I want to sign up my 6 yr old boy into Marshall arts but I don't know which one, he doesn't either. Any ideas?

Question

I would like something that will work him out physically and mentally, teach him respect and discipline...gee am I asking for too much?

Answer 1

What you need to do is check out the places first and observe the class that he would be in. All places allow this. Also ask about a free trial. Most places will allow for a freebie so he can go and see if he likes it.

The sign of a good place is a Sensei- Teacher that respects the children and the children respect him or her, that it is fun, you see the kids smiling or having a good time, you don't hear constant yelling, they do different things with the kids, they don't overly push the child to do things before they are ready, they have good communication with the parents, they encourage the parents to stay and watch, they spend time with children that need it.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Karate is a great starting point. Or even Tae Kwon Do. Kenpo may also be a great starting point. Perhaps you can find the most convenient location and then choose based on that.

You are not asking for too much, teaching martial arts boasts these things as a final result. Good luck.  

Answer 3

Any martial art will teach your son respect and discipline, while giving him a good mental and physical workout.

The trick is actually in finding a good instructor - one who likes kids, respects kids, and is a good role model.

Try visiting several classes to see what appeals to your son and meets your expectations.

All the best.

Answer 4

I would make sure it's a class which actually has kids his age (not one which says it will take them but all the kids are older). Apart from that I don't think it matters. The styles are different, but the ethos and discipline involved are very similar.

My son does karate and loves it - he's not the most athletically talented child in the universe, but the grades are achievable for him without being worthlessly easy.

Answer 5

I think martial arts is an excellent choice, because you are right, it does teach discipline and respect.  Check with your local branch of the YMCA and your city's parks and recreation department.  They both should have classes offered, and probably have several to choose from.  I think at the Y you will have a better shot at getting him into a beginners class, whereas the city's recreation department may just have all the kids clumped together into one age group.

Answer 6

My kids do GoJu Ryu, traditional Okinawan Karate.  I don't think it really matters, but the more traditional you go, the more he will learn respect, discipline and all that.  My kids "work out" (exercise) for about the first 20 minutes of class, then do Karate for the rest of the time.

Answer 7

martial arts is a brilliant idea, and to start at such a young age is better, karate or judo is the best root to go down, i did karate for 7 years and loved it i was only 7 wen i started i am now a black belt, it also gives you self confidence as well, being able to defend yourself is key, but you get taught only to use it in self defence, you dont have to be strong to do karate you grow strong in time, hope this helps

Answer 8

research specific schools within the area you live.  see which one is the best for karate, taekwondo, etc.  choose from there.  thats what my mom did, talking to people, the instructor....she signed me and my sister up when we were 6 and 13. (tae kwon do)