An interesting topic for martial arts schools is the age children should be when first they start their training. At the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts, we believe the student and the parent play the biggest role in this decision. While some parents think no age is too young — as long as the classes are tailored for tots — many others think starting a child in martial arts too early is a recipe for disaster. In most cases, this will come down to the child, the style of martial art, the Academy, and the instructors, but there are other factors to consider.
At the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts, we collectively work towards providing your child with a balance in their training and physical activities. This is a key factor in well-being. However, consistently training rigorously is something that must come with age and maturity and is not advised for young children. Here are some thoughts on when your child should start training in the martial arts.
Overuse Injuries
The biggest subject of concern for most parents is physical, injuries that can occur from over-training or unsafe play. Young children can be more susceptible to this. Without a proper physical activity plan, they can cause long-term damage. According to orthopedist Allston Stubbs, M.D. he’s seeing more teens than ever with major joint problems, such as pulled or torn knee ligaments.
These types of injury issues are prevalent in athletes who spend a lot of time over training, as it increases wear and tear, as well as potential imbalances in the body. Our instructors at the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts first priority is the safety of your children, and we are able to asses every situation to make your child is ready for each type of martial arts training, skills, drills or activities.
Depends on your Child
Child development doesn’t occur at the same rate for every child. Some develop very quickly, while others are late bloomers and there’s nothing wrong with that. Some children may enjoy a martial arts class at the age of 4 years old, while others may not like it until they’re 7. As most highly-trained professional Martial Arts instructors know, before the age of 6 the most important thing is that a child should have fun and enjoy the experience and positive atmosphere of Martial Arts classes. Too serious, to loud, to aggressive communications and expectations will just sour a child on the Martial Arts and sports in general. At that age, it’s likely too early for other Martial Arts teachings they will be learning later on, such as how to resist peer pressure.
Children at this age may not have the motor skills or strength and balance to perfect flying kicks, too many push-ups or any sit-ups but they should still experience great lessons, start to develop focus, get some physical activity, interact with other children, and have a great time doing it. You can always experiment with a few of our children’s classes, see what your child and our instructors think, and then make a thoughtful decision.
Depends on their Instructor
The biggest value your child can receive from an early start in martial arts is the many life lessons it will teach them. There’s a reason why people so often speak about the benefits of martial arts for children.
Our Martial Arts system is a progressive, motivational program with a strong foundation from Okinawa (the birthplace of Karate) and our Martial Arts Instructors ARE the best trained and certified in Mississauga, if not the country, so please be sure you ask every question and voice any concerns when you decide to enroll your child in one of our programs.
Communicate Often
Don’t let your desire for seeing your child as the next Olympian cloud your decisions. Their immediate and long-term well-being are important to note, along with their overall happiness. Communicate with your child on a regular basis, to get an unbiased and honest assessment of the classes while they are the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts. Feeling too much pressure to compete could turn them off of martial arts and other sports for a long time; the focus should be on having enjoying themselves and having a good time, while developing and nurturing their concentration, self-discipline, other life skills and philosophies.
Whatever age you decide to start your child’s journey in martial arts, make sure to get them a physical examination, to make sure everything is okay for them to start training. Your family doctor should be able to give you more advice, to help you make the right decision for your family.
Contactthe Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts for a Free Trial Class Today
One of the best types of full-body movement exercises that offer benefits for children that make them better as adults is the Martial Arts training like offered at the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts. Karate, Kardio Kicks (Fitness Kickboxing) and Tai Chi all complement each other in a well-rounded blend of Martial Arts training.
At the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts, we teach a way of life. For over 30 years our professional Martial Arts system is a well thought out curriculum that teaches more than just the art of self-defense. We delve deep into our students’ technique, skill set, confidence, concentration, intelligence, intuition and overall physical fitness.
The Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts has been voted the best club in Mississauga and Port Credit area since 1995 (that’s 21 years!) by the readers of the Mississauga News. In addition, the Academy was voted as the “Top Choice” for Martial Arts clubs in Mississauga for the last two years (2016, 2017). Most recently, the Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts was voted as a 2017 Mississauga South Business Star for Community Impact Excellence.
Contact us today if you’re interested in martial arts and self-defense classes and schedule a free-trial class for your child AND their best friend!
