Self Defence classes for 5 year old

[x799sej]

Hi my daughter is five and has shown an interest in learning self defence. There are so many forms out there these days anyone got any ideas what would be best she has shown an interest in Karate and Kickboxing. Not really sure wich one would best suit her. If anyone has any experience or ideas plaese let me know. Thanks

[annie0000]

As I understand it, although many classes particularly Tae kwon do will take children of that age, it is a lot of strain to put on their bodies when they are that young. Judo is apparantly the best as it is close contant involving the whole body rather than kicking or hitting, but generally they will not take children until 7, it would be worth looking around at what is available. Why does she want to defend herself anyway is she having bother with other kids? When my kids were little we did (and still so) some wrestling and rough play with them and they were happy enough with that.

[x799sej]

Not really sure why to be honest she is fine at school she is very sporty and active and has lots of energy. I think it is something she has seen at our local leisure centre and it has caught her eye. She loves pretending to box as well.

[annie0000]

my son used to have a little tv game thing that came with a inflatable punch bag (kick bag?) that he use to use. I guess there is probably something available on the wii that would do a similar thing. My boys have gone to Judo now for a few years and I do think that martial arts is good for them in terms of discipline and self confidence - they also like the idea that you collect the coloured belts. But I think that impact sports are not supposed to be good for their joints when they are really young. Personally I would encourage her interest but avoid a formal class for a year or two. There are a lot of girls that go to my sons' class and they really get into it and in many ways do better than the boys because they tend to listen more!

[jake-the-peg]

I am a karate black belt and help teach classes for adults and kids.

Im my experience 5 is a little young although there are 5 year olds who concentrate through the full session personally I think it's generally better when they're 7 or so.

Thing is there are a number of classes out there - some are very good, some are money making machines.

Watch out for ones that ask for a load of money up front. They should be able to offer you a taster session or two before you commit.

Typically you'll be paying £5-10 a week and an annual fee for the license which covers insurance - this can vary greatly depending on which association provides this, and then there's the gi or karate suit.

The style is probably less important than the atmosphere at the club, look for a good range of coloured belts, a club with just junior grades may be having trouble holding on to students (unless they're a new club)

And don't be afraid to ask the instructor about his/her background and qualifications if they're good they'll be really happy to talk about that.

Best of luck

[annie0000]

I agree jake - before my two got into the judo we went to a couple of tae kwon do classes and I was not impressed with the atmosphere of the club - 1 was overly aggressive and had adults and kids mixed in together - my son ended up wetiing himself as he was that intimidated by them, the other was better but the hall they were using wasn't really suitable. The judo club they go to is really nice - the kids all do as they are told, but they are given instructions and not spoken to in a nasty way and the instructors have a lot of fun with them as well - a good half of the hour class is spent doing fitness stuff and games and the kids move up to the adult class when they are older teenagers. There is a good range of belts and the classes cost £1.50 per time on top of the £6 annual membership of the centre and annual judo membership. They also pay £10 for each grading passed and the suits cost £15. each.

[puma86]

You could always try Muay Thai. My partner trains in Muay Thai and loves it. His mate is the instructor (Kru) and he takes kiddie classes. He has 3 boys that are 5-7 and 4 girls 5-7 if i'm correct, plus many more older than them. They have to train wearing full body protection and head guards so are pretty well protected :o)
Such good excercise and works all the body. Should knacker her out :o)

[jake-the-peg]

I wouldn't necessarilly object to classes where adults and kids are mixed. At least one of ours is. It gives mums and dads a chance to join and train alongside their kids.

I myself started when my son did at 9. He gave up after a couple of years but I kept it up. We have at least half a dozen familly groups.

[x799sej]

Thanks to you all for answering I have decided to take her a long to our local leisure centre to have a look at the different classes they hold there. And also to speak to the instructors to get some advice before making any decisions it might be a phase and she might change her mind in a couple of months who knows. Thank you all anyway you have been very helpful.

[zzxxee]

when my daughter was 4 she did tae kwon do and belonged to a group called little pumas she loved it

[alfiesgirl]

How did your daughter find these "interests" she has..all my 5yr olds were interested in were learning to ride a bike and tie their own shoe laces.