TTMA martial arts for kids

[piratecat]

I always figured we would have the kids at least try Taekwondo over any other martial arts because Korean but recently I saw David Chang say that Taekwondo is the worst of the martial arts. There are very limited options for Taekwondo around here (but there is a new one very close to us), whereas there is a very well-regarded kids martial arts (Universal Movement?) program so I'm torn. I am interested in the spiritual/emotional aspects of martial arts more than anything. 

He also said Korean dumplings are the worst of all the dumplings and I don't know that I agree with him so. 

[blurnette989]

David Chang, the restauranteur? Or some other person?

My brother did take Kwon do and it was great for his self esteem. Does he know to kick some ass? Not really, but for what it was it helped my brother who was an anxious kid.

I have no other martial arts feels.

[SweetPotato]

My kids Korean friends do Taekwondo and seem happy with it. (So do other friends but I just recently learned from a Korean mom that it's A THING for them)

I don't know all the differences but my son is in Karate and loves it. My H wants him to get into jiu jitsu but he doesn't want to switch.

Personally I don't think it matters all that much as long as they are getting something positive out of it. The chance of them having to use their skills in the wild is so slim to none you know?

[piratecat]

Mar 8, 2024 10:34:52 GMT -6 blurnette989 said:

David Chang, the restauranteur? Or some other person?

My brother did take Kwon do and it was great for his self esteem. Does he know to kick some ass? Not really, but for what it was it helped my brother who was an anxious kid.

I have no other martial arts feels.

Haha yes, that one. My oldest could certainly use some help with self esteem and anxiety. 

[coffeecake]

My DS does karate. I don’t know the difference between all the different kinds of martial arts, but I know his dojo does Okinawan style karate. It has been a good experience for him and I like that they focus on personal responsibility, goal setting, etc. He has adhd and anxiety and I feel it’s helped him. That being said, I have nothing to compare it to. It’s a local, family run dojo that has been in our area for a long time and I’d heard good things, so that’s where we go.

[Rusty Red]

DS takes Taekwondo, it has been really good for his ADHD. I don't know how it stacks against other martial arts, but he enjoys it. Only thing he doesn't love is sparring, he's pretty anti-fighting at all, but he still does it.

[jaygee]

Tae Kwon Do was my main sport from about 5th grade until freshman year of high school. It was fantastic for me (a lazy but somewhat naturally athletic person). I really enjoyed that it was so well rounded and that it went year round versus seasons with other sports. I often advocate for martial arts for kids as there is a lot of positive benefits. DS did karate for a couple years pre pandemic. He was pretty young but it was an easy activity to do at that age and he gained a lot of gross motor skills and confidence from it. Unfortunately his studio shut during the pandemic and now he has no time for it with his other activities. It’s something I would suggest to him in the future if he wants to drop other activities but still needs some organized movement. The nice thing about it is that it’s a lifelong sport/activity and you don’t fall behind if you start later. In fact, when I participated, my whole family did - dad, step mom, and younger step brother.

I honestly wouldn’t worry too much about the specific discipline. Unless you are really wanting the cultural connection for your boys (which is reason enough to prioritize tae kwon do). I would go with convenient to your location because the more you go, the better (and kids tend to get a little obsessed when they first start and want to go a lot per week) and that your kid enjoys that studio and the vibe. Almost all studios allow for a free trial class so take advantage of those to find the right fit.

[emma]

My kids been doing Muay Thai for 2 years and it’s been great for him. The focus and discipline have been massive benefits, it keeps him active through winter, and has helped build self esteem. Plus if he ever needed to defend himself he could. He also tried jujitsu for a few months but didn’t enjoy it

[bobyn]

B practiced Shotokan karate for 7 years and I think it really helped him with developing focus and listening skills. He's "taking a break" right now but I'm not sure if/when he'll want to jump back in.

[piratecat]

Mar 8, 2024 10:57:12 GMT -6 jaygee said:

Tae Kwon Do was my main sport from about 5th grade until freshman year of high school. It was fantastic for me (a lazy but somewhat naturally athletic person). I really enjoyed that it was so well rounded and that it went year round versus seasons with other sports. I often advocate for martial arts for kids as there is a lot of positive benefits. DS did karate for a couple years pre pandemic. He was pretty young but it was an easy activity to do at that age and he gained a lot of gross motor skills and confidence from it. Unfortunately his studio shut during the pandemic and now he has no time for it with his other activities. It’s something I would suggest to him in the future if he wants to drop other activities but still needs some organized movement. The nice thing about it is that it’s a lifelong sport/activity and you don’t fall behind if you start later. In fact, when I participated, my whole family did - dad, step mom, and younger step brother.

I honestly wouldn’t worry too much about the specific discipline. Unless you are really wanting the cultural connection for your boys (which is reason enough to prioritize tae kwon do). I would go with convenient to your location because the more you go, the better (and kids tend to get a little obsessed when they first start and want to go a lot per week) and that your kid enjoys that studio and the vibe. Almost all studios allow for a free trial class so take advantage of those to find the right fit.

The cultural connection is what has me hung up on Taekwondo to begin with but I didn't want to be stubborn about it if there were better alternatives. There's a gym that started offering TKD classes very close to us (which is lucky because there aren't many to begin with) but the other martial arts place is only a very short drive. The second place has a very good reputation and very much tailored to kids, with a big emphasis on emotional growth, whereas I don't know anything about the TKD place. 

I wish I could take them to a place run by Koreans and that would be a no brainer to me but it's a bit too far for us. 

[blurnette989]

Mar 8, 2024 10:41:52 GMT -6 piratecat said:

Mar 8, 2024 10:34:52 GMT -6 blurnette989 said:

David Chang, the restauranteur? Or some other person?

My brother did take Kwon do and it was great for his self esteem. Does he know to kick some ass? Not really, but for what it was it helped my brother who was an anxious kid.

I have no other martial arts feels.

Haha yes, that one. My oldest could certainly use some help with self esteem and anxiety. 

ma'am. Do not weigh the opinions of a celebrity chef on your life choices. No matter how good the food he makes is. 😂

[jaygee]

Mar 8, 2024 11:13:00 GMT -6 piratecat said:

Mar 8, 2024 10:57:12 GMT -6 jaygee said:

Tae Kwon Do was my main sport from about 5th grade until freshman year of high school. It was fantastic for me (a lazy but somewhat naturally athletic person). I really enjoyed that it was so well rounded and that it went year round versus seasons with other sports. I often advocate for martial arts for kids as there is a lot of positive benefits. DS did karate for a couple years pre pandemic. He was pretty young but it was an easy activity to do at that age and he gained a lot of gross motor skills and confidence from it. Unfortunately his studio shut during the pandemic and now he has no time for it with his other activities. It’s something I would suggest to him in the future if he wants to drop other activities but still needs some organized movement. The nice thing about it is that it’s a lifelong sport/activity and you don’t fall behind if you start later. In fact, when I participated, my whole family did - dad, step mom, and younger step brother.

I honestly wouldn’t worry too much about the specific discipline. Unless you are really wanting the cultural connection for your boys (which is reason enough to prioritize tae kwon do). I would go with convenient to your location because the more you go, the better (and kids tend to get a little obsessed when they first start and want to go a lot per week) and that your kid enjoys that studio and the vibe. Almost all studios allow for a free trial class so take advantage of those to find the right fit.

The cultural connection is what has me hung up on Taekwondo to begin with but I didn't want to be stubborn about it if there were better alternatives. There's a gym that started offering TKD classes very close to us (which is lucky because there aren't many to begin with) but the other martial arts place is only a very short drive. The second place has a very good reputation and very much tailored to kids, with a big emphasis on emotional growth, whereas I don't know anything about the TKD place. 

I wish I could take them to a place run by Koreans and that would be a no brainer to me but it's a bit too far for us. 

That makes sense. I would see if you could trial the TKD place near you and the other place with the good reputation. That should give you the info you need to decide.

And you could possibly supplement the cultural side in other ways or introduce it later if other options become available.

[piratecat]

Mar 8, 2024 11:17:56 GMT -6 blurnette989 said:

Mar 8, 2024 10:41:52 GMT -6 piratecat said:

Haha yes, that one. My oldest could certainly use some help with self esteem and anxiety. 

ma'am. Do not weigh the opinions of a celebrity chef on your life choices. No matter how good the food he makes is. 😂

Haha, I know, it just got me thinking and I realized that I didn't actually know anything about TKD vs. other martial arts -- I just assumed it was the best. 😉

I will also continue to eat Korean dumplings. 

[piratecat]

Mar 8, 2024 11:19:12 GMT -6 jaygee said:

Mar 8, 2024 11:13:00 GMT -6 piratecat said:

The cultural connection is what has me hung up on Taekwondo to begin with but I didn't want to be stubborn about it if there were better alternatives. There's a gym that started offering TKD classes very close to us (which is lucky because there aren't many to begin with) but the other martial arts place is only a very short drive. The second place has a very good reputation and very much tailored to kids, with a big emphasis on emotional growth, whereas I don't know anything about the TKD place. 

I wish I could take them to a place run by Koreans and that would be a no brainer to me but it's a bit too far for us. 

That makes sense. I would see if you could trial the TKD place near you and the other place with the good reputation. That should give you the info you need to decide.

And you could possibly supplement the cultural side in other ways or introduce it later if other options become available.

Yea, I think it's probably worth trying out. I'm also going to see what their pricing is like because the other place seems a bit pricey. 

[daisy]

All we have is TKD in my area. Kids seem to like it. If you attend a bday party there they collect contact info to offer free classes, etc, to get more registrations. Which is annoying, but people seem to like the program overall.

[loony]

We did Jui Jitsu for a few years (they would still be doing it, but we’re just too busy to have one more commitment).

I like that it’s functional movement, self defense and grappling rather than hitting and kicking. It was really awesome when both kids were in class together, because they learned how to fight safely. 😆

[willow]

My oldest (7.5) is doing TKD and really loves it. I'm not sure why it would be considered "worst" because, on what metric is that measuring? Worst for what? It is a discipline made for self defense, not active fighting like perhaps other disciplines are. I don't think that means it is bad. I also think the value and experience will be highly dependent on where you go. My son's dojang is run by a 1st generation Korean American couple who learned TKD in Korea and then started their dojang here after they moved. The Grand Master is an 8th degree black belt and his wife who also co-runs the dojang is 5th degree. It is a very well regarded studio in our area. I think it is a wonderful activity for a kid who needs the skills of concentration, self discipline, respect, focus, etc. My son isn't ADHD but he does still struggle with some of the focus and respect things and going to TKD really helps with that.

I don't like labeling martial arts disciplines as "better" or "worse" than others because it will also just be so highly dependent on the kid and what they need/will get out of it.

[piratecat]

Mar 8, 2024 12:58:11 GMT -6 willow said:

My oldest (7.5) is doing TKD and really loves it. I'm not sure why it would be considered "worst" because, on what metric is that measuring? Worst for what? It is a discipline made for self defense, not active fighting like perhaps other disciplines are. I don't think that means it is bad. I also think the value and experience will be highly dependent on where you go. My son's dojang is run by a 1st generation Korean American couple who learned TKD in Korea and then started their dojang here after they moved. The Grand Master is an 8th degree black belt and his wife who also co-runs the dojang is 5th degree. It is a very well regarded studio in our area. I think it is a wonderful activity for a kid who needs the skills of concentration, self discipline, respect, focus, etc. My son isn't ADHD but he does still struggle with some of the focus and respect things and going to TKD really helps with that.

I don't like labeling martial arts disciplines as "better" or "worse" than others because it will also just be so highly dependent on the kid and what they need/will get out of it.

I think it was mostly in jest. I wish I could find a place like yours nearby but options are pretty limited around us. Honestly, I think any structured extracurricular activity would be good for my 6YO. 

[10outof9]

I don’t have kids, but as a former martial arts kid myself, I can’t recommend it enough. I practiced Tang Soo Do from age 4 to 18 and it helped tremendously with my anxiety and self esteem and it taught me disciplined habits and self control. I honestly believe practicing martial arts was a huge reason I was able to function well prior to being diagnosed with (and medicated for) anxiety and ADHD as an adult.

[Sweetjane]

I have one in karate and one in jiu jitsu and each kid is best suited for his practice. The youngest (karate) is focused, precise and appreciates the sequences of the katas. It's been great for his confidence.

My middle (Jiu Jitsu) is high energy and loves contact sports. The grappling is so good for him and like loony said, they learn how to fight safe and fair. He's also not a big kid so learning to use leverage is a good defensive skill to have.

[mapleme]

Mar 8, 2024 18:12:32 GMT -6 Sweetjane said:

I have one in karate and one in jiu jitsu and each kid is best suited for his practice. The youngest (karate) is focused, precise and appreciates the sequences of the katas. It's been great for his confidence.

My middle (Jiu Jitsu) is high energy and loves contact sports. The grappling is so good for him and like loony said, they learn how to fight safe and fair. He's also not a big kid so learning to use leverage is a good defensive skill to have.

I'm glad to hear this about Jiu Jitsu. My youngest is super physical and was body rolling her bookworm big sister before she could walk. When I told DD2 that BJJ would teach her how to fight better and more safely, she was all in. Then DD1 decided that she wanted to do it so that she could protect herself from DD2. Both are starting next weekend and I hope that they love it. I also love the lifelong practice part of martial arts. Neither of my kids are going to be professional athletes and I don't love how sports after a certain age become mostly competitive or performance based. 

[Sweetjane]

Mar 9, 2024 11:00:35 GMT -6 mapleme said:

Mar 8, 2024 18:12:32 GMT -6 Sweetjane said:

I have one in karate and one in jiu jitsu and each kid is best suited for his practice. The youngest (karate) is focused, precise and appreciates the sequences of the katas. It's been great for his confidence.

My middle (Jiu Jitsu) is high energy and loves contact sports. The grappling is so good for him and like loony said, they learn how to fight safe and fair. He's also not a big kid so learning to use leverage is a good defensive skill to have.

I'm glad to hear this about Jiu Jitsu. My youngest is super physical and was body rolling her bookworm big sister before she could walk. When I told DD2 that BJJ would teach her how to fight better and more safely, she was all in. Then DD1 decided that she wanted to do it so that she could protect herself from DD2. Both are starting next weekend and I hope that they love it. I also love the lifelong practice part of martial arts. Neither of my kids are going to be professional athletes and I don't love how sports after a certain age become mostly competitive or performance based. 

There are two sets of sisters in our JJ class. They are honestly so fun to watch. Over the last couple of years I've watched them become more empowered and confident.
One set of sisters is hearing impaired, I love that their mom is doing this for them. They were little when they started, like 8yo.
The others are twins, and one twin will just go head to head with my son. She never taps out, it's the only way I can tell them apart.

I love that your girls are starting !

[mathrun]

My oldest started TKD at age 7. He practiced for 7 years and made it to 2nd degree black belt. It was amazing for him. The goal setting (they had goals for community involvement and reading, not just athletic) was HUGE for his self esteem and personal growth. There was a lot of emphasis on fight/violence avoidance in the training.

I would highly recommend doing a trial class or two at each place to see what it’s like. My son had a definite preference after one class at each of the three places we considered. And after doing it for 7 years he developed lifetime friendships. He still goes back to visit every once in a while, even though he stopped practicing when he started HS to allow him to focus on academics and other sports.

[theoriginalbean]

Mar 9, 2024 11:00:35 GMT -6 mapleme said:

Mar 8, 2024 18:12:32 GMT -6 Sweetjane said:

I have one in karate and one in jiu jitsu and each kid is best suited for his practice. The youngest (karate) is focused, precise and appreciates the sequences of the katas. It's been great for his confidence.

My middle (Jiu Jitsu) is high energy and loves contact sports. The grappling is so good for him and like loony said, they learn how to fight safe and fair. He's also not a big kid so learning to use leverage is a good defensive skill to have.

I'm glad to hear this about Jiu Jitsu. My youngest is super physical and was body rolling her bookworm big sister before she could walk. When I told DD2 that BJJ would teach her how to fight better and more safely, she was all in. Then DD1 decided that she wanted to do it so that she could protect herself from DD2. Both are starting next weekend and I hope that they love it. I also love the lifelong practice part of martial arts. Neither of my kids are going to be professional athletes and I don't love how sports after a certain age become mostly competitive or performance based. 

Hi! I don't really go here but just chiming in that BJJ was the BEST thing we ever did for our hyper physical DD. She started at 7 and now she's 10 and still loving it, plus our entire family started training a few months after she did (15yo DS, husband, myself). It's been great for all of us but especially for her, and I love that we all go together and share a thing in common.

[sudokufan]

Mar 8, 2024 18:12:32 GMT -6 Sweetjane said:

I have one in karate and one in jiu jitsu and each kid is best suited for his practice. The youngest (karate) is focused, precise and appreciates the sequences of the katas. It's been great for his confidence.

My middle (Jiu Jitsu) is high energy and loves contact sports. The grappling is so good for him and like loony said, they learn how to fight safe and fair. He's also not a big kid so learning to use leverage is a good defensive skill to have.

Just chiming in to say Jiu Jitsu has also been great for my energetic 10yo.  He's an only child and solitary a lot (he's a dreamer), but he loves the grappling aspect and it suits him better than team sports did.  He does a 45 minute class twice a week and they are moving nearly the entire time; it's the only time I ever see the kid physically tired.