How will putting my 4 year old into karate class benefit him?

Question

i want him to benefit from something in his early years. something he can get into that will occupy his time and benefit him in positive ways. it doesnt just have to be karate, it can be a number of things. Basketball, Art, Boy Scouts, anything within those areas, but my main interest for the moment is karate. thank you for your responses they are highly appreciated.

Answer 1

karate teaches self discipline, and had a  number of health benefits wich will be very good for the future, its a good way to learn social skills, so he can gain confidence from a young age.

Answer 2

Karate is great, Just make sure it is something he likes before signing a contract. your child will get discipline, self control, motivation, self confidence, respect for others, and a good physical routine that if he sticks with will keep him healthy for his life

Answer 3

if anything should happen in the near future he'll be able to defend & protect himself its also a great hobby/sport which gives him exercise to keep him fit & healthy & something that can be fun & rewarding

Answer 4

Any kind of life sport will be helpful to him over the years.  Karate is good, swimming is also good, and soccer is also very popular. I've seen little ones with tennis rackets that are as cute as they can be, but eye-hand coordination can be a little dicey.  I'm a big fan of Boy Scouts, too, as far as developing self-confidence and an appreciation for nature and a chance to try lots of new things.  You may also want to look into music -- they have Suzuki lessons for piano and violin for this age.  As far as art -- hey, just make sure you always have plenty of crayons and paper around, and give him lots of opportunities to mess around with different mediums.

Whatever it is, just make sure he is enjoying it!  If it gets so that he doesn't look forward to it or is bored by it, it's time to look at something else. Please don't get into the trap of thinking, "You started karate, and you must always finish what you start!"  At this age, no one knows what they want, and since the decisions are being made by the parents, it's not really fair to force the kids to live out a parent's decision.

Answer 5

it will teach him discpline and it can also be helpful later on. if something ever did happen to him, he will know how to defend himself. i took karate when i was 8 and 2 years later i got my blackbelt. i'm alwas glad i took karate and i think of my blackbelt as a great accomplishment and it gives me much pride. karate is a good activity

Answer 6

I think it's a fantastic idea. I was considering this for my son as well. Most importantly, it keeps him busy and allows him a chance to socialize with others. It will teach him discipline. It will teach him how to defend himself and how to respect others as well as himself. It will keep him active and allow him to achieve goals. Anyone who suggest that this will promote violence obviously knows nothing about the martial arts. It is not about violence. However, if he is not interested in doing it, don't force him. Allow him to choose his own activity. Anyone of the things you mentioned will allow him to grow in positive ways.

Answer 7

no karate in this age. go for swimming classes for one & a half months only this year. next year 2 and a half months. remaining time? let him/her feel like king/queen. after 2 yrs h/s has to study more and more.

Answer 8

by standing up to bullies when he gets older.

Answer 9

Discipline with physical and mental activity.

Answer 10

It teaches stability, endurance, respect for others, most of alll confidence.

Answer 11

Karate won't help at all. Karate is just a rip. Nothing ever comes out of people who take Karate.

Answer 12

it will boost his confidants.. and help him be a man

Answer 13

Confidence

Discipline

Physical fitness

Gross Motor Development !!! Excellent for a 4y/o

RESPECT

Pride in self

As long as you make sure that he is enjoying himself, he will gain all of these attributes and more.

Answer 14

Sending your child to Karate class at the age of four is a good idea because it trains the child discipline, respect, honor, and keeps him fit and occupied. Also it will tire him out.

Saying that, if it is a good school where you will send him/her the instructor should have an assistant instructor to take your child aside and have a private hour with him/her showing him the complete basics and having fun and making sure the child is enjoying it. This shows the instructor if the child is capable at that age also it gives the child chance to see if he/she enjoys it and most importantly when the child joins the rest of the class he/she doesn't feel embarrassed or scared.

I am a karate instructor.

Answer 15

Yes, go for the YMCA and also try getting him in a pottery class also.  Reading to him for 30 mins a night would also be a good idea.