seniormint Posted November 14, 2003 Share Posted November 14, 2003 Well I am going to start my son tommorow in the toddler class. Hopefully he will like it and not hate going as I really want him to like it. He loves gym class at his pre-school and loves balls and mats and all the fun stuff like that. The instructer I spoke with said that is how they start, they reallty try and make it fun for them. Anyone have any advice/similar experiences? I would love to here them. Must admit I am nervous about the first day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stl_karateka Posted November 14, 2003 Share Posted November 14, 2003 3 1/2 is pretty young --- usually I seen 4 as the cutoff. Do they have a special class for kids that young (like a little dragons or something)? At that age they'll probably focus more on concentration, balance etc. I read in your intro that you trained 8 years ago --- you going to get back into it? KarateForums.com Sempai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seniormint Posted November 14, 2003 Author Share Posted November 14, 2003 I called a few schools and the toddler programs start at 3. I agree its kinda young but if they get exposed to it and have fun then thats all I am looking for, looks like between 4-8 kids might be in the class. Yes I would like to get back into it also, not yet but if my son enjoys it and we go every saturday I may sign up at that same school. I got to my blue belt before I stopped, would have been going for my brown belt if I continued. I think you are correct on them focusing on balance and concentration. The instructor told me they would be running through cones and maybe teach jumping jacks. I did a basic block move with my son and he loved it and does it if I ask so I hope they do some very basic moves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stl_karateka Posted November 14, 2003 Share Posted November 14, 2003 This is my advice: You said you may sign up at the same school. If you do decide to sign up, save yourself the headache and signup at the same school! That way you wont run into conflicts when practicing at home etc I'm concerned about the 3-8 age range...that's huge when you are talking about kids. Its not like adults where you can say 16 and up and expect everyone to operate on the same level.....what is the student to teacher ratio? It sounds like you and your son are excited! Should be a good time and I look forward to hearing about it after Saturday's class! At 3 1/2, I am sure there will be some good days and some bad days --- you'll have to find that balance between encouragement and pushing. I taught for a while back in my old school --- the min age was 4....after I left they instituted a little dragons program where they worked skills like conentration, balance, listening, memorization through drills and games. I've kept in contact with them and they say when the kids are then put in the mainstream class they perform better....so I think it is good that at a young age they keep it upbeat and fun. Best of luck! KarateForums.com Sempai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seniormint Posted November 14, 2003 Author Share Posted November 14, 2003 I will definatly sign up at the same school if I decide to do it. I believe their will be 2 instructors for the class, since it is his first day they will probably have one just for him. Not only the karate part is inlvolved but a lot of "gym class" like stuff. Being only a 1/2 hour class its going to be very low key and light but at least exposure to karate which I want. They said that the "real" kids karate programs start at age 6 and if he has been in the toddler one then he will have an easier time. I think they even mentioned trying to do situps and pushups, he loves doing push ups so all this I am hoping makes for a fun time for him. I expect some bad days but thats normal, I will just be happy if he does ok tommorow, if not I'll try again but I am thinking possitive and keeping him excited to. Plus I know he will like wearing the uniform and belt. Pretty funny but hey if it helps then what the heck! Thanks for your input stl_karateka, I'll fill you all in tommorow when we get done. Wish us luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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