The Best Martial Arts Classes for Teens and Kids Age 7-12:
3 Big Tips on How to Choose a Class for your Kid
So you’re looking for some after-school program for your kid in Melbourne, something that will get them moving, meeting other kids, and maybe even learning a new skill? You think, maybe Martial Arts! You remember back to when you were 8 and you took Karate, or of your nephew who did aikido at the local dojo in Melbourne. You wonder if your kids should take self defence style classes, or if they’ll be more excited by something they’ve seen before, like boxing? Then you have to actually find a Martial Arts School in Melbourne that has a good program. It’s all getting a bit complicated.
We’re here to help with 3 tips to consider when you’re choosing martial arts classes for kids and teens in Melbourne. We’re very biased towards our kids martial arts program of course, but we’ll explain why so you can make the choice for yourself (or find a place for your kid to make the choice)! So read on for our tips on choosing martial arts for youth in Melbourne:
1.Which is the right Martial Art to pick, and why we think Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts is the best martial arts style for kids and teens:
If your child is going to dedicate time and energy (and your money) to a martial art, you want it to count for something. An MMA (mixed martial arts) program is a great choice for a few reasons. For starters, BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) is the most relevant martial art for kids in regards to self defence. The right teacher will give them the skills to compete in sport jiu jitsu if they’re interested in competitions, but ultimately they will adapt the lessons so that it can be applied in a self-defence situation. BJJ is the best way to protect yourself, and to cause the least harm to the other person involved. In terms of practice and training, it doesn’t involve strikes to the head or other more traumatic techniques, so if it’s done properly, it can be safely trained even with live style combat. Learning BJJ within an MMA program means your child will also learn stand up striking skills. Not only is this great cross-training for Jiu Jitsu, but it will develop strength and conditioning, and they will learn a whole new sport that can be integrated with Jiu Jitsu. Read our blog on the Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids if you’d like more on that.
There are many Martial Arts program for kids in Melbourne these days but not all of them teach mixed martial arts in addition to Jiu Jitsu. Look out for MMA kids programs in Melbourne as a starting point.
2.Is big or small class size better for Martial Arts programs for Kids in Melbourne?
When choosing kids Martial Arts classes in Melbourne there will be a big range of class sizes across the various programs. There are pros and cons to both so we’ll consider each one and you can consider each in relation to your own kid.
Big classes have the advantage of a social aspect. There are lots of kids practicing martial arts together and they will have more potential training partners and meet more peers. The downside is that large kids martial arts programs have a harder time giving individual attention to really hone in on the skills. The kids will still learn martial arts but the classes may rely more on games and general skills.
Smaller sized martial arts classes in Melbourne don’t have the same socialisation aspect in respect to quantity of friends they might meet,, but the quality of both relationships developed and training quality may be greatly enhanced. Small classes allow the instructors to really know the pace and style in which your kid learns, and they can teach more nuanced skills and really give them a true martial arts experience. If your kid is feeling a bit shy about attending martial arts class in Melbourne, going to a smaller sized class might be a more approachable way for them to start out.
Once you’ve worked out the type and size of class, you can check out the gyms and Martial Arts instructors in Melbourne!
3.What to look for in a Youth Martial Arts Instructor in Melbourne?
Finding the right martial arts instructor for kids is not a black and white process. There are many different styles of teaching and personality, so it depends a lot on your kid and what your family is looking for in Martial Arts classes in Melbourne. Something you can keep in mind are: The experience of the instructor and their personal history in martial arts as not all kids Martial Arts instructors have all that much training themselves. It’s great if an experienced instructor also has some helpers from the adult class. This means extra attention for your kid, and it also means the teacher’s adult students are engaged in the community of the club and are happy to come help out. You might also think about what you value in teaching in terms of just fun and silliness, or if there is an element of decorum and if the teacher gives some attention to focus, discipline, and respect. It depends on what you and your kids value. Generally, it is important that a Martial Arts instructor keeps your kids safe, and genuinely wants them to learn. You don’t need to pay for kids martial arts classes for it to basically be another day care.
Hopefully this has given you a little more insight on what to look out for when you’re choosing Martial Arts classes for your kids or teens in Melbourne. If you’re in Melbourne, and you’re ready to get your kids into Martial Arts now, get in touch.