How to handle a 5 year old in judo?

[KenpoTim]

Hello!

This week I entered my 5 year-old son in judo. He went to his first class and loved it! I am very excited, as I have been taking martial arts since I was a teenager and always wanted my children to get invovled.

The class meet 5 days a week. I am going to take Hagan twice a week.

I just wanted to ask how some of you guys have handled children and prevented burnout?

I know this is a broad question, but whatever you feel like sharing would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Abbax8]

First, congrats on sharing your love of MA with your son. Judo is a great activitiy for kids.

Second, my opinion, 5 days a week may end up being a bit too much for a 5 year old, but he will let you know if it is. If your schedule permits, have at it. If he seems to be getting bored, maybe cut it back to 2 or 3 times. There is no hard and fast rule.

Or- maybe he'll love it so much he'll need to do it 7 days a week :eek: .

Peace

Dennis

[starkjudo]

While I am not doubting you, 5 days a week is highly unsual for any Judo school i'm aware of in the Southeast. Having said that, I echo Dennis' comments above. Keep in mind that with the exception of unusualy cases, fine motor skills are far from developing in a five year old for judo techniques. Most five years olds i've seen are, as much as anything, getting gymnastics, tumbling and falling skills more so that throwing ability. Having refereed five year old in tournament, there is a lot of moving around and attempting stuff, one of them eventually falls down and if the other one is lucky, he may have moved in a way that had something to do with that fact - but by and large, it's incidental.

To sum, make sure he's having fun. If he gets bored with it, give him a little break, then let him have another go at it. Your primary foe with a child in Judo is burnout.

[TonyU]

It could be that he misunderstood the schedule.
There are probably classes offered 5 days a week, but not required to attend all. It's probably so there are options for the working students or children with other activities.

I would maintain the child on 2 days a week with the occasional 3 times as an extra.

[Chris Wade]

As Tony said, if you read the message, it looks like he means there are five classes but he plans on taking his son twice a week.

Two or three times a week is probably perfect. Monitor the classes. I think that burnout would more likely come from an instructor expecting too much from students or not making it fun.

I have a son who got into gymnastics around 5 or so. He is now doing competitive gymnastics (he's 8) and trains 8 hours a week. He loves going partly because the instructors always make it fun for them. He works hard, but doesn't feel overworked. Occasionally, we'll skip a class if it seems that he's having a tough week.

[KenpoTim]

And yes, classes are offered five days a week, and I was asking how many you would suggest I take my 5 year old to.

Hagan was born five weeks early. He has sensory motor problems that affect his balance, strength, learning abilities, etc.

I am hoping Judo will do much to help him develop and strengthen these weaknesses. I was so happy to see him get through his first class successfully!

They ran their butts off. Stretched. Started learning to back fall, started learning steps to do a leg throw, and did the "Scarf Hold". It was a lot of fun to watch.

Thanks!

[jabonn]

Tim what club are you taking your son to?

[Abbax8]

Enjoy the time with your son. Later, when he gets older, and bigger, the cuteness of the throws and holds he will do to you will wear off :eek: .

Peace

Dennis

[TonyU]

Excellent. You do know what the next step is right? When you join.

[KenpoTim]

Jabonn,

He is taking from Burt Beccerra in Garland, Texas. And TonyU, I would love to get involved. I have concentrated on striking arts since I was a teenager and would like to get exposed to something new!

Cheers!

[jabonn]

I would agree with Tony, the next logical step is for you to join Bert's club as well. Bert runs a great program and he is a great instructor.

Hope to see you and your son at next year's Lone Star Classic Judo or this year's Dallas Invitational. Even if he doesn't compete it a very good learning enviroment to watch other competitors perform throws.

Good luck and give us some updates.

[starkjudo]

I've met Burt and i've seen his students. Your son has a phenomenal opportunity and you've just opened a lifetime of opportunity to him. Good luck!

[KenpoTim]

Great to hear! I appreciate you guys giving me feedback. Mr. Beccerra seems to really have an outreach (what I would call a ministry) to those kids. The class is majority...super majority, hispanic and he really is a great role model to them all. Not to mention a role model to a young up and coming Pole!

[TonyU]

And TonyU, I would love to get involved. I have concentrated on striking arts since I was a teenager and would like to get exposed to something new!

Cheers!
You'll love it and you'll realize that it will complement your stricking nicely.