Karate- for or against?

What do you think about karate for kids? Do you think it builds self esteem? Helps develop respect for others? Anyone done this with their children

Re: Karate- for or against?

I have no direct experience with it, but from what I know, I can't see any negatives!

Re: Karate- for or against?

my 10 year old has been doing it since he's 3 and he's a black belt now.. its great! i would recommend it to ANYONE AND EVERYONE!!!

Re: Karate- for or against?

Totally for - discipline and self esteem - can't go wrong with that!!!!

Re: Karate- for or against?

Totally for it. I took it as a teen and DH has studied various martial arts for 25 years. He's teaching ju jitsu to kiddies tonight in fact!

Re: Karate- for or against?

Absolutely for it. I seen the pros firsthand.

Helps them focus, teaches discipline & respect.

Re: Karate- for or against?

I think it's great, I haven't heard or seen any negative things about it.

Re: Karate- for or against?

Very recommended. Teaches

discipline
self control of own strength
humility
respect of self and others

Re: Karate- for or against?

Re: Karate- for or against?

Re: Karate- for or against?

I think it is great...my little brother has taken tae kwon do (sp) for years and is a 12 year old black belt

Message edited 11/13/2008 8:41:31 PM.

Re: Karate- for or against?

As soon as DS is old enough I am enrolling him in Tae Kwon Do

one of the main principles they teach is to only use it for self-defense. The kids get in great shape and build self-esteem as well

There are no negatives to the martial arts

Re: Karate- for or against?

My DS is 4 and he just started his class last Monday and loves it!!

Re: Karate- for or against?

My DH has been doing the martial arts for 25 years and loves it. Hes also been teaching for about 15 years. I cannot WAIT to start DS's :)

Re: Karate- for or against?

I am not against karate but I would have more of an interest in boxing. I know it is a totally different sport but I am mentioning it because a lot of people lump them both in the fighting category. Boxing also gets a bad rap, but it involves strength, endurance, focus, stamina, overall fitness and the ability to defend oneself. I am more comfortable with the boxing culture because I have been around it more. I guess it will be up to my son, and if he does not want to do any of it, that is fine, too. Truth be told, I would really prefer mathletes and spelling bees.

Message edited 11/14/2008 12:28:32 AM.

Re: Karate- for or against?

I took karate for 3 months (had to stop because I got pregnant). I don't know how it is for kids, but WOW what a workout for me! I never felt so in shape after doing a class before! And every week it would change, so there was always something different to do - it never got boring.

I did feel like it was helping with with my self confidence too!

There were always lots of kids in the class before us - seems really popular! I say go for it and give it a try!

Re: Karate- for or against?

I'd like to put Jared in a class when he's old enough. I'm for it!!

Re: Karate- for or against?

Re: Karate- for or against?

I'm totally for it - for all of the reasons that other posters have given.

DH also has said repeatedly that he wants DD to take karate. He thinks it could be very empowering for her - and he wants his little girl to be able to protect herself.

Re: Karate- for or against?

im all for it. hoping to put ds into that when hes at least 3 yrs old

Re: Karate- for or against?

I don't know if I would let DD do it or not - I haven't given it much thought - but I probably would. The only thing is that you have to know your child and the instructor. I know we had some issues with some kids around here using it on other kids for NO reason (not self defense - they just walked up to another child and karate kicked or punched them for fun) so I think it depends on the child. But I do think it is a good workout and good for discipline.

Re: Karate- for or against?

We're actually looking for a program for Nate. Hoping he can start something in the spring.

Re: Karate- for or against?

I've been studying Mixed Martial Arts (karate, jiu-jitsu, kick boxing, grappling, etc) for over 8 years (in between surgeries and DC's births.... :) )

DS is 5.5 and has been going for over 2 years now. DD will be going right around 3 years old. I definitely think it's a great thing for kids. DS has improved a lot since he's been going, and several other DC that I've been helping have made huge improvements. Both in discipline, balance, self-esteem, etc. We have one girl who has some physical problems, but after only a few weeks in the class, she is now able to walk across the balance beam on her own, she kicks the pads with confidence, and she is just so much happier in general. It's amazing how much she's changed.

I help out with some of the classes, so I get to be friends with many of the kids. They have a blast, and you can really watch them mature.