Martial arts for 6yr old
Discussion
My 6 yr old son has watched far too many transformers cartoons and is forever doing (for want of a better description) martial arts type moves. Often pretending to hit people. Not in any viscious way, but he lacks context when such moves are appropriate.
He's not a particularly tough kid, but at the same time sinces he's interested in the moves (and actually is pretty agile) I wondered about taking him to some classes, mostly to learn discipline around the use of the skills and also to give him a focus.
I know very little, but what type would be a good place for him to start with? I can see judo, taekwondo, and others are taught around us.
He's not a particularly tough kid, but at the same time sinces he's interested in the moves (and actually is pretty agile) I wondered about taking him to some classes, mostly to learn discipline around the use of the skills and also to give him a focus.
I know very little, but what type would be a good place for him to start with? I can see judo, taekwondo, and others are taught around us.
Buffalo said:
Thanks all. What of the other disciplines? Does it make much difference, if key focuses are strength, confidence, discipline, etc.?
Judo is wonderful for developing functional strength and will give your kid a confidence in defending themselves without having to hit someone, which is usually the point they get in trouble and/or hurt THEMSELVES. That said any martial art taught by a responsible coach will be invaluable to learn self discipline, give confidence and improve fitness levels. The physiques of competent judoka more closely resemble that of traditional collegiate or Greco-Roman wrestlers, deep, thick physiques with commensurate levels of strength. The physiques of those who practice striking arts tend to be more fast twitch explosive muscles that can be more aesthetically pleasing but lack the overall functionality. Please note that's not a hard and fast rule, just an observation.
Edited by biggbn on Wednesday 3rd January 16:19
If you want him to be a beast, MMA is the answer. They need to know grappling moves (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling) if the fight goes on the floor and be able kick / punch at speed (Muay Tai kick boxing) when standing up.
In seriousness any will do at that age. Just pick one convenient to you with a kids class. Don't buy uniforms etc until the kid shows interest in continuing. I sent my kid, she hated the discipline and repetition, whereas the 'moves' she was doing at home were more about play and copying her heroes from cartoons.
Take the kid to watch the classes near you and ask about his preference, and if he actually wants to start.
In seriousness any will do at that age. Just pick one convenient to you with a kids class. Don't buy uniforms etc until the kid shows interest in continuing. I sent my kid, she hated the discipline and repetition, whereas the 'moves' she was doing at home were more about play and copying her heroes from cartoons.
Take the kid to watch the classes near you and ask about his preference, and if he actually wants to start.
Edited by wyson on Wednesday 3rd January 14:46
Judo or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu supplemented by a striking art such as Kickboxing.
The Judo / BJJ generally appeals to children as, when taught by a competent instructor, it can be more like "playing" rather than something to be endured in the early days.
I would steer away from things like Karate since they are often not that fun, or even that effective in situations your child will likely end up in.
Above all, it has to be fun for them.
The Judo / BJJ generally appeals to children as, when taught by a competent instructor, it can be more like "playing" rather than something to be endured in the early days.
I would steer away from things like Karate since they are often not that fun, or even that effective in situations your child will likely end up in.
Above all, it has to be fun for them.
Another vote for Judo. I started a bit older at about 10 but over the years have seen countless kids from 5 upwards take to it.
Can't comment on BJJ etc as I've not trained in it but having seen some vids online of youngsters using joint locks and chokes which worries me. In Judo submissions aren't used until 16 plus when they have the judgement and understanding of how to do the technique properly.
Most Judo classes in my experience are cheap too, only a couple of pound mat fees and are run by volunteer enthusiasts (my family ran a club for 25 years, only taking money for expenses).
Can't comment on BJJ etc as I've not trained in it but having seen some vids online of youngsters using joint locks and chokes which worries me. In Judo submissions aren't used until 16 plus when they have the judgement and understanding of how to do the technique properly.
Most Judo classes in my experience are cheap too, only a couple of pound mat fees and are run by volunteer enthusiasts (my family ran a club for 25 years, only taking money for expenses).
Hugo Stiglitz said:
Judo all day long. I wish I had started younger, a great ethos and crowd. Everyone of a similar mindset and I've used it a few times at work so it is effective.
For me, the ethos of judo is what makes it perfect for kids. As you know, it's all about mutual respect and self improvement and the aim to be useful to society. I despise watching pro boxers trash talking in the build up to a bout, likewise the unsporting celebrations that you see in UFC. I get that it sells tickets but when kids are watching that type of behaviour, it really doesn't sit right with me.
Kano's definition says it all!
"Judo is the way of the highest or most efficient use of both physical and mental energy. Through training in the attack and defence techniques of judo, the practitioner nurtures their physical and mental strength, and gradually embodies the essence of the Way of Judo. Thus, the ultimate objective of Judo discipline is to be utilized as a means to self-perfection, and thenceforth to make a positive contribution to society."
Any martial art, if taken seriously, will help with discipline and self-control. So I agree with others, perhaps find what's local and well-recommended and see how he gets on.
I grew up in a reasonably rough area of London and my parents were keen for me to learn something to learn to defend myself. Dad wanted boxing, Mum wanted something less confrontational and more defensive. Ended up joining the local Jiu-Jitsu club at 5 and did it until adulthood.
Jiu-Jitsu is a mix of Karate and Judo, so you have the striking from Karate with the throws and ground work of Judo (roughly speaking). Like Judo it's a great way to learn to defend yourself because it doesn't rely on you being bigger or stronger than your attacker and it features a lot of ground work which is where most scuffles end up. Very popular with women for this reason. All techniques are taught from the point of you being attacked, it's reactionary so it's teaching you how to deal with something, rather than how to start something.
I grew up in a reasonably rough area of London and my parents were keen for me to learn something to learn to defend myself. Dad wanted boxing, Mum wanted something less confrontational and more defensive. Ended up joining the local Jiu-Jitsu club at 5 and did it until adulthood.
Jiu-Jitsu is a mix of Karate and Judo, so you have the striking from Karate with the throws and ground work of Judo (roughly speaking). Like Judo it's a great way to learn to defend yourself because it doesn't rely on you being bigger or stronger than your attacker and it features a lot of ground work which is where most scuffles end up. Very popular with women for this reason. All techniques are taught from the point of you being attacked, it's reactionary so it's teaching you how to deal with something, rather than how to start something.
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