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Taekwondo for toddlers

vb4evr

Morning everyone,
Not sure if this is the right forum but thought I'd throw it out.
I've been thinking of placing my 2yr old daugher in what is called Baby Dragons Taekwondo. It of course wouldn't be a ton of actual martial arts more games, discipline and respect.

Anyone have any experience with programs like this or have any thoughts, good or bad?

Replies

nevertoolate2

I started judo at about 5. My instructor was a Royal Marines Commando. You just didn't muck about, well not more than once! That aspect has a lot to do with the sensei and the parents reinforcing the sensei.

We started my son in karate at about 4. Before that he did tumble tots. At those ages it is about activity that builds coordination and strength, but not strength as we talk about it. I disagree with TheRoadHog that it will be a waste of money, you are not paying for daycare, you are paying for structured activities that have a defined objective. However I agree that your son will not be benefiting from the martial arts instruction until they are older.

Classes are well controlled and self-discipline and respect are enforced/encouraged from early years. Kids will be kids and will play and be disruptive, but I see very little of that as the children get on and gradings are dependent upon behaviour. There are a number of children aged 4-5 onwards whose behaviour is a credit to them, their parents and the dojo.

Go along to the dojo, see if how they run a class suits what you want to get from it.

As a consequence of my son taking this up, my eldest daughter and my wife have started on the ladies classes. All of them are developing the techniques, skills and confidence to handle confrontational situations. I would not recommend any alternative but depending upon the cost you might find other activities are cheaper and still have the same beneficial impact for the next couple of years.

thrld

I think there may be a point between the "tiny dragons/tigers" stage and 8+ years old. Little kids definately can benefit from TKD. Beginner classes for toddlers are customized to appeal (fun games, lot of running & jumping), while establishing structure and exposing them to basic moves. However, you may find that kids as they get older (around 2-3rd grade) are't as focused as they need to be to benefit from a more serious training class. These transitioning kids still want the play time of running around, 'clowning' around and can be a handful for the teacher -- although others may be better at focusing and mastering the moves.

Ultimately, I think kids want to have fun. And if you can teach them in a way that appeals to their sense of fun, then good.

TheRoadDog

If you are getting out of it what you want to get out of it, then, by all means, go for it. Iwasn't putting it down, or disagreeing with anyone.

We just come from different backgrounds and are studying martial arts for different purposes. I have been studying, competing and teaching for 38 years. When I started my studies in Japan, it was a whole different culture. It was all about discpline and tradition.

Now, unless you find a very old school instructor, it is a homogenous daycare center. That sounds like I am putting it down, but I am not. As Americans, we strive to make everybody equal in all that we do. If my Japanese Master tried to teach in America, he would have been arrested for abuse.

vb4evr

Some great points. Right now its ultimately not about the martial arts aspect, but the structure, building the foundation, and listening skills. They are such sponges right now, seems they are always picking up something from what they are doing at the time.

I think tumble-tots sounds something very well similar to this program here. I've not fully looked into the program offered here yet as she is not two, just was in an information package that we received when I did some introductory swimming with her and was curious for thoghts

Still need to look into company and costs associated.

vb4evr

If you are getting out of it what you want to get out of it, then, by all means, go for it. Iwasn't putting it down, or disagreeing with anyone.

We just come from different backgrounds and are studying martial arts for different purposes. I have been studying, competing and teaching for 38 years. When I started my studies in Japan, it was a whole different culture. It was all about discpline and tradition.

Now, unless you find a very old school instructor, it is a homogenous daycare center. That sounds like I am putting it down, but I am not. As Americans, we strive to make everybody equal in all that we do. If my Japanese Master tried to teach in America, he would have been arrested for abuse.

You've made some great points. And day care does come to mind for alot of the programs that go on. For 'some' parents its about dropping the child off and having someone else deal with them for the 1-2 hours so they can do whatever it is they need to do, than the actual sport/activity.

taunto

If you are getting out of it what you want to get out of it, then, by all means, go for it. Iwasn't putting it down, or disagreeing with anyone.

We just come from different backgrounds and are studying martial arts for different purposes. I have been studying, competing and teaching for 38 years. When I started my studies in Japan, it was a whole different culture. It was all about discpline and tradition.

Now, unless you find a very old school instructor, it is a homogenous daycare center. That sounds like I am putting it down, but I am not. As Americans, we strive to make everybody equal in all that we do. If my Japanese Master tried to teach in America, he would have been arrested for abuse.

I completely agree. I had a chuckle reading your arrested comment because I know its true. I studied in Asia and we don't mess around.

Doreen_Murray

If you are getting out of it what you want to get out of it, then, by all means, go for it. Iwasn't putting it down, or disagreeing with anyone.

We just come from different backgrounds and are studying martial arts for different purposes. I have been studying, competing and teaching for 38 years. When I started my studies in Japan, it was a whole different culture. It was all about discpline and tradition.

Now, unless you find a very old school instructor, it is a homogenous daycare center. That sounds like I am putting it down, but I am not. As Americans, we strive to make everybody equal in all that we do. If my Japanese Master tried to teach in America, he would have been arrested for abuse.

You've made some great points. And day care does come to mind for alot of the programs that go on. For 'some' parents its about dropping the child off and having someone else deal with them for the 1-2 hours so they can do whatever it is they need to do, than the actual sport/activity.

And 'those' parents are missing out! It's the best when you participate...I kind of want to flip the instructor! :laugh: