Wushu, Taekwondo, Aikido and Karate

[Scorpion]

Hiya,


Just wanna hop in to add some info, in loose point form, for those looking for martial arts classes....

Most CCs would have a variety of martial arts classes (especially big ones like Tanglin CC). The good thing about CCs is that you can view the classes prior to joining. Useful for giving some feel of the training, the instructors' characters, the other members (ie. any undesirable characters around), etc. Most important of all, you may be able to see your kid's reaction after he views it.

Many martial arts classes may allow a trial class before you decide whether to join although they may not advertise it, so its best to ask the staff (even some CCs classes allow this if you asked). These trial classes may be free or paid.

If you do come across a martial arts class which is secretive, ie. does not allow you to view the class beforehand AND does not allow trial classes, then my recommendation would be to go somewhere else. I think we should be allowed to view the product before we buy.

Do note that most martial arts classes (just as in most sports) require some initial costs - uniforms, protective gear, one-time membership registration charges, etc.

My cousin joined a martial arts class together with her kid, which they use as a kind of mother-son bonding activity. Parents get to exercise too. I felt it was quite a good idea.

Actually, I wouldn't worry too much about martial arts increases one's level of violence. In my opinion, not as much as soccer anyway - we often hear of violent clashes between soccer players and fans, but its hardly happened in martial arts events. Many martial arts nowadays have been so watered down that they have become just fitness or performance arts, without much martial element in them, making them safe for all. Many martial arts classes even advertise theirs as non-contact martial arts, or sparring-optional martial arts.

Here's an example of a martial arts gym which:

- Offers more than one martial art.
- Allows for paid trial lessons (although I feel that their trial is costly).
- Requires the purchase of uniforms and equipment if you join after trial.
- Has experience in handling kids (and the kids look happy there).
- Caters to adults too (so parents can join in instead of waiting in the wings).
- Is sparring-optional.
- Although not mentioned, I'm pretty sure they'll allow viewing of classes too.

http://www.zendokai-karate-kickboxing.com/faqs.htm

I've seen some forum posts with disclaimers, so I'd better do one too: I'm not associated with this gym in any way. I've never even been near there and I am not even necessarily recommending it - I just googled it out and mentioned it because I thought its a good example of what I was talking about.

[ouni]

t_mother of swc wrote:

Anyone can recommend a place for Aikido in the north, bishan area with patient instructors?


I was also looking around. Seems like only got Bishan CC on Tues evening or Aikiforest at Serangoon private estate area on weekends. Not tried any yet. Son is currently doing Aikido at his childcare but moving out at end of yr to enter P1.

Try Bishan Heights RC at Blk 288 Bishan St 24. Coaches from http://www.elitewushu.com

[Imami]

Any folks sending their kid’s for aikido grading this nov?

[Ninjago]

Hi Imami,

My son does aikido in-house childcare so grading carried out there.
Can ask where do you send your child for aikido and is it good for him/her? Am still considering pros/cons of continuing after he leaves current childcare for P1 - time commitment as he also has swimming classes… Any advice?Thanks in advance.

[Furrydice]

Hi,

I need some advice. I am planning to let my DS which is 6 yrs old, is it a suitable age for him to learn taekwondo at this age?
I m planning to let him learn at a nearby CC and the class duration is 2hrs.
Pls advice! Thx!

[ahkeong]

am quite keen to bring my DS who just turns 6 to a wing chun school…


he basically has too much energy and i would rather he channel it to something useful…

[AdonciaTang]

ahkeong:

am quite keen to bring my DS who just turns 6 to a wing chun school..


he basically has too much energy and i would rather he channel it to something useful..

Same here. Any recommendation? I want my boys to have some activities rather then staying at home watching tv. Younger son said that how he wish he can bring the TV at home with him at all times.

[Active Gurl]

Hi, juz asking for some advice!

What is a suitable age to start learning Wushu at a CC?
Hope someone can help!
Thankzz!!

[AdonciaTang]

Active Gurl:

Hi, juz asking for some advice!

What is a suitable age to start learning Wushu at a CC?
Hope someone can help!
Thankzz!!

I think maybe around 6-7 years old? My son started taekwondo when he was 7 i think.

[notfreemom]

Can start at age 6. My boy started at this age.