely too young. at the age of 10 though, that is about the time they are ready to learn it because at that age they are more mature. i once saw a 4 year old black belt, and a 7 year old white belt was able to beat him with ease. power comes with age. at any age, anyone could join the martial arts. i know people that run martial arts places and let the 10 year olds volenteer to help out with the younger belts at green belt. it is true that a 10 year old black belt is basicly weak, though. i think a good starting age is 10 (maybe 7) and above.
2007-08-29 12:14:55 · answer #3 · answered by Bits and Pieces 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, when traditional martial artist from Asia say they started learning MA since childhood, they are referring to traditional basic training. Which in most cases starts with training fundamentals like physical conditioning, mental discipline and endurance exercises, most of them are not taught the fighting techniques until such time that they come of age and have developed their bodies to withstand the rigors of fighting, this is usually around the age of 15 and up depending on the master. This is the reason why most of these student's are very flexible and well coordinated. Martial arts training doesn't just consist of fighting techniques like what most westerners mistakenly think, it also consist of philosophy, ethics(ceremonies and rituals), literature(classics like Sun Tzu's "Art of War" and Mushashi's "Book of Five Rings" used to be compulsory study requirements) and even calligraphy in some cases to train the mind to complement the training of the body. After all, they wouldn't wanna create an uncivilized brainless brute who can wreak great havoc in society. That's the reason why you hear stories of how they only take students whom they deem to have good moral character after testing their sincerity and of students performing acts of humility like serving their master by doing household chores to show their sincerity and dedication. That is also why most of the old masters back then seem more dignified than the ones cropping up today. Most people today want to become masters in a few months so they can kick as$ right away and are willing to pay lots of money to make it happen. Not exactly a good attitude to take up. But since there is a demand for it, there is an endless supply of people who will cater to that type of thinking, hence the existence of schools that promise to teach you how to fight in a shorter time, while neglecting the ethical and moral aspect of training. Not very beneficial to the martial arts in general, but there it is.
2007-08-29 06:10:59 · answer #4 · answered by Shienaran 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There's no such thing as starting to early. Most people that do start early, stay dedicated.
Why do you think you see people that have done it all their lives???
It's because a lot of Martial Artists train early in life, and MA becomes a part of our life, not just something we do.
Childrens MA is something that teaches the basic form, discipline, and fitness. NO CHILD knows all they are going to know, or even has an idea whats ahead. Its a long exciting road.
2007-08-29 17:33:32 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. Bo Jangles 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are correct !!! I believe people get this preconceived notion from movies and the Olympics. I prefer to start teaching children at the age of 8 , thats my own choice though.
2007-08-29 06:16:17 · answer #6 · answered by Ray H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's because you're more flexible as a kid.
and martial arts keeps you flexible as you grow up.
and it isn't too late.
i know a 30 year old teacher that was a white belt.
so if you want to take up martial arts,
then do it.
it's your choice and there are always adult martial art classes.
2007-08-29 03:52:49 · answer #7 · answered by onlyjapethruth 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Shoalin concept Bull!
2007-08-29 03:56:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there aint too late in learning MA..just keep on trying...as they say...GOOD PRACTICE makes PERFECT....,
2007-08-29 05:11:27 · answer #9 · answered by shyheart 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋