How old should a child be before starting karate?
This depends on the child’s maturity and attention span, which can vary widely among individuals. For most children, age 8 should be considered as a minimum and around age 10 as an optimum starting age. The value of teaching martial arts to very young children is arguable. Kids who start young usually end up quitting young. They view karate as just another one of a parade of activities that mom and dad have ushered them through (like ballet and midget ice hockey). It could be argued that karate geared for children is more beneficial than many other available activities; however, starting a child young is probably not the best way to introduce him to karate as a lasting endeavor. Moreover, most young children do not have the maturity to use their physical techniques only for self-defense. If your child expresses interest in karate, she should be told that karate practice is very serious and that only “big kids” who can be responsible are allowed to do it.
This depends on the child’s maturity and attention span, which can vary widely among individuals. For most children, age 9 should be considered as a minimum and around age 10 as an optimum starting age. The value of teaching martial arts to very young children is arguable. Kids who start young usually end up quitting young. They view karate as just another one of a parade of activities that mom and dad have ushered them through (like ballet and midget ice hockey). It could be argued that karate geared for children is more beneficial than many other available activities; however, starting a child young is probably not the best way to introduce him to karate as a lasting endeavor. Moreover, most young children do not have the maturity to use their physical techniques only for self-defense. If your child expresses interest in karate, she should be told that karate practice is very serious and that only “big kids” who can be responsible are allowed to do it.
