What is the best age for children to start training?

[bushido_man96]

I think 6 or 7 would be about the youngest, and it depends on the child. Some children are really good in groups, and some are not. Some pay attention really well, and some don't at all. It really should be done on a child by child basis.

With that said, I also think kids learn best with kids, and having kids classes available with training that works well for kids as the focus will be the best set-up for them to succeed.

[Bulltahr]

A slight sideways move of the thread and I apologize, but it's in the same vein as the original question.

My daughter is 11, slight and pretty reserved type of kid, I'm wondering when her techniques will start to gain some power, speed etc, I'm sure anyone who has taught kids will know what I'm trying to say, effective technique rather than just doing the moves........

When might this happen?

[JR 137]

A slight sideways move of the thread and I apologize, but it's in the same vein as the original question.

My daughter is 11, slight and pretty reserved type of kid, I'm wondering when her techniques will start to gain some power, speed etc, I'm sure anyone who has taught kids will know what I'm trying to say, effective technique rather than just doing the moves........

When might this happen?

13 years, 8 months and 6 days old, give or take 3.25 days.

[Spartacus Maximus]

If one has time and resources to spare, it would do much good for a martial arts instructor to read and study some literature on the subject of physical/mental development. Better yet, register for an undergraduate level course on human development. This will give valuable insight on what is reasonable to expect from different age groups.

12-14 year olds have very different levels of concentration and motor skills from younger children. At ages below that, it is just not reasonable to expect them to grasp technical concepts that might be obvious to adults. The savvy sensei teaches and evaluates young students according to their level of development.

[DWx]

A slight sideways move of the thread and I apologize, but it's in the same vein as the original question.

My daughter is 11, slight and pretty reserved type of kid, I'm wondering when her techniques will start to gain some power, speed etc, I'm sure anyone who has taught kids will know what I'm trying to say, effective technique rather than just doing the moves........

When might this happen?

It just takes time.. Girls are at a disadvantage in that they mature later and will be slower to build muscle. Most girls I've trained seem to come into their own around 14 to 15.

[Bulltahr]

It just takes time.. Girls are at a disadvantage in that they mature later and will be slower to build muscle. Most girls I've trained seem to come into their own around 14 to 15.

Thanks, I'm also thinking of starting her in some very light sparring so she can practice techniques outside of the constraints of formal training, (Kata, Kihon etc).

[LLLEARNER]

I have my 5 year old daughter in Karate. I don't have her there to fight, but more for the focus and discipline as well as being involved in something that rewards hard work, not participation.

[LLLEARNER]

She is in a mixed class. there are a few her age but most are considerably older. There are also usually 3-4 senseis with a class up to about a dozen.

[jansohtb]

I have been practicing Karate since 10 years old until now.

[Alan Armstrong]

When the student is ready to learn martial arts, the master will appear!

https://youtu.be/mp-uDe4-qg8