Is Karate a good choice for my EXTREMELY active 6yr old son?

Question

i'm thinking about putting my 6 year old in karate. He is very rambunctious, loves fighting type games, movies, cartoons, etc. I am hoping that if he was taught about fighting, he would take it more seriously. Any one have any comments or experiences with this?

Answer 1

sune_templar has some excellent advice, but wow, a few of the answers on here. . .

First off, being involved in a martial art is in no way exposing someone to more violence than they would get eslewhere like on tv or in video games.

Nor is it enforcing violence in a child. Proper martial arts is about defending one's self. And any quality school will teach both children and grown adults alike that the best method to curbing violence is to avoid it, whether that means avoiding certain places or trying to talk your way out of a potential dangerous sitution.

And only if violence is unavoidable then you use your skills.


Second, despite what anyone may say, Karate (and the vast majority of martial arts for that matter) were created for fighting. Period.

Can they teach other things like discipline, respect, self-control, etc. Absolutely. However, those are secondary developments to what should be a primary focus. To state otherwise would be like saying that that Henry Ford built the Model T so teenagers could have a place to make out rather than get people from Point A to Point B faster.

That being said, a child as young as 6 will not understand the mechanics behind fighting and self defense. Sure your son might learn how to properly punch, block, kick and do kata, but he won't comprehend what it actually means to fight. So style is relatively meaningless at this point.

Rather your child will be learning basic body mechanics and coordination as well as positive attitude drills, team work, etc.

You should look for commerical schools, regardless of style, in your area that have some sort of kiddie karate program. Check those out, watch a class or two, and speak with the instructor. See how he or she handles the kids. Also check into if you can pay month-by-month or if they have a two or three month trial membership (as an unfortunate reality is that most commercial schools have contracts, especially for kids classes). This will give your child a few months to try it out and see if it's a fit for him or not. And if it's not, you won't be locked into a long contract.

However, let me just say that martial arts is not always the answer for kids who are over energetic, rambunctious, or hyper-active. Give it a shot, but don't expect it to be a magic answer either. Also look at other activities that your child might enjoy.

And finally as sune mentioned, make sure both you and the instructor aid in the development of how you think you child should behave. Don't just drop him off three nights a week and expect miracles to happen.

Answer 2

I have a son that could be yours twin. Do this before anything!! Go watch a class!!!!! If the instructor are relaxed and having to much fun and the kids are a little un focused DO NOT do it. Little boys that come out of this environment usually become more wise and start kicking and punching anything in there path.. Now if you find a instructor that is a no BS teacher and he talks with the kids after class about what they learned and why they use it get him in as fast as you can you will be blown away with the respect he learns. You have to do some homework its not like some people say just drop them off and bang they are great little guys when picked up.
Also take him with you to a few different arts he may like one more then the other.

Answer 3

I started karate at the age of 4 for mostly the same reasons. It taught me loads of self discipline and gave me great fundamentals that i could later apply to every day life. I am currently an active karate instructor, and have remained with the same small dojo for the last 16 years. I recommend it to any and all parents with rambunctious children.

Answer 4

I have taught karate for about two years now both to adults, teens and young children. Your son would be an absolutely perfect candidate for karate! Not only does he have the energy to do it, but he will have the enthusiasm. This will also eventually "calm him down" a little. Often children are able to spend much of their energy in the studio and practicing at home as well. Many of my students have been hyper children (even some with ADHD) and this seems to work well for them. They will learn when it is appropriate to be hyper and when they need to calm down!
THE BEST THING YOU COULD DO FOR YOUR SON WOULD BE TO PUT HIM IN MARTIAL ARTS!

Answer 5

I think it'd be an excellent outlet for his energy and to teach him about discipline and respect. As far as how his thoughts on fighting would develop...it's true that he may take it more seriously but you would know better than we would.

Hopefully, his Sensei would talk to him about the proper use of the martial art and your son will learn what it is you're hoping to teach him. I would also say that you should work with his instructor to help develop proper morals within your son. Don't let the entire process rest on the shoulders of his teacher.

I hope that helps.

Answer 6

I don't have experience, but from an outside perspective, given all the violence he's exposed to now, I would have to say no. Do you really want to enforce fighting in your child?

Karate isn't about fighting, it's about an art. People who are karate experts usually say that they learn Karate for the art aspect and culture, not for defense. Karate experts rarely "use" their skills just whenever a confrontation happens, this is a universal thing with those who practice Karate. Watch the Karate Kid, you've had to see that movie.

There are plenty of other activities much better suited for a six year old, what about soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis? It's good you want to get your child involved, but to be honest I would stick to something a little more tame.

Answer 7

Karate is the perfect solution for your "active" son...It will teach him discipline yet allow him to vent some of that internalized energy he has. Everybody wins in a situation like this including you as his Mother. You will see amazing results if you can get him to stick with lessons for a short time.Good Luck!

Answer 8

Yes it is! it teach them discipline

Although the benefits are many, here are just a few of the things martial arts can help with:

1. Self–esteem and self worth

2. Ways to express anger and frustration rather than through violence

3. Self-control

4. Self-discipline

5. Teamwork

Answer 9

Do your son a favor. Find a good school, not a good style.
Never sign a contract, never pay for rank testing.
Check out all the schools in your area. Look for a clean school with respectable people.
Ask to observe the classes and ask to see their contact drills and kumite.


Maybe you will train too. We have had our share of parents who get addicted to training.
: )

Answer 10

Yes. It teaches control along with using energy.
It helped my 6 yr old grandson a lot.