Hey Ladies-

Anybody have their boys in matial arts? My ds is going to be 4 in the fall. I have read that it can be a good self discipline activity teaching them focus, respect etc. Anybody with experience here? He is a good kid just high energy and I was thinking this may be a good way to channel this energy. Thoughts and experience appreciated

My niece & nephew both went through years of martial arts training. They really enjoyed it and it was a very good way of keeping them fit, as well. It is also supposed to teach them patience, thinking before acting, respect, etc.

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both my boys started in april and love it my oldest turned 7 in may and my younger son just turned 4 at the beginning of july. they both already have made it to the next belt.

i will say definately call around and visit the different academy and schools there are alot of differences. i found one that is family oriented and their main goal is to teach the kids about the art and discapline.. tournaments come last if you so choose to participate if you don't that is absolutely fine.. i visited many that were competition based and that was not for us.. my shy one is really gaining alot of confidence and coming out of his shell since joining we have had nothing but a great experience.

We are a martial arts family. DS#1 started classes when he was 4. A few years later DH started classes. The other two boys started at age 2, and I started classes with them. DS#1 earned his black belt last fall at the age of 11. DH is testing this week for his black belt. I am a brown belt and woud be testing for black belt, but no longer participate by doctors' orders. DH and I were both made assistant instructors as well. I just wanted you to see where my experience comes from.

It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. DS#1 came out of his shell and gained a lot of self-confidence. The other two boys were a little rowdy when they started (good kids, just very excitable) and they have both learned to control that excitability. I can't wait for DD to start! She has a uniform!

brensmom gives good advice about doing some research before enrolling in classes. Most schools will let you sit in on a class ( or even let the child have one free class) before enrolling. You may want to ask about class fees, uniform costs, equipment costs (if you will need to buy sparring gear, weapons, etc.), test fees (when the child tests for a new belt), membership fees to a larger organization (does the school require everyone to join a larger organization), tournament fees (if the school participates in tournaments) and if there are any special class fees (our school occasionally has someone from the national organization come in and do a special kids seminar that costs extra).

Overall, I think martial arts is a great sport for anyone! The key is finding the right school and type to meet your needs /expectations.

Sorry, I know my response was long, but there are several things to consider when first chosing a martial art school.

If you have a local Y, they may also have a beginner class. Our lead instructor teaches a class at the Y. Many of the students from that class end up joining the karate school as well.

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"Fostering Excellence in Intellect & Character"

I definitely want my boys in karate when they are a little older. I have heard that about discipline and control and I am hoping it helps "tame" them a little, lol.

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"It's time to move from what we can do, to what we must do, to what we will do." ~Hillary Clinton

Thanks everybody for the info. AyeOhKay I appreciate you sharing your experiences! I'm going to look into it further since you all have such great things to say! Thanks