Anyone's kids do Karate or tae kwon do?

**ICanDream** · 09-07-2016 07:59

My two both do Taekwondo, DS is 9 and started first 4yrs ago, he is preparing for his provisional black belt next grading (adult proper black belt). DD has just started and will work through her kids belts.

They both go twice a week, DS sometimes three times. It is extremely physical - they do sparring, self defence and as they move through their belts patterns, one steps etc.

It is great for discipline, listening and following instructions - if they don't they are sat out of part of the classes and can have their belts taken off them for a week.

It's a big commitment if they want to really progress through, it's not enough just to do the classes once they start patterns etc, they really have to practice at home too.

We love it

**CMF** · 09-07-2016 11:07

My boys do taekwondo, they love it.
Ours is a bit pricey, but an excellent school, the leaders are very strict but still have a lot of fun with the kids. I needed them to be strict as my DS1 gets anxious around uncontrolled naughty kids (which there seems to be a lot of in after school activities!).
My boys do not fight and/or do tournaments.

I think I pay about $30/week for 2 boys once a week. Uniform was free to start. There's an insurance fee every year. Gradings start from $70 and go up according to belts, the boys are around $90/grading now. Grading is every 3 months but you don't have to grade every time.

I think it has helped with confidence. Definitely helped with strength. Actually my DS2 was diagnosed with joint hypermobility this week and his physio believes the taekwondo has helped him build strength, as although his joints are super hypermobile, he manages to hold himself up quite well compared to other hypermobile kids.

I would definitely recommend it. I'd love DD to do it too but she refuses.

**Freyamum** · 11-07-2016 12:55

Originally Posted by CMF

My boys do taekwondo, they love it.
Ours is a bit pricey, but an excellent school, the leaders are very strict but still have a lot of fun with the kids. I needed them to be strict as my DS1 gets anxious around uncontrolled naughty kids (which there seems to be a lot of in after school activities!).
My boys do not fight and/or do tournaments.

I think I pay about $30/week for 2 boys once a week. Uniform was free to start. There's an insurance fee every year. Gradings start from $70 and go up according to belts, the boys are around $90/grading now. Grading is every 3 months but you don't have to grade every time.

I think it has helped with confidence. Definitely helped with strength. Actually my DS2 was diagnosed with joint hypermobility this week and his physio believes the taekwondo has helped him build strength, as although his joints are super hypermobile, he manages to hold himself up quite well compared to other hypermobile kids.

I would definitely recommend it. I'd love DD to do it too but she refuses.

Sorry don't want to derail thread but how did you get the hypermobility diagnosis? I've been reading up think me and ds have but I don't think a lot of GP's know about it so not sure how to find a specialist?

**Shebes** · 11-07-2016 13:43

My son also has hypermobility which a paediatric physiotherapist "diagnosed". It was pretty obvious though. Karate has actually really helped with some issues he has had as a result of the hypermobility - ie has strengthened his wrist muscles.

**CMF** · 11-07-2016 14:27

Originally Posted by Freyamum

Sorry don't want to derail thread but how did you get the hypermobility diagnosis? I've been reading up think me and ds have but I don't think a lot of GP's know about it so not sure how to find a specialist?

GP didn't know much either, except he was aware of DS's previous joint injuries. GP referred us to a paediatrician who diagnosed, and then paed referred us to paediatric physio who also confirmed it.
We were also offered a rheumatologist to rule out anything sinister but both paed and physio agree there are no signs of anything untoward, so I didn't bother looking into that.

**mmaf** · 11-07-2016 16:40

My 2 do karate twice a week at $35/fortnight (so $8-$9 each per lesson). Both received free uniforms.
We've only been here 4 months but they love it.

**GlitterFarts** · 11-07-2016 20:41

Ok update - went for their free trial, then got told its $46 a week

how the hell do they justify that.?! And you have to be locked in for either a 6 or 12 mth contract. If anyone can help, im looking for somewhere on Brisbane Northside. I know there are other places that do it, surely i can find a cheaper place.