Karate or Other Martial Art Classes

Well I am the odd one out here... but my daughter takes Karate.
She tried Tae Kwon Do... but did not like it.
Thus, she chose, Karate. And LOVES it. We had gone to other marital art schools. But my daughter loves Karate. Has been taking it for about almost 4 years now.
At her Dojo, they start kids at 5 years old.
It is a traditional martial arts school. They don't just give away belt promotions. The child, has to earn it and be competent in each level.

Look for a dojo with good student to teachers ratio. At my kids dojo, they have Sensei of course, but they also have several other upper level adults that help out in the kids class as well.
They study Ninjutsu, mixed Japanese martial arts which incorporates many movements, feelings, focus, etc. Classically trained, no competition, no trophies. Emaphasizes self defense, stealth, body and mind balance and self control - they way of the ninja.

My son has been doing karate since 4 1/2 and he loves it. The Sensei does not baby the kids but is supportive and strict. Have her take some trial classes at different studios and see what she likes. Is she interested in competition? I never did competitions as a kid but I think if I did, I would have stuck with it. My son loves competitions and works hard to get his belt promotions. I would say if you are going to do it, don't do it just once a week. In a week, they forget everything they already learned and will not progress. So pick a dojo closer to home. There are contracts for a black belt?? Getting a black belt should take many years, like 8-10 in reality.

My uncle is a 4th degree black belt in Karate and a MMA instructor/trainer. He told me that Tae Kwon Do is the best form of martial arts to start with.

My son started ju jitsu this year and loves it! He's 6, my husband used to fight mma back before it was popular lol and that was his primary style.

Either Karate or Tae Kwon Do or another martial art will be great! Some do's and don'ts

Don't sign a big contract. Lots of schools want you to sign a contract for black belt, which can be a year or two years. Sometimes you give them a credit card when you sign up. DON'T DO THIS!

Really check out the school. Lots of schools are what I consider the "McDonalds" of martial arts. They are belt factories, in that they just push the students up the belts. Some don't even make the younger kids TEST for their belts, they just give them a belt if they've been there long enough. A good school will make the student earn the belt. They will usually have a list of criteria that the student must be able to do, plus some oral or written knowledge. Pushing students up the belts gives the student a false sense of knowledge and it devalues real black belts.

Do find a school that is a lot of fun! Martial arts are fun, and a great discipline.

Do make sure your student is in a clean uniform. Do not let your child play or eat in the uniform. Nothing shows disrespect more than a dirty uniform. Your child should learn to care properly for the uniform, as that is part of the martial art training (ie. hang it up or fold it nicely in a drawer).

The belt should not touch the floor. It shows disrespect.

Good luck!

My children have been in karate for 2 years now. It's the best money I've ever spent on them. DD, who has always been clumsy and uncoordinated even after 9 years of dance lessons, has blossomed into a graceful confident person. DS finally has a good outlet for his energy!

You've gotten some good advise - epecially Cheerful's advise about 'belt factories.' Any good school will be able to show you a printed test of what is required to pass from belt to belt. They will also allow you a month or two introductory program to try it out before signing a contract. I wouldn't say no just because a place asks for a contract - they have to guarantee they will have income to pay the instructors and keep the lights on. Our studio has a one year contract requirement. After the first year, you can re-sign, quit, or move into a special club and lock in rates for 3 years.

Which brings me to my next point - what else does the studio offer besides basic karate? Can the kids take special weapons classes after the first year? What is the cost for that? (in our studio you have to join a club which is a one time fee paid annually or every three years if you sign a 3 year contract. but you get a cool black uniform!) After the first year, our kids were also eligible to take judo, sparring, and tumbling classes.

How to choose a studio? By far, the best way is to go to a karate tournament. Tournament season is just starting, so get on the internet. My kids/studio only participates in NASKA events. Go to a tournament and spend the day watching different age groups and types of events. You'll see the differences in abilities and behaviours from different studios. A studio that rushes kids through belts is not going to be as competative. Observe how the parents are behaving. Are they acting like jerks or are the supportive and displaying good sportsmanship? Make note of the studios that stand out to you and go talk to them. All of these tournaments are open to the public and usually charge a small admission fee. You'll be amazed by the energy in the rooms and the wide variety of events kids can participate in. Don't be overwhelmed though!

Finally, don't pick a studio just because it is convenient. I drive a long way to our studio 3x a week. I could go to one closer but it would be a waste of my time and money - be better off not doing it.

Tae Kwon Do. My nephew, almost 12, is testing for his black belt next month, the discipline and focus has helped him tremendously. My almost 4 year old has learned many of the exercises and moves from him already, the Master is looking forward to him being enrolled when he turns 5, as am I ;) He's very high energy and I know it and soccer are just what he needs.

Studios are everywhere, ask your friends for recommendations.

Tae Kwon Do for sure. Great for young children.