Kids in Martial Arts

[abracanabra]

Kids who do martial arts really are disgustingly cute.

Not at all scary, however. I no longer believe that "I've been training since I was four, so I'm an ultimate bad-ass" line. Really? Up until about twelve, it's a waste of time except for self-esteem issues and wearing out some of their nervous energy.

Comments

[prof-vencire.livejournal.com]

I don't know. Back when I did the martial thing, there were a few 7-10yrs that were intimidating. Their moves were so sharp, their focus so absolute, their eyes so ruthless... I was impressed.

Besides, you know what makes being called in as a parent because one of your kids was involved in a fight at school?

Being told your kid flipped the other kid.

Sure, you're still "disappointed", but inside, you're rooting for him, self-defending innocent or bully.

[whatis42.livejournal.com]

Also, it's a lot easier to pick things up again as an adult when you did them as a child. Take me for example - I quit Tae Kwon Do when I was 10 or 11, and I found myself remembering all sorts of fun stuff during the 2 classes I could handle this Sept. before my knee made me quit again.

When you learn things really young, your body remembers them in ways you don't even realize. The habit sticks, even if the skills don't, so when you try it again you have a base to work from that true beginners don't.

Then again, that might not be true for everyone, or for all skills.

[prof-vencire.livejournal.com]

I agree.

I can still field-strip an assault rifle in under five minutes. Kindergarten was amazing.

I can't do some of the heavier tools, anymore, though. At least, not without going through the manual.

But an AK? Like tying your shoes.

[cutefuzzysatan.livejournal.com]

So what your suggesting is, have your kids try lots of different things, just in case someday when they're older, they need those skills again. Like reloading a cannon. Or maybe landing a plane. How about riding a bull?

Ooo, better yet - give them the Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook and start going through, page by page! Make it a family bonding experience.

I like this plan.

[prof-vencire.livejournal.com]

Every year, on their birthday, abandon them somewhere that they can only escape through using the skills they've picked up in previous years.

If you want to be soft, you can go with them, but only as an absolute worst-case safety-net.

[cloudscudding.livejournal.com]

Suddenly, all those "think of it as an adventure" experiences with my family make sense.

[prof-vencire.livejournal.com]

"Builds character"

[cloudscudding.livejournal.com]

Ooo, better yet - give them the Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook and start going through, page by page! Make it a family bonding experience.

Well, me and the better half already do this constantly, so I expect the as-yet-hypothetical kids will just join in.

[prof-vencire.livejournal.com]

Don't buy the boardgame.

Trust me. Not worth it. Kids or no.

[cutefuzzysatan.livejournal.com]

"Up until about twelve, it's a waste of time except for self-esteem issues and wearing out some of their nervous energy."

Not entirely. They do learn a lot and make significant improvements, but sometimes in different areas than adults. For example, Kayla was always very strong and flexible, but didn't really pay much attention to where or how she was hitting. Now, particularly as a HRD student, she's learning precision, and possibly more importantly, to *care* about focussing on precision. Adults tend to be more precise, and even if they aren't, often at least *know* they're supposed to be more precise :)

Course, then you get kids with real athletic ability, like little Ben, who were good to begin with and keep getting better. Disgusting. ;P

For some kids, though, it's just about the self-esteem or the discipline, as you say. Zach's a good example of the latter. The best example of the former, unfortunately is no longer training. Her mom stopped bringing her when we moved to the dojang from ECC. Grrrr.

Anyway, I vote Bella as "Cutest TSD Student of the Year." Madison won last year.

>Kids who do martial arts really are disgustingly cute.

[chad-valentine.livejournal.com]

Pedophile.

Re: >Kids who do martial arts really are disgustingly cute.

[utilitygeek.livejournal.com]

The other day, my girlfriend told me I was a pedophile. I told her that was an awful big word for an eleven year old.

[vhaln-zur.livejournal.com]

i don't know, you've got to pity anyone who'd mess with bella :)

[cloudscudding.livejournal.com]

Because she would not stop. Ten years later, they'd look up, and there she'd be.