So far so good. He got his uniform and took his first class. He was in soccer the past few years but he is not competitive. I think this will be good for him.
Anyone else involved with martial arts? Does it build up a child's self esteem as I was told?

By Emily7 on Thursday, September 2, 2004 - 08:04 pm:

It did for my brother & my cousin.

By Cat on Thursday, September 2, 2004 - 09:59 pm:

Both my boys are in karate. They started back in February and advanced to purple belt in July. They were absolutely thrilled to get that belt! They also get stripes on their belts about once a month and once they get four stripes they can test for their next belt. I feel the progress they make each month keeps them motivated to continue with it. Their instructor is really good with the kids and he uses students of his that are black belts and one brown belt to help him teach. He also like the kids in the class that are higher ranking (blue and green belts) to help out and teach (with lots of supervision to make sure it's right) the lower belts (white and purple). Robin even got to help "teach" some new white belts last week and that just made his day. I think it's been great for both boys, but especially Robin with all his issues. They're learning self control (slowly! lol), discipline and persistance. There are terniments they can participate in later so there is some competitiveness involved, but they're not forced to do it (yet--I suppose when they get more advanced they'll be expected to compete). My boys love it. I think your son will too. Good luck to him.

By Juli4 on Friday, September 3, 2004 - 08:34 am:

I was in Tae Kwon Do for about 10 years. quit when I graduated at 16. I Loved it. It taught me many many things and good characteristics. I highly reccommend it.

By Lauram on Saturday, September 4, 2004 - 09:43 am:

It's been great for my son. He's currently a red belt and has been taking it for about 15 mo. My youngest wants to do it too. Maybe next summer.... For my son it really helps him get his energy out after school. It also has helped with discipline and persistance. The self- esteem comes from being proud of his accomplishments. My son is currently on the "Dream Team" which is a very big deal. He is very proud and loves the challenges that that brings.