Martial Art/Combat Sport for Boys

**tony4100** · 06-02-2010 10:17 PM

My two boys are aged 8 and 10 have expressed an interest in doing some form of martial art or combat.

Not knowing much more than reading the sticky and searching this sub forum, I am not sure which discpline would be most appropiate for them at this age.

I would like them to do a bit more than self defence.

Locally there are kung fu an muay thai and the judo style classes.

Any suggestions welcome.

**comanight2** · 06-02-2010 11:27 PM

Judo has a curriculum and progression system (kinda like school). Kids like it because they can play judo very naturally (you remember wrestling as a kid?) and it also teaches them discipline. We have very good kids judo classes here though . . depends on the teacher. There are plenty of judo competitions for them as well as being useful for self defense.

Muay Thai... if they like it they will definetely be able to stick up for themselves and compete, but theres no set progression system (like, judo has a federation for UK that sets the curriculum, i dont think muay thai has anything like that). Not as easy to compete either i think because you need to do it for a while to be good enough to compete. Still highly recommend it though!

Kung fu - depends on the style. A lot of McDojo (money factories), I have never seen a kung fu competition advertised. Im no expert though! I just wouldnt recommend it, even for kids!

Also, check British Wrestling - Home for clubs near you. Every male kid ever born loves wrestling, even old ones like me. . . You can be guarunteed competitions and fitness if one of these schools are near you

**tony4100** · 06-02-2010 11:54 PM

[QUOTE=comanight2;388559]Judo has a curriculum and progression system (kinda like school). Kids like it because they can play judo very naturally (you remember wrestling as a kid?) and it also teaches them discipline. We have very good kids judo classes here though . . depends on the teacher. There are plenty of judo competitions for them as well as being useful for self defense.

Muay Thai... if they like it they will definetely be able to stick up for themselves and compete, but theres no set progression system (like, judo has a federation for UK that sets the curriculum, i dont think muay thai has anything like that). Not as easy to compete either i think because you need to do it for a while to be good enough to compete. Still highly recommend it though!

Yeah, I think that is what we may head towards. Might even have a crack myself!

Kung fu - depends on the style. A lot of McDojo (money factories), I have never seen a kung fu competition advertised. Im no expert though! I just wouldnt recommend it, even for kids!

Also, check British Wrestling - Home for clubs near you. Every male kid ever born loves wrestling, even old ones like me. . . You can be guarunteed competitions and fitness if one of these schools are near you.

The boys love wrestling, it seems they are constantly joined together in a half nelson or a leg lock ! Shame there are no clubs nearby.Thanks for the reply

**Klep** · 08-02-2010 11:19 PM

Considered Boxing?

Amateur Boxing Association has a club directory I think.

Much better value than most martial art $chools.

**scottbut** · 11-02-2010 01:34 PM

Stick with

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu(BJJ)
Judo or Wrestling
Muay Thai
and Boxing

Choose 2 different styles, for example BJJ and Muay Thai, or Judo and Boxing

**tony4100** · 16-02-2010 12:49 PM

Thanks for the repiles guys.

They want to go wrestling (ask him....no) so I will have a look for somewhere local and get a couple of leopard skin print leotards

**comanight2** · 16-02-2010 12:58 PM

woohoo! phone the bwa guys, they might know something - some clubs arent on the website.

**Odevans** · 16-02-2010 01:26 PM

BJJ and Muay Thai! A mind blowing combination.

**elmo322** · 20-02-2010 11:34 AM

Muay Thai is a lot of fun and very brutal with lots of variety and deadly combos! I have tried judo but prefer Thai boxing definitely although I would say you get injured far more in Thai boxing (I'm just recovering from an injury).

**SniperAlza** · 12-10-2011 08:56 PM

hi tony my kids done kickboxing till the got there black belt & the also done some goshin ju jitsu.. and they are thinking of Muay Thai and i am also thinking of taking up Muay Thai at 42...lol....think it would help with my weight lose and its on 3 times a week..qualty...atb Alza