Involving your child in a structured sport activity from an early age may set him up for a lifetime of healthy habits. As with any martial art, kickboxing provides physical and mental challenges for children. Focus and self-discipline are enforced in most youth kickboxing programs as well as respect for classmates, opponents and self.
The differences between kickboxing training and other martial arts are in the style of kicks, hand techniques and stances.
The Facts
Junior kickboxing training starts as young as 3 years old at some schools. There are different approaches to teaching martial arts to children. Some schools focus more on fun and fitness, while others train your child to compete in age-appropriate tournaments. Visit a few schools and talk with the instructors about what to expect from their training before deciding to enroll your child.
History
Martial arts techniques continue to evolve, and kickboxing is an evolution of a combination of several martial arts disciplines. Becoming popular in the 1970s, kickboxing evolved from a desire for more full-contact fighting at sparring tournaments. Teaching kickboxing to children is a more recent trend in the United States, but has caught on quickly because of the high level of aerobic activity it provides, often in a fun environment.
Types
Each type of kickboxing is defined more by the rules of competition, as the fighting techniques continue to evolve over time.
Muay thai kickboxing, which originated in Thailand, allows elbow and knee strikes as well as kicks and punches. Head contact during fights is not allowed.
American kickboxing, taught in most kickboxing schools in the United States, is a combination of karate, muay thai and taekwondo techniques. Unlike muay thai, elbow and knee strikes are not permitted.
Considerations
Consult with your child's doctor before trying out kickboxing or any other new physical activity to ensure safety. Kickboxing can be a dangerous sport. Protective gear should not be considered optional, and should be included in your budget for training. In order to gain the maximum benefit from training, plan on taking your child to a minimum of two classes per week. As she progresses, more class time and tournament practice should be expected.
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