| A common question that parents wrestle with is | | | | easily learn and become proficient with. The |
| what age is best to enroll their children in martial | | | | techniques they learn should be oriented towards |
| arts. It's not uncommon for a head instructor to | | | | escaping from an attacker but more time should |
| get calls from parents wanting to enroll three | | | | be devoted to teaching avoidance and awareness. |
| year olds so they can learn to defend themselves. | | | | Before enrolling your child in a martial arts school |
| Some parents, and even some instructors, share | | | | take the time to watch how classes are taught |
| the view that no child under the age of 10 to 12 | | | | for the age group of your child. Many martial arts |
| should be allowed to enroll in the martial arts. The | | | | schools are happy to take your money but offer |
| real answer is that it depends on many factors | | | | little of real value to your child. Due diligence is the |
| such as:o The personality of your child.o The type | | | | key; don't be afraid to ask questions about the |
| of programs offered by a particular school.o Your | | | | curriculum and the qualifications of the instructors. |
| reason for wanting to enroll your child.o Your | | | | Much time should be devoted to teaching values, |
| expectations. | | | | skills, and self defense in terms and in ways that |
| Early childhood martial arts training should be | | | | young children can relate to. |
| viewed more as "street proofing" than it is as a | | | | You should expect your child to feel safe and |
| serious forum for learning martial arts skills. Don't | | | | secure when they attend their classes. As a |
| expect a four year old child to absorb and apply | | | | parent you should feel comfortable allowing your |
| skills at the same rate or proficiency as older | | | | child to be taught by the instructors. And, you |
| children. Martial arts training will definitely boost | | | | should feel your child is actually learning something |
| their self confidence, increase their awareness of | | | | of value...not just how to punch and kick. |
| dangerous situations, and instill social skills and | | | | So, how young is too young?o Under the age of |
| values that are absent from much of today's | | | | four - definitely too young.o Four to six - maybe; |
| society. Enter training with this in mind and you're | | | | but it depends on the child and the school.o Over |
| off to a very positive start. | | | | six - definitely; but the curriculum should reflect |
| One question to critically ask your self is, "Why do | | | | the differing needs of children at different ages. |
| I want my child to study martial arts?" If you | | | | Keep your expectations realistic and your child will |
| think they will learn how to subdue a 200 pound | | | | enjoy a long and rewarding journey into the world |
| attacker think again. A quality school will teach | | | | of martial arts. |
| young children basic techniques that they can | | | | |