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Home » Blog » When is a Child Ready for Martial Arts?

When is a Child Ready for Martial Arts?

November 6, 2010 By Sensei Matt Klein

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little children having fun in karate class

Kids learn about respect, balance and coordination, and have fun in a martial arts class.

“How old does a child have to be to start martial arts?” This is a question I get asked all the time. In China, kids start Wushu as young as three. Many martial arts instructors in all styles start their own kids as soon as they can walk, usually in their twos. To me, three is the absolute minimum. But the real answer is–it varies. Yes, it depends on a few factors. Let’s look at them.

Experience with other Structured Activities

Has your child been involved in any structured group activities, like pre-school or other sports? Was he or she able to function without your help? Were they content to stay in the class or did they keep running in and out of it, when it suited them?

If you have any doubts here, go to a martial arts class or two and watch it with your child. Are they able to see how the kids function in a proper class and what is expected of them?

Ability to Focus and Follow Directions

Is your child able to follow simple instructions? Are they able to stand still and stay focused for at least a few minutes at a time? Although a good instructor will vary activities during the class, your child must at least be able to focus on each drill or game. At the pre-school age, children learn primarily by copying, so it is important they be able to do this.

Ability to Accept Discipline

Is your child able to accept discipline without throwing a tantrum? Do they understand that they cannot always have their way? Are they able to wait for their turn? A child who insists on always being the center of attention takes too much time away from the others. Children having difficulty in this area will almost always be asked by the sensei to return when they are older.

Your Expectations

What are your expectations? Martial arts for a four or five year-old should be about fun, focus, and developing coordination and balance. You should not be worrying about creating the next Bruce Lee at that age. If you put children in high-pressure situations, they will lose interest in the activity.

The Program

This is probably the most important, though overlooked factor. Is the program set up with small children in mind? Does the class separate children by age and experience? If a class includes 3 to 7 year olds of all different levels, it is going to be extremely difficult for the three year-olds. We have special Tiny Tiger programs at selected locations, for three and four year-olds. For the three and four year-olds, it is enough to get them used to moving around, getting organised into circles, lines, etc., following directions, simple blocks and evasions, and most important, having fun. Older children, usually five and above, start to learn the more practical self-defence aspects of the martial arts as they can better understand when it is appropriate to use it.

Get Started as Soon as Possible

Getting your children started as soon as they are ready gives them an edge. Life skills such as coordination, balance, concentration, socialization, respect, and self-discipline will be promoted in a good program. Seek out the best martial arts school for your child and good luck!

When is a Child Ready for Martial Arts? is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein.

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Filed Under: Martial Arts Resources for Parents, Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Comments

  1. SueC says

    November 9, 2010 at 2:22 am

    Some really great advice here Matt. In our club we don’t accept any child under the age of six but since I’ve been helping to teach the younger children I’ve often thought that a ‘get ready for karate’ style class for the youngest children would be a good idea focusing mainly on games and drills that improve balance, coordination, listening skills, reaction times and general concentration – the same kind of things that you suggest. I’m sure a year in a class like this would prepare children to then join a ‘proper’ karate class and hit the ground running with their training. Always a pleasure to read your blog….

  2. Sensei Matt Klein says

    November 12, 2010 at 8:52 am

    Hi Sue! Yes, it has worked out really well for us, the Tiny Tigers. Initially when we started the program, I was a bit reluctant. But our competitors started taking them at three, so we had to respond in order to make sure we had a fair chance of getting the new students in the area. Felt that if they were going to take them that young, we might as well do it and do it correctly, and it has worked brilliantly. The key is to have someone on board who is passionate about working with very young children. In our case, Sensei Sinem has done an outstanding job. The little ones respect and adore her.

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mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
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Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
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Friendly yet disciplined approach towards karate at Australia’s Youth has helped enormously. It enabled Mihir to build a sense of belonging and improved his motivation to excel. It’s amazing how learning the Martial Arts helps build confidence and improve overall personality.
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I like Karate because it is really fun and I love going on the weekend to see all my friends and Senseis. Karate makes me feel safe because I don’t worry about bullies at school because I know they can’t really hurt me.Tyvian-Macfarlne-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
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09/08/2014
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The confidence karate has given Tyvian is amazing. He is takes pride in himself and he has matured. The focus, confidence and discipline he has gained through karate has transferred to other areas of his life such as educational tasks, looking after younger children both in and out of his family and demonstrating empathy for others.Robert-Macfarlane
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I owe my confidence, strength, fitness and leadership skills to Karate. It has taught me to persist with everything and that the only way to improve is to try harder.Adam-Loader-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
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Look at what you have achieved Matt, we can’t thank you enough for your contribution to shaping these two young men. We are often complimented about the maturity of the boys and we know their Karate has played an important part in developing that maturity. Brings a tear to my eye!
loadersRobert Loader, father of Adam and Jacob Loader
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