What martial arts would provide a 6 year old with the best focusing of the mind?

Question

My step-son is 6 years old and just went through a fairly nasty custody battle, which my husband won. Now though I feel the kid needs an outlet that will let him express himself, and focus his anger in a positive way, so I naturally thought of Martial Arts. We have had trouble with the little guy hitting kids, and losing focus in class because he can't sit still, but he is gradually getting better now that he is in a stable environment. My husband feels that it may not be good to teach the little one to fight better, that that will make him more likely to be angry and fight. What is the best type of Martial Arts to help out a sweet kid who has been through a lot and needs an outlet?

Answer 1

For once I agree with Frank, at 6 almost any art with a good instructor who understands kids will be very beneficial. I'm partial to Judo and BJJ and TKD for kids. Judo and BJJ are actually less traumatic for younger kids because wrestling around is a natural activity for them and isn't associated with conflict the same way punching and kicking usually is. It's also easier to practice grappling safely. In my TKD classes we pretty frequently saw kids getting accidentally bonked in the face when they weren't expected it, which can be really traumatic for a 6 year old. That being said my instructor was VERY good with little kids and 99% of them got a lot of out of the class.

Just be sure you observe several classes at whatever schools you are considering, talk to the instructor, talk to other parents who have their kids in the class. Be sure that the school is a good one for your needs. It's more important at that age that your son enjoys what he is doing than that he learn any specific art.

Also, learning that there are places where it is OK to hit/kick/punch/wrestle and other places where it is NOT Ok is more likely to help your kid control his outbursts.

Answer 2

At that age, they will do well in any quality martial art.  I would suggest going to view some of the classes and talk to the instructor about the situation.   We deal with situations similar to this on a regular basis, and it does work well for the student and the family.   One of the things that a good MA school will teach is that violence, while sometimes necessary, is only to be used in defense of oneself or another.  

At his age, having a constant, disciplined release for energy and anger can be very healthy.  I would also suggest having him go to the school councilor once school resumes so that he can talk about his fears and such in regards to the divorce/custody.  These things can be very traumatic on small children, and they are often scared about talking to their parents about it because they often think that there is something that is their fault.  They need someone who is out side of the family to talk to them and explain some things to them.  This will benefit them more than any other single thing.  

But back to your actual question;   At his age, he will benefit greatly from any QUALITY Martial Art.   Just encourage him, love him, and support him, and show him (by actions) what being a good person is all about.   Being that you will be the woman that helps raise him to adulthood, his relationship with you will affect every other one he ever has. (no pressure right..lol)   Good Luck

Answer 3

Any martial art is good for discipline and focus.  Taekwondo and Karate tend to have more kids in their classes which would help your step-son make some friends and build some relationships.  The key component in all of this is finding a good instructor that understands the situation you are faced with.  Good Luck.

Answer 4

There are several great answers on here.

So you should know that it's all in the instructor with the martial art system.

There is also a lot involved in the home life, that will drastically help out the little man. Strong parenting, now that he's in a stable environment, will help him to learn what is and is not acceptable behavior. Don't get me wrong I'm not hampering any parenting skills as I do NOT know who you are. I am just speaking from personal experience, that generally it all starts from the family. I would try and find a lot of things that you can do with him to keep him entertained and provide a means of communication so that he may vent that pent up aggression to those he feels need to see it, and care for him.

Generally being that young I don't know many schools that will begin to teach how to really hurt somebody as opposed to really teaching discipline, confidence, social interaction, respect, and love for the fellow person.

So I would say that if you have some successful weeks of communication and reduced violence in class then you can with all confidence enroll him in a martial art.

A note for you...

There are many of what we like to call "McDojo" out in the world. These are basically a daycare, and symbol seller. They won't do anything really for helping children to mature at their appropriate levels, and they don't provide real martial art training. Instead they let the youngin's run rampant for an hour or two, and when it comes time to learn they learn flips and silliness. The school will promote as long as you pay for it and not based on JR's skills and knowledge. That is bad for the sole fact that he might think he can defende himself or worse you and the rest of his family without really knowing how to do so.

So that's part of the reason I'd say wait a little. You can help him cope with his situation of the seperation and new family, and you can take your time finding the right school.

Answer 5

Karate.  The YMCA, and my city recreational programs all offer karate.  Summer day camps with "themes" offered by my city, the YMCA, and the Boys and Girls club all offer karate.

I'm not saying there aren't other good martial arts programs for kids, but I think there must be a reason that in my area it is the most commonly advertised martial art for children.

Answer 6

Any martial art will do this as long as you have a good instructor who understands children. Go along to your nearest class and watch. Is everyone enjoying themselves without getting hurt? Is there any messing about or does the sensei have full control over and have the respect of the class?Talk to the instructor, see what feels right.

Answer 7

I had the same problem with my 6 year old, he was beating up the other kids all the time would not listen in school being very nasty. first I put him in the youth wrestling program good for the fist few days lost focus. So I had him checked by a Doc for A.D.D sure s**t he had it after about a month of the meds totally different kid, he continued wrestling just dominated and now he just started tae kwon do and is doing awesome. Kids need outlets A.D.d or not may it be ta kwon do or painting. as for martial arts making kid more violent, well that depends on thier invierment.

Answer 8

signing a 6yrold for martial art can be either a really good or really bad experience, some kids do well, some don't.  so just sign them up for tea kwon do and see what happens, they might like it and work hard, they may...not and be little h**l raisers with punches :D its a gamble

Answer 9

Its not as much about the martial art as much as it is about the instructor

Answer 10

The art of "building blocks" taught at kindergarden classes every where.

Answer 11

i love how people who know nothing about the martial arts think that learning will cause a person to want to fight.  nothing's further from the truth.  the truth is people fight to prove to themselves they're tough or not afraid.  when you're in a good ma school you build your confidence so you don't need to prove yourself .  when was the last time you heard a pro boxer or mma fighter getting into a street fight.  they don't because they have nothing to prove.  get your boy into a descent school and watch him grow.

Answer 12

At 6 years old the particular art does not mater. What maters is the particular school. I recommend a school that leans more traditional. There you will find an emphasis on self control, and mental development. A more traditional school will tend to focus on courtesy, and self discipline, respect for others, and strong values. When your step son is a bit older he may want to explore another art. At least he will have a good foundation for building his character.

Some schools are family orientated like ours and have programs for the whole family. I feel these help families in transition.

Answer 13

Judo or jiu jitsu would be my recommendation.  They both teach mental discipline and focus (all martial arts do really) but they focus more on interaction than some arts.

In grappling arts like judo or jiu jitsu the kids have to work with other kids to get technique right.  That sounds like what your step-son needs;  Cooperation based physical activity.



Definitely don't put him in a class that teaches him how to punch or kick - he'll be tempted to try it on his peers!

I recommend talking to his instructor before you sign him up - tell them what you are trying to do.  A good instructor will help you with your kids - they'll point out good behavior, good grades, etc.  And they'll work on discipline with you as well. (getting in a fight at school = sitting out and watching class, etc.)

(I have a 6 yr old boy, and we're putting him in Judo this summer.)

Good luck!