Anyone knowledgeable on the subject of Martial Arts?

texansfan · May 30, 2012

My 8-yr old son and 10-yr old daughter have expressed an interest in taking some classes this summer. Hopefully they'll like it and continue with it.

My question is this, what would be the best style for kids their age to learn or does it really matter?

Mr_Mark · May 30, 2012

"Tae Kwon Do" or "Judo". TKD I believe is big on self defense. Judo I believe means 'a gentle way' sounds like that style might be good for kids. More grappling, tossing around instead of striking

Incubus · May 31, 2012

The martial art I practice is Jeet Kune Do - JKD. Bruce Lee's discipline. I trained at the Innosanto Academy in Marina del Rey, CA when I lived there. Guru Dan Innosanto was Bruce's #1 student and ran the Los Angeles branch while Lee was alive. When Bruce died, Dan opened up his own training academy.

I would research any facility that trains in JKD.

Nothing else compares IMO.

TomGshotput · May 31, 2012

Check out all the local places that offer instruction and practice for kids and go with whichever one gives the best vibes or seems like the best fit

Generally the Olympic sports, judo, wrestling, boxing, will give you the best chance of finding high quality teachers

texansfan · May 31, 2012

Thanks guys for the posts. I think I've found one. They even offer a free 30 day trial to see if they like it.

http://www.teamtooke.com/

RupertPupkin · May 31, 2012

Make sure Cosmo Kramer isn't in their class and they should be fine .....

shdw01 · May 31, 2012

YourAllAmerican · May 31, 2012

Something to consider is whether they want to take the classes because of the sport/discipline aspect to it, or whether they want to take it to learn actual self-defense techniques. There's a very big difference between the two.

jay6s · May 31, 2012

Brazilian jiu jitsu great discipline

texansfan · Jun 1, 2012

RupertPupkin said:
Make sure Cosmo Kramer isn't in their class and they should be fine .....

If he is I'll just have Elaine stop by and kick his ass.

texansfan · Jun 1, 2012

YourAllAmerican said:
Something to consider is whether they want to take the classes because of the sport/discipline aspect to it, or whether they want to take it to learn actual self-defense techniques. There's a very big difference between the two.

I think maybe a little of both. I like the discipline aspect of it, plus the physical workout involved. The self-defense part is secondary to me right now, but it never hurts to be able to defend yourself if needed. I just don't want them to take classes and then think they're bad-asses all of a sudden.

YourAllAmerican · Jun 1, 2012

texansfan said:
I just don't want them to take classes and then think they're bad-asses all of a sudden.

You're right. Sometimes that's a danger when kids take martial arts classes. Just make sure to stress to them that they're learning something that is good and beneficial in many ways, but which is based on the assumption of participants all following a fixed set of rules.

LeoM · Jun 1, 2012

My son is 7 and he has been boxing for 1 year, i rather him box than doing Brazilian jiu jitsu and smelling another kids ass crack while laying on the ground, i do believe Brazilian jiu jitsu is the better way to go for street fighting. The most important thing is getting a great instructor, I flew my trainer in from Los Angeles to train the family, good luck.

LeoM · Jun 1, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9oABRxWXSQ

my son 7 months ago training

VIEJODINOSAUR · Jun 1, 2012

Hey Leo....nice video

YourAllAmerican · Jun 1, 2012

This remains my favorite video on the subject:

LeoM · Jun 2, 2012

VIEJO DINOSAUR said:
Hey Leo....nice video

thanks buddy, r u flying out this way? big poker tourney starting here next week half million purse, your buddy from cr is hosting it, i plan to win it. you can buy my entrance fee and i'll give 10%

VIEJODINOSAUR · Jun 2, 2012

LeoM said:
thanks buddy, r u flying out this way? big poker tourney starting here next week half million purse, your buddy from cr is hosting it, i plan to win it. you can buy my entrance fee and i'll give 10%

You have a better chance in a backgammon tournament...