What Is A Good Age To Enroll My Child In Martial Arts Classes?

Updated from 6/26/2017

There are many benefits to enrolling your child in martial arts classes, and many people want to know at what age they should enroll their children. In this article, we will discuss some things that can help you make the best decision. 

Research on Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids

Before we get to the right differences in starting ages for martial arts, let's see what the research has to say about the benefits of martial arts for children. Martial arts tend to have a positive impact on children's lives.

• A study from the national library of medicine showed that "longer training [of martial arts] was associated with lower levels of aggressiveness" in children. 
• Another program linked martial arts to anti-bullying in elementary school.
• Finally, this study from the European Journal of Human Movement made a connection between practicing martial arts and stress relief.

Four to Five Years Old

Believe it or not, your four-year-old can begin taking martial arts! Don't worry - we keep safety in mind during training at all levels, especially for our youngsters. Our youngest students are not going to be engaging in anything very difficult or dangerous.

Your child will be laying the foundation for a successful future in the discipline of their choice, and their time is going to be spent learning the basics. We'll make sure they have fun and learn to work well with others in the process. 

Not every martial art will accept children this young, but your youngster can begin karate at this age. He or she will learn the principles of respect and will have more confidence as he or she enters school.

Six to Ten Years Old

A significant amount of research has found that a child can easily be a success at martial arts training if he or she begins in this phase of life. Some of the people who are most known for their skills began in this age range, and this includes people like Jackie Chan and Jet Li, who both began at the age of eight. Those who begin when aged between seven and ten have a much greater likelihood of continuing into adulthood and achieving a black belt. 

Eleven Years to Young Adult

Bruce Lee was thirteen when he began training, and Chuck Norris was eighteen years old. Michelle Yeoh of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was 22 years old when she took up martial arts. For Krav Maga, most dojos will not train anyone under sixteen. Even at 16 it will depend to a large extent on the temperament of the child.

Martial arts take a degree of focus and skill, and some children develop earlier than others. Maturity comes to some much more quickly than others. Be assured, however, that there are benefits to beginning at any point during childhood into young adulthood.

Find Martial Arts Classes for Your Child at Any Age

Children and adults of all ages benefit from martial arts training. From the age of four through 70+, there are classes for you. If you're interested in enrolling your child in martial arts training classes or karate classes, contact NY Martial Arts Academy today.