Teaching your child any form of martial arts, be it karate or taekwondo, can do wonders for his self-confidence. Studies suggest that learning martial arts improves mental alertness and physical agility.
Moreover, learning karate can improve your child’s overall character development. So if you have been looking for an activity for all round development for your children, enroll in Kids Karate in Illinois.
Things To Know About Karate Before Enrolling Your Kids
Learning martial arts requires rigorous physical activity, and not everyone may be suited for it. So before you book a karate class for your kid, there are a few considerations that you need to make.
The Age Of The Kid
Indeed, very young kids can learn karate. In some cultures, kids as young as two or three years of age are enrolled in a martial arts class. But not all kids are the same. So it is generally recommended that children who are four to six years old can be safely sent to karate classes.
It is better to remember that a very young child may be full of energy, yet he may not understand martial arts rules. So if you want the child to understand and learn simultaneously, it is better to wait until the child is four or five.
A Mental Health Condition
Many parents are anxious when their child has just been diagnosed with autism or ADHD ( attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Many doctors suggest martial arts are an excellent way to improve sensory perceptions, interaction with other kids and learning. So enrolling in a karate class may transform your autistic child’s life.
Studies also suggest that complex physical activities like those involved in karate strengthen the brain’s neural network. Moreover, physical movement helps build coordination. So your child with ADHD can learn valuable lessons of self-restraint and physical coordination when he enrolls in a martial arts class.
However, your child must be able to understand basic instructions and safety procedures. Also, he must be disciplined and not get agitated when he sees strangers. A kid who cannot follow basic instructions may get hurt in a martial arts class.
Nosebleeds, sprains and fractures are common when instructions are not followed. Also, an agitated kid who hurts other children is unsuited to any form of group activity. If your child is not receptive to instruction and not adequately social, you will do more harm than good by enrolling him in a martial arts class.
The Availability Of Safety Gear
When you send your kids to the karate school, ensure they suggest a list of protective gear for them. Many schools supply protective equipment to their students; however, if a particular school does not ensure that you buy the safety gear for your kid.
The most important safety gear is the helmet that protects your child’s head. Concussions from sudden falls are way too common in martial arts classes. So head gears are a must, especially for young kids who have trouble balancing their body weight.
Apart from protective headgear, knee guards are an essential safety gear. Often when the child loses balance, he may fall in a way that impacts his knees. So getting bruises on the knee are way too common.
So if you do not want your child’s knee to get injured often, get them a nice knee guard.
And finally, you can get shin guards for your little one. The shin bone of the leg can get injured in a karate practice match. Moreover, recovering from a shin bone injury may be a very painful experience for a young child. So depending on the karate style the kid will learn, get all the safety equipment after having a discussion with the instructor.
The Rapport With The Instructor
A person who deals with young kids needs to be patient and accommodating. Yet a good instructor will not compromise on the basic rules of the art form. So before enrolling your child, have a one-on-one chat with the instructor.
Some instructors are highly experienced in teaching young kids. They are patient, interactive and engaging when they are around kids. So it does not matter if your child is shy or extremely outgoing; rapport with his instructor is necessary.
The Child’s Opinion
When the child is six or seven, he is old enough to give his opinion. So it is advisable to discuss with him before starting a new program. Some kids would love the idea of joining martial arts classes. Yet another would have a knack for any other activity, like ballet or painting classes.
Each kid is different, and any co-curricular activity that interests him will be the most conducive to his growth. So instead of sending a reluctant child to a karate class, send a child who is genuinely interested in the activity.
Availability Of A Trial Class
It is always a good idea to take a sample class for a week before you get your kid admitted. Many karate classes have trial sessions for twenty or twenty-five dollars. After your kid has attended the trial session, you will know if his body is suited for martial arts.
Also, two weeks is enough to build a rapport with the instructor and make new friends. Hence, when you admit your child after a trial session, the place will be familiar, and he will already have friends.
Conclusion
Children grow rapidly, and they have loads of energy. Enrolling your kid in some form of physical activity is necessary to channel all his energy positively. Moreover, martial arts will teach him a few vital lessons on self-defense that will be useful for his entire life.
When your kid becomes a karate expert, he will get a confidence boost. Practicing any form of martial art will ensure proper growth for his body.
However, do not be in a rush to get your kid admitted to a karate class. Discuss with the child, take a trial session and send him for classes only when all the safety gear is available.
