Martial arts for pre-juvenile?

[tkd4life]

I was wondering what you guys thought about martial arts for pre-juvenile kids? That is to say, the kids who aren't bad enough to get into serious trouble, but are on the pathway towards it. The kids who are on probation for something not too serious.

Our dojang has a program for it and I think it's wonderful. It's a little difficult to run class with them, but in the end of the 3 to 6 month period, there is always a really positive change. Many of them end up going to college or else just making something of their lives. Of course, it's not a 100% success rate.

What do you guys think about the idea?

[sirdarksol]

One thing you should note is that the younger the kid, the less impact the program should have.
I know a few people who started higher-impact martial arts at a young age and they all share one thing: severe joint pain. As I've said in other threads, the same thing happens in gymnastics, ballet, and other high-impact sports.
With martial arts, it's likely that the growing joints can't deal with the pull as a punch or kick reaches its full extension.

However, socially and mentally, this is an excellent thing. When I was helping teach kids' karate at the dojo, one of the kids was a pretty big bully and had an attitude. A couple of months at karate was beginning to turn that around.

The big thing is to teach the kids things like respect for the school, the teacher, and the fellow students, and to teach them to learn the different movements. The shapes of the techniques will follow. By the time the kids' bodies become strong enough to handle the impact of MA, they will know the basic techniques, and you've just got to teach them to use their speed and power.

[tkd4life]

Definitely. Yeah, we teach them respect for the school and instructors and fellow students, but also to respect everyone. The typical martial arts thing. But, what my question was, is do you think it's good to take these kids in? I mean, it's pretty much their community service.

Some people are like, "you are teaching kids who get in trouble how to fight better?" but that's because they don't understand martial arts.

[disgruntled]

I know a few people who started higher-impact martial arts at a young age and they all share one thing: severe joint pain. As I've said in other threads, the same thing happens in gymnastics, ballet, and other high-impact sports.

YES!!!! do to my own personal problems i really want to stress this point!!!!

i think that so long as MA is taught really stressing respect and control by a responsible person little bad can come of it.

[sirdarksol]

Originally Posted by tkd4life

But, what my question was, is do you think it's good to take these kids in? I mean, it's pretty much their community service.

Originally Posted by sirdarksol

However, socially and mentally, this is an excellent thing. When I was helping teach kids' karate at the dojo, one of the kids was a pretty big bully and had an attitude. A couple of months at karate was beginning to turn that around.

My answer.

This is also reportedly how Yamashita-Sensei got his start. He was such a huge troublemaker that the PTA asked a karateka to take him under his wing. The karate gave him an outlet for his anger and destructiveness.

[tkd4life]

Yeah. Unfortunately, we had to cut the program. Even though about 80% got better, the 20% that didn't, really affected our school. They stole money, disrespected the school, etc. However, the ones that it did help, are all doing very well

[disgruntled]

Originally Posted by tkd4life

Yeah. Unfortunately, we had to cut the program. Even though about 80% got better, the 20% that didn't, really affected our school. They stole money, disrespected the school, etc. However, the ones that it did help, are all doing very well

it is unfortunate that a few spoiled it for everyone.

[tkd4life]

Yeah, I mean, sometimes they really bullied our students, and the parents weren't happy at all, and then they stole money...

However, I had the pleasure of sparring them, which was a plus. I could take out my frustrations, haha. And for once, I didn't get in trouble for hitting people! haha

[danjutsu]

Here in the UK martial arts are encouraged in most schools and especially for some inner city schools with knife and gang problems. Teaching these youngsters is helping to keep them out of the gangs and also teaching them some real respect.

[disgruntled]

that is great. i would love to do work like that. i think that the best way to eliminate violence is to eliminate fear. when a kid feels safe there is no need to bring a knife to school.