When To Begin Martial Arts Training

How young is too young to begin martial arts training? I started my studies at 5 years old. I don't remember a time when I didn't train. It was as much a part of my life as school and breathing. I wanted the same for my children so enrolled them when they were very young. It turns out, my perspective as a parent is much different than my perspective as a 5 year old. I remember being very focused and disciplined as a child. After observing my own children, I now realize that I could not have been. 5 year olds have extremely limited attention spans. They are also in the early stages of developing coordination. As a result, they tend to fall down a lot and lose focus quickly. I was forced to realize that martial arts for 5 year olds is little more than glorified play time. Actual martial arts skills and proficiency are years away. What martial arts training can provide young children is discipline and respect for authority. It gets them used to an organized athletic setting where they need to pay attention and follow the rules. As their coordination and attention span catches up, they will be ahead of other children who have not learned to focus. If this is the lesson you want your children to learn then starting them at 5 or 6 years old is fine. Just don't expect too much from them right away. Keep it fun or you may find them begging you to quit.