Beginner question

[Juniper]

Five years ago, I enrolled my daughter at the age of 5 in a junior wushu program at the school I've been studying at. I never regretted it at all. I agree with everyone above that it is critical that they have a good teacher -- no matter what style is being taught. We've been blessed with a great program in which the teachers actually teach self-control and self-discipline and truly care about the kids. They also cover things like what to do when they're in a situation in which they are being bullied, or approached by a stranger. I never once felt like they were just babysitting the kids at all. They have an opening and closing ceremony, and there is an emphasis on the history of martial arts and the specific traditions in the art (i.e. they learn the story of Bodhidharma in his cave). There is also an emphasis on respect for one another and respect for authority figures. Not in a, pardon the term, "hard *" way, but always with a firm but gentle approach.

 

Choosing to enroll your children in a class depends on what your kids are like, too. Are they able and or willing to focus and pay attention to the instructor? Do they show a desire to attend such a program? Are you willing, as a parent, to back up what they are taught in class? I had a conversation today with a karate instructor who teaches in a local parks and recreation department program and she is having a hard time trying to teach the kids respect for the art because the parents tend to treat the class as if it were a gymnastics or dance class.

 

I hope what I have written has been of some help -- a great teacher with patience and care for the littler ones is very important.

 

p.s. my daughter still practices, and my younger son (who will soon be eight) practices, too.

[aefibird]

See if you can find a school with "Little Ninjas" or similar type of class. These often tend to atake children from an earlier age and also emphasise fun, rather than the more formal training that can be found in other MA classes.

Make sure that you go and have a look round several different MA schools before you choose one. If any instructor or owner refuses to let you watch or won't answer your questions, then leave. if they've got something to hide, then you don't wanna be there. Also, make sure that there will a good enough adult-to-child ratio and that all the adults are police checked (or the equivalent for where you are).

Watch at least 2 classes so that you can get a feel of what goes on there. If you just watch one, then it will be Murphy's Law that you go on the one night that they decide to do something totally different.

Good luck with your search; I hope that you find a place both you and your children are happy at.

[PrideampPoise]

Just to reiterate what others have said, the instructor is what's relevant, not really the art.

We've had kids as young as 3 in our classes. But the youngest I've seen get anything out of the class is about 5.

Any instructor worth anything should be willing to discuss his philosophy with you, as well as let you observe a class, and usually even let your kids take an introductory class for free. I would take advantage of all of those things. Then you should have an idea about whether its the right school/instructor for your kids.