Martial Arts classes for 5 year old girl - Can someone explain all the varieties to me?

So my daughter has declared that she would like to learn "Kung Fu" but I'm certain that she doesn't know the difference between karate, tae kwon do, etc -- and neither do I! Can anyone here give me an overview and some clue what to look for?

Re: Martial Arts classes for 5 year old girl - Can someone explain all the varieties to me?

I would focus on a school/instructor that YOU feel comfortable with. DD won't know the difference between the styles. If it seems too aggressive for you, you won't want to bring her, and DD will sense that, and probably not like it. I personally am fine with DC taking the more aggressive styles, and both of them are in Mixed Martial Arts. I just bought 7yo DS some kickboxing gear, so in a week or so, he'll be punching and getting punched on the mat. He's also grappling.
4yo DD is in the same school, but since she's under 5, they focus more balance, coordination, listening to instruction, etc.
I've been going to the school for 10+ years, so I really like the instructors, and am very comfortable with them.

Re: Martial Arts classes for 5 year old girl - Can someone explain all the varieties to me?

My DH does BJJ (brazilian jiu jitsu) and thai boxing, he used to do tae kwon do and regular jiu jitsu. He said there are children enrolled in all sorts of classes where he goes, and its really good for self-discipline & respect, besides the physical benefits.

I would see what works with your schedule, I would go to a gym and ask to watch a class or 2, talk to them to see what would work best for your DD


Part of DH's father's day gift was a martial arts children's book he can read DD...she will definitely be enrolling when she's old enough

Re: Martial Arts classes for 5 year old girl - Can someone explain all the varieties to me?

My DH is a total martial arts nut and teaches a kiddie class (5-9 yos) in jiu jitsu. He can't wait to get DS suited up in a gi and start teaching him .

I don't know why but almost every mom of girls I know has gone out, paid megabucks for a package of lessons, uniforms, equipment, yaddayadda only to be told on week 2 "I don't like it anymore". Not sure if that happens with EVERY lesson-type thing at this age or just martial arts

So my rec would be to find either the CHEAPEST package you can commit to OR a facility that would let you "pay as you go" for a month or two before requiring a commitment.