Martial arts are an excellent way for children to stay in shape, learn self-discipline, teamwork, and self-defense, as well as build friendships. If a youngster expresses an interest in learning self defense martial arts, don't be afraid to say yes.
However, it might be difficult for a parent to choose the right martial arts class for their child. Plenty of schools compete for attention, all claiming that their particular type of martial arts is the perfect one for children. Furthermore, it's important to remember that not all martial arts appeal to youngsters.
If you're interested in enrolling your child in self defense martial arts classes, keep reading! This article will go through six martial arts classes for kids and explain the advantages and skills your child will receive from each one.
Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids
There are plenty of benefits for youngsters who participate in martial arts training. One of the primary advantages is that the lessons they learn during self defense classes can be carried over to other aspects of their lives, like home and school. Here are some of the perks of martial arts for kids:
Maintains a Healthy Body
Getting youngsters involved in physical activity regularly aids in their growth and development. Martial arts are a great way to keep a child healthy and active while also having a blast! Kids can improve their strength, coordination, flexibility, and agility while working out their entire bodies. Because kids will have more energy for learning and other activities as a result of being physically active, they will feel better about their lives overall.
Encourages Self-Discipline
Perfecting one's technique in self defense martial arts requires a lot of practice of numerous moves. Punching and kicking correctly is the only way for students to progress — and they learn that these achievements can only be attained through consistent practice and self-discipline.
As a physical and mental commitment that demands the complete dedication of both the mind and body, martial arts is more than just a sport. Because of this, a child's self-discipline learned in martial arts training can be transferred to other aspects of their personal life.
Knowledge of Self-Defense
Martial arts are built on the foundation of peaceful conflict resolution. However, there are times when self-defense might well be required. Although we pray that they never have to use it, knowing how to defend oneself can save a child's life. Basic self-defense skills can equip kids with the skills they need to protect themselves in a dangerous situation.
Builds Friendships
Martial arts are a fantastic way for kids to meet new people while learning the ropes, much like team sports. Meeting new friends may inspire a child to continue attending self defense classes and urge one another to give it their all and improve.
Promotes Teamwork
Although martial arts training is primarily a solo endeavor, there are some practices and activities that involve teamwork. This is among martial arts' numerous social opportunities. To improve one's ability to work together, students can form groups and practice a variety of kicks and punches. By learning this way, children are taught how to engage in constructive social interactions in school and other settings
What Are the Best Martial Arts for Kids To Learn?
Children can pick from a wide variety of self defense martial arts styles, but the best one will rely on what they will gain from the activity. Distinct disciplines demand different talents and strategies to succeed. Understanding each martial arts style and philosophy is the first step towards finding the perfect fit.
Tae Kwon Do
One of the first styles that new martial arts parents see is Taekwondo, a Korean style renowned for its powerful kicks. Aside from being an official sport in the Olympics, Taekwondo is a fantastic introduction to martial arts for kids because it combines traditional principles and contemporary athletic techniques. This martial arts class is well-liked by children since it teaches them various interesting moves. Since the term "Tae Kwon Do" literally means "the way of the foot and the fist" in Korean, the focus is primarily on kicks, while punches are also taught in certain forms.
Patience and self-control are two of Tae Kwon Do's most valuable principles. As a way of life that emphasizes physical, mental, and spiritual unity, it is often regarded as a means of improving one's spirit and quality of life.
Karate
Kids love karate because it's a fun and safe style of martial arts. If a child likes to get a full-body workout while having a lot of fun, this is the martial arts style for them. As a weaponless self-defense system, karate was developed in Okinawa, Japan, when weapons were outlawed, and its name translates to "empty hands." It is widely practiced around the world, with dojos in almost every major city. Plenty of results will surely pop up by searching for “karate for kids near me.”
Karate is a martial art that emphasizes self-improvement via training, just like any other traditional martial art. A child can learn everything they need to know about discipline, integrity, and happiness by going into the karate dojo. Full-body actions are used in karate, and training concentrates on blocks, blows, evasions, and counterattacks.
Wrestling
Wrestling is among the most challenging and time-honored forms of martial arts in existence. This martial art is a popular sport in both western and eastern countries. Regardless of a child's height or weight, they can learn to wrestle because there are numerous styles to choose from. Kids can wrestle in high school or college if they begin training at a young age.
As a martial art, wrestling is known for its grappling techniques. Takedowns, throws, clinch fighting, and joint locks are among the techniques youngsters will learn in wrestling classes. Since it is among the most physically and mentally challenging types of martial arts, children will gain not only physical strength and stamina but also perseverance and self-confidence.
Judo
Japanese Judo was the first martial art from the East featured in the modern Olympic games, focusing primarily on takedowns and throws and incorporating locks and submissions. It's an excellent martial art for teaching kids how to command their bodies to control their opponents.
The martial art is grounded in rich culture and history that will guide youngsters to grow into well-rounded individuals. It promotes a rigorous training regimen and teaches students the value of putting in the work to attain one's objectives.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a terrific martial art for children. It's known as "the art of the eight limbs" because students are taught to protect themselves using eight points of contact, including their arms, forearms, elbows, legs, knees, and shins. It is also among the simplest martial arts to learn because it provides an excellent stand-up striking style without requiring kids to memorize a lot of complex motions. The martial art includes grappling and striking methods that blend together effortlessly.
Children will acquire self-control as Muay Thai students since they spar carefully and deliberately. They will also learn to develop personal objectives rather than working toward pre-determined targets because martial arts does not have a ranking system.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
As a martial art, Brazilian jiu-jitsu or BJJ is frequently regarded as the safest for children since the focus is on grappling rather than striking. Trainees learn how to execute a takedown using wrestling and judo techniques. They use joint locks and chokeholds to subdue their partner once they're on the ground.
Compared to kicks and punches, grappling is less dangerous. For example, when students place their partner in an armbar, they only have to tap to be released from the hold. So, unlike certain striking styles, BJJ is less taxing on the body over time.
BJJ helps children learn patience and problem-solving skills by challenging them to find ways to avoid getting submitted while attempting to tap out their sparring partners.
The Bottomline
When it comes to choosing a martial art class for children, there is no one-size-fits-all discipline. If a child doesn't like the first martial art style they encounter, there are many other options out there for them to explore. Enrolling kids in a discipline they are interested in will allow them to gain the various advantages that come with learning that martial art. Children can stay in shape and develop self-control, teamwork, and self-defense skills while making new friends through martial arts. They can then apply what they've learned in martial arts lessons into their daily lives, including at home and in the classroom.
Call us today to sign your kids up for a free week-long trial period to learn the basics of martial arts.
Adults seeking self-defense classes often turn to martial arts options for themselves or their children for exercise as well as a fun activity that teaches lifelong lessons. Lessons related to self-defense styles like BJJ or Aikido, Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, and Taekwondo focus on more than physical motions. They also teach specific life skills along with increased strength and awareness. For various reasons, parents and guardians prefer to start children with karate, an unarmed method of combat performed barefoot. Yet, many parents worry about affording the cost of classes. Some of them perform an online search with the keyword phrase "karate for kids near me" and find results that link to confusing information about costs and other details.
The following four sections of this guide outline the costs in general for all class types, children and teens, karate gear and extras. Parents who need guidance about this topic can stop searching for answers. This guide clears up confusion in all of these areas:
General Overall Costs For Karate Near Me
People pay between $50 and $200 on average at a dōjō, school, community center, public gym or another facility for one month of martial arts classes no matter the form of combat style. The administrators of community-based programs at a center, church, or park might charge $50 or less. That said, they usually offer fewer classes and experience regular schedule disruptions. Private studio and professional school group classes and one-on-one lessons typically cost $150 to $200 per month. Of course, many factors influence the cost. Some one-on-one lessons can cost as much as $60 to $100 per hour.
A GBJJ, we offer memberships starting at $120/mo and unlimted membership classes for $140/mo for both Youth and Adults ($20/mo discount per additional family member) . All memberships include a free uniforms! Our private one-on-one training starts at $80/hour.
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The price typically increases or decreases based on the experience level and reputation of the instructor and the number of classes. Class fees might cover either a limited or unlimited number of classes. If a person has a yearly membership at the facility, which can cost up to $180 a year, they might not pay any additional fees, for example, beyond their membership fee.
Some martial arts training facilities don't offer monthly payment options. They require that students pay for three or more months at $200 to $250 for a plan that offers unlimited class access. Some facilities do offer a discount if a parent agrees to bring their child to classes for six months or longer. Additionally, some locations offer a special membership discount when two or more members of the same family join. The membership discount can be as much as 20 percent less than a standard membership per person.
Rates for Kids Karate Near Me
Most facilities charge less to teach children than adults, which means that parents and guardians can expect to pay up to 50 percent less than the standard adult rate for their child to study karate. That said, the child's age affects the discount amount. Parents usually receive a smaller discount for teens closer to adult age than they would receive for younger children.
They should always research the facility and instructor before paying for classes or joining as a member. Kids need to feel comfortable with the environment, teacher, and their peers. Some places allow a child to receive a free trial to participate in a specific number or a week's worth of classes to help the child and their parents decide if the facility, instructor and other class participants match the child's needs and mesh well with their personality. With a free trial, the child might learn about a style of martial arts other than karate. The training option depends on the facility.
Parents should also look into additional skills taught by an instructor before investing in classes for their children. Martial arts training for kids should include some basic life skills training and possibly beginner leadership training designed to help children acquire the tools they need for success beyond self-defense.
Necessary Gear Fees
The gear that a child might need for karate classes reflects uniformity and protection. All class participants must have a uniform or "Gi" that typically consists of a lightweight cotton jacket, pants, and a belt. The belt's color changes over time from white to black as the student progresses successfully through their training. Some facilities include the uniform in the cost of classes or membership. That said, parents must usually purchase their children's uniforms separately, especially as their child ages and grows. The retail cost can range between $17 and $50 depending on the martial arts style, the uniform material and size, and the retailer.
Although facilities often provide sparring safety gear, exceptions exist unless they include the cost in the class fee or membership. Parents might pay up to $90 for a mouthpiece, headgear, and leg guards alone. They might pay up to $60 for a bag to carry the gear. They might also pay for gloves, handguards, a chest protector, a rib guard, feet pads, shoes, focus mitts, a jockstrap or training weapons. Any of these items, especially paired items, can cost up to $50 per pair and sometimes even more. Parents also need to buy their child a large, insulated water bottle to help them stay hydrated during the karate lessons. These types of bottles can cost up to $30 per bottle. Thankfully, many martial arts stores and other retailers offer discount, sale, and clearance pricing for gear.
Extra Potential Costs
Extra costs related to martial arts self-defense training usually exist because of an instructor's requirements or to help cover facility-related expenses. Some locations that offer karate classes rely heavily on students or parents and guardians paying extra fees for services that ultimately help cover administrative and overhead costs associated with managing the facility and offering classes. They also require these purchases so that a student's gear matches their standards in terms of style and quality.
For example, parents might have to pay $60 or more for a martial arts federation membership, which some schools require for different reasons. They might also have to pay for special insurance offered by the facility that's separate from their existing medical insurance. In addition, many facilities charge $250 or more for a testing fee that covers the cost of the test used to prove a student's skills so that they can progress to the next level of training. Some facilities even require that parents buy gear from their on-site professional shops. These fees can obviously place a massive strain on the budget of parents who need to shop around for the best deals possible, which is why parents should carefully research a facility before paying for classes.
Conclusion
At Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu Academy, our staff and instructors believe that karate can do more for children than provide self-defense skills. We know that children who learn karate become empowered and more self-reflective and self-confident. They learn a variety of skills that can help them succeed in life. We offer a free seven-day trial pass for Jui-Jitsu and welcome parents to visit and tour our facility. Although we have non-profit status and rely on support from the community and our members, we guarantee that every new member receives a free uniform. With the pandemic ongoing, we also maintain meticulous cleaning and safety protocols to protect all of our students and visitors.
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