My son is 9 years old. He has slight trouble with his fine and gross motor skills. My husband and I would like to enroll him in a form of martial arts that can help work with the areas needing improvment. We would also like for him to be able to socialize and make friends from the class. What form of martial arts do you recommend and why?
2007-09-19 08:05:34 · 15 answers · asked by MamaX2 3 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
Kung Fu because it helps his motor skills a lot
2007-09-19 13:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically it needs to be something he will have fun at.
I'd vote strongly against any style that calls itself "reality based" or "self-defence only", as those styles are not really "fun", more about fighting dirty and usually little sparring.
My personal preference for kids leans towards grappling based arts. Judo, Submission Grappling, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, etc. Those things tend to be what kids will do naturally, and pick up on quickest. Kids will, if left alone, almost certainly have a wrestling match happen at some point. ;) I teach Mixed Martial Arts, with a heavy emphasis on grappling in the kids classes, I've also taught more traditional martial arts in the past. Grappling is by far my favourite for when working with kids... and stick fighting :)
Other good choices for kids are the "Extreme Martial Arts" variety, many "traditionalists" will look down on that recommendation, but I disagree. It is acrobatics and gymnastics in a more "cool" format. Basically what skate parks are to 10-speed bike races. It will teach discipline, dedication, co-ordination and be really high on physical fitness.
But in the end what really matters is what he wants to do, if he doesn't want to be there he'll get very little out of it. Martial arts should be something that he wants to go to, not something you got to force him into the car to do.
2007-09-19 18:15:25 · answer #2 · answered by Andrew 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most any martial art will give your son the benefits you are looking for. I do agree with an above poster that you should look more into the schools than the actual style (especially for children). Ask to watch a class so you can see how the instructor interacts with his/her students. I do get slightly nervous about children doing arts that do a lot of joint locks and chokes, because they don't always know when to stop or their limits. (If the instructor is good it shouldn't be too much of an issue, though). Definitely go and observe a few different dojos! Let your son come with so he can tell you which ones interest him, as he'll try harder and benefit more if he actually likes it.
2007-09-19 08:38:19 · answer #3 · answered by peacemaker 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Almost any martial art would do great for your purposes. The school is what you need to check. I suggest a school that does not have 12 year old black belts, it sounds great to kids but its actually a rip off for parents. Talk to the teachers, explain what you expect, and ask them what their expectations are. Observe the classes, more then once if possible. Ask the teacher if they have experience teaching a child with problematic motor skill functions. Watch how the other kids in class interact with each other, and the teacher. Never enroll your child in a school that uses contracts, or charges extra for testing.
2007-09-19 14:14:40 · answer #4 · answered by Ray H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most martial arts are good for exercise, develop confidence, help motor skills, patients, socializing etc...however theres quite a few out there(teachers not particually the style) that arent good for self defense though. that being said you can go just about any place and get the above. plus quality really varies a lot depending on the teacher not the style
typically the most common arts for kids to do at that young age is taekwondo and karate. just stop by different gyms and talk to the instructor to see if it seems like a good teacher and has a passion for it and is not just there for money. also since this is for your son he needs to be the one who picks so he can enjoy it. most schools/dojos allow anywhere from one day to like 2 weeks of free classes maybe you should take him around and use those free trials and let him pick which one he likes most
but me personally i like krav maga because i see it as being very practical in self defense but im sure they dont teach kids that
muay thai/boxing i like because its has every effective and powerful strikes and you learn a lot quickly, however since its more sport fighting oriented many friends i know that did those at a young age didnt really learn any self discipline and end up fighting on the streets alot
i love capoeira because of the culture and its beauty. if you are looking to gain great motor skills that'll definitely help you and for the rodas(ranking test) you go to a weekend meeting where everyone kinda parties, you get a nickname, and you spar to get your ranking. however its not really a great art for self defense
2007-09-19 08:56:00 · answer #5 · answered by Cnote 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Art I study is Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. I researched several different forms when my son was five and expressed an interest in training. I found Budo to be the best for him and myself as well. The style is authentic Japanese self defense. There is no competition, it is not a sport and students train and advance at their own pace (at least at my school). This art teaches self discipline, self control, balance, body positioning and such. Students are not taught to fight, more to protect themselves and how to avoid dangerous situations.
I hope you find a school that fits your needs. If there is a Bujinkan Dojo in your area and they teach kids classes, I highly suggest looking in to it.
Have a GREAT day!
Pennie
2007-09-19 08:36:51 · answer #6 · answered by Pennie S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mama,
There are going to be alot of answers here that you can choose from, but I can tell you, that the best training he can receive for his situation, is Judo.
I do not teach nor ever studied Judo but because of its nature, I believe it would be best to start him off with.
It is fun. It teaches kids how to fall without getting hurt. The Judo matches are great because he gets to throw and be thrown. Kids love throwing themselves on the ground.
It lays down the foundation for other arts by instilling balance and developing rootedness.
If he wants to do something else, tell im that it will prepare him to be better at whatever other art he decides to learn later.
If there is a Jujutsu school in your area, they usually start you off with Judo or have a separate Judo curriculum.
Ed Parker's Kenpo is also great. They have an excellent kids curriculum.
2007-09-19 08:32:25 · answer #7 · answered by Darth Scandalous 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jow Ga Kung Fu. I have taught both children & adults.
The kids program is great. We teach them balance & co-ordination & then build on these to progress from white belt to black. We make the exercises fun & include
things like word of the day where the kids give examples of the definition. I have found the kids are so receptive & it builds their confidence ten fold. Often the children will surpass the adults!
2007-09-19 13:54:09 · answer #8 · answered by Sharon B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not so much a question of style, but what the school and instructor(s) are like. Are they trained and educated enough to handle children of that age and with certain conditions appropriately? Don't commit to anything too longterm, 6months to start with, then take it from there
2007-09-20 01:50:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any martial art would be good. Just check around your area, visit schools and make your decision from there.
2007-09-19 09:02:37 · answer #10 · answered by Chris F 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋