question for the list on Martial Arts

[Suzanne Stephen]

Hi everyone, I've got a question for anyone who has or knows of any DS kids that have been trained in martial arts. it's not that I am trying to get Nickolas to be a bully, (besides He's only 2yo ), i was just thinking that if we were to get him involved that there may be some very good advantages to his development in concentration, focus, motor skills, mental discipline, attention span, physical exercise, etc. any feedback would be greatly appreciated, and helpful in making our decision. THANKS,
Ron Stephen, dad to Nickolas 2yo ds, and little sister Cameron 9mo

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[Brett]

Hey Ron,

Cristen is 11 and is working on her blue belt in tae kwon do. She really
enjoys the program and is currently in the same level as her two younger
brothers (Dylan (8) working towards brown and Ethan (6) working towards
blue stripe). Cristen has always been very flexible and her first love is
ballet/jazz/dance which the TKD master says helps greatly with her "forms".
It is very cool to go and observe the training and see her holding her own
with fellow classmates. I figure, hey, so if she has to kick somebody's a__
someday, all the better if she can. Overall, I think that the movement, the
discipline, focus, and concentration is all very good as well, however, her
dance classes are much more demanding at this stage. But, the fact that she
goes out and gives her all in a typical class and competes in TKD
tournaments with her peers is very good for her overall well being and
self-esteem, too. I have heard some good and bad things regarding martial
arts training, but I think that if you look long enough, you can find the
right place. The school that my kids attend is excellent. The master was an
olympian and really cares about all of the kids.

Brett

[Wildwards]

My children were both enrolled in a Hapkido martial arts program, which is a
very involved and demanding forms, kicking and sparring style of martial arts.

Stefanie earned up to her green belt and then wanted to stop. She was a
student for almost two years. She was very young and I think a combination of
the increasing difficulty, amount of time required, plus her immaturity
contributed to her lack of interest. Also, her brother excelled and was one of
the youngest students in studios from two states they had earn a black belt, at
age 7, so that didn't help Stefanie's ego very much!

Most of the students at the school enjoy martial arts for all the reasons you
list. I would just make sure the school would allow for a slowed down
curriculum if necessary and always be prepared to offer plenty of praise for
all the efforts your child makes. Martial arts offers the kids a great way to
develop increased self esteem and they learn to interact and learn from quite a
variety of people.
Cheryl in VA, who learned that just about anybody can break boards like the
students in martial arts do! ;-)