There are as many different styles of Martial Arts. The most popular are Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Jujitsu, and even Aikido, but there are still numerous styles and offshoots of the Major styles.
So what form is best suited for your kid and teach him/her about self defense?
What is important to consider is the method of teaching and training that your child will undergo. With Martial Arts training your child should learn to be and show self-discipline, self-respect, and self-esteem, along with the confidence and ability to defend themselves in a potential dangerous situation.
The Instructor/teacher is the key. I suggest that all parents visit several martial art centers with their children to observe the Instructor at work and how he interacts with the kids. Make sure you visit a beginner's class as well as an upper level class. To get a good idea on how your child will progress.
Questions you might want to consider asking yourself:
Does the instructor's philosophy match your morals and ideals? Does the teacher teach any beliefs that are against yours?Do you want your child to view this instructor as a role model?
Self defense classes are run like gym memberships, you pay for a certain length of time and may participate as often as you desire. There are often there are contracts where you need to pay for a certain amount of time before you can cancel the contract.
However with any sport there are hidden cost. In Martial Arts there are numerous skill levels that are equated to a belt rank. When the student is ready to advance to a new level or belt in their martial arts, a "belt test" will be performed. This rank test is almost always required that the student to pay a fee which can cost up to $45 up to $500 depending on the rank. Parents, make sure you inquire about these fees before making a decision on signing the contract since they can be very expensive.
Another cost is the required items to purchase. Some places requires you to buy a uniform while others all you need is clothes you can move comfortable in. Protective sparring gear are usually required in many martial arts especially when the student advances to advanced levels. These gear can however be expensive. Safety gear consists of Foot Pads, Hand Pads, Head Gear, Mouth Piece, Groin Cup, and optional Spar Vest. Don't forget about social trips or learning trips which also can be a cost for example competition trips.
Age is also something worth considering. Is your child doing well in school? Does he or she have a short attention span? What you really must consider is that your child most importantly needs his academics to be on a good level before pursuing a martial arts. Martial arts can sometimes take the focus out of a child and therefor may effect his school. However with students who have a good balanced in academics and general life, training in self defense usually improves the child's well being and social development.
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