Are Martial Arts Good for Kids?

It’s a good question to ask, and a tough one to answer. It is similar to asking if food is good for kids. It all depends on what food we are talking about. If it is wholesome, healthy food then it is definitely good for kids. On the other hand, if the food is chocolate bars or potato salad that has sat out for a few days, then they should probably steer clear of it.

To be a healthy, positive experience for a child, a martial arts school (or a baseball team, or any other activity) has to have two characteristics. First, it has to be a good school. Second, it has to mesh well with your child’s wants and needs.

While there are no guarantees, there are a few indicators that point to a good school. The first is the environment itself. Is it clean? Well organized? Do the people seem happy to be there? One student who is reluctant to come to class is pretty common but most of the kids should be happy to be there.

The next indicator to look at is the instructor. If he seems more interested in payment plans, than your child and her goals, you might want to take a pass. If your child is there, a good instructor should speak directly to the child and not just talk with you.

Ask if you can watch a class. Watch for a fun class where students are active, and see whether the instructor has a plan or is just “winging it.”

Once you have some confidence in the school itself, the next step is to see if it is good for your child. What are your child’s goals? What are your goals? Competition martial arts clubs are generally not as good at teaching self-defense as a club that prides itself on the “martial” part of martial arts.

Whatever your goals and your child’s goals, make sure they mesh well with the school’s approach.

A good school, a good instructor and a good match with your child will make for a good experience for your child. Pay attention to what is happening and pay attention to your gut. If it seems good, it is worth looking into. If it feels wrong, walk away.