This was in USA Weekend Magazine this past weekend. I have a 6 y/o nephew who is in "karate", having just received his first belt (I don't know the color) and a 12 y/o nephew who is interested in starting some type of martial arts. I wondered what some of you martial artists thought of this in general. Your comments would be appreciated. 
USA Weekend Magazine
Issue Date: September 12, 2004
Kids
Which martial art's best?
By Linda Formichelli
It depends. Here's a quick guide to which style holds the most punch for your child.
With martial arts fueling the fun factor in kids' entertainment these days -- just check out Sandy the squirrel's moves on "SpongeBob SquarePants" -- it's no surprise that children are flocking to martial arts classes. In fact, almost half of all martial arts practitioners are between 6 and 17 years old, says the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.
Each art touts different benefits, from inner peace to self-defense, and can help kids in different ways. So which style is best for your child? We asked Jennifer Lawler, Ph.D., a second-degree black belt and the author of "The Martial Arts Encyclopedia and Dojo Wisdom: 100 Simple Ways to Become a Stronger, Calmer, More Courageous Person," to match personalities with martial arts:
THE BULLIED KID
The martial art: Aikido, a "soft style" art from Japan that uses the attacker's force against him
"In aikido you don't hit and punch, so you won't get in trouble for fighting at school. But you'll be able to defend yourself by using your attacker's energy and momentum against him. Also, aikido teaches you to have a calm and impassive mind, so teasing bothers you less, and you don't react out of anger and fear."
THE CHUBBY KID
The martial art: Tae kwon do, the Korean art of hand and foot fighting
"The repetitive kicks and calisthenics of tae kwon do really help the kid burn calories, as do the sparring and the bag work. And it's fun, so the kid doesn't feel like he's getting a workout. If he's overweight and out of shape, the child can start slow -- that's to be expected -- but as he gets in better shape, the demands will increase, and he'll have to perform more difficult maneuvers."
THE ILL-MANNERED KID
The martial art: Traditional Okinawan karate, which stresses respect
"In Okinawan karate, students are expected to perform certain courtesies, like bowing and not wearing shoes in the dojo [studio], whether or not they want to. The instructor may even remind children to thank their parents for bringing them to class! This structure helps children understand the importance of civility and to appreciate other people."
THE DISTRACTED KID
The martial art: Judo, dubbed "the way of gentleness"
"One whole class may be devoted to a single throw, which helps a child's attention span. The child doesn't have to memorize forms and break boards; she just has to learn the throws and then do them during randori, which is free-style sparring."
THE KID WHO NEEDS TO FIND INNER ZEN
The martial art: Tai chi, a style of slow, connected movements used to reduce tension and clear the mind
"Tai chi's flowing, stylized movements are like moving meditation. The '8-minute form' -- a series of connected movements that gives your whole body a gentle stretching and strengthening workout -- grounds and centers you and gets you ready for the day, or calms you and relaxes you for bed. Plus, many of the greatest martial arts teachers are tai chi practitioners."
USA Weekend Magazine
Issue Date: September 12, 2004
Kids
Which martial art's best?
By Linda Formichelli
It depends. Here's a quick guide to which style holds the most punch for your child.
With martial arts fueling the fun factor in kids' entertainment these days -- just check out Sandy the squirrel's moves on "SpongeBob SquarePants" -- it's no surprise that children are flocking to martial arts classes. In fact, almost half of all martial arts practitioners are between 6 and 17 years old, says the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.
Each art touts different benefits, from inner peace to self-defense, and can help kids in different ways. So which style is best for your child? We asked Jennifer Lawler, Ph.D., a second-degree black belt and the author of "The Martial Arts Encyclopedia and Dojo Wisdom: 100 Simple Ways to Become a Stronger, Calmer, More Courageous Person," to match personalities with martial arts:
THE BULLIED KID
The martial art: Aikido, a "soft style" art from Japan that uses the attacker's force against him
"In aikido you don't hit and punch, so you won't get in trouble for fighting at school. But you'll be able to defend yourself by using your attacker's energy and momentum against him. Also, aikido teaches you to have a calm and impassive mind, so teasing bothers you less, and you don't react out of anger and fear."
THE CHUBBY KID
The martial art: Tae kwon do, the Korean art of hand and foot fighting
"The repetitive kicks and calisthenics of tae kwon do really help the kid burn calories, as do the sparring and the bag work. And it's fun, so the kid doesn't feel like he's getting a workout. If he's overweight and out of shape, the child can start slow -- that's to be expected -- but as he gets in better shape, the demands will increase, and he'll have to perform more difficult maneuvers."
THE ILL-MANNERED KID
The martial art: Traditional Okinawan karate, which stresses respect
"In Okinawan karate, students are expected to perform certain courtesies, like bowing and not wearing shoes in the dojo [studio], whether or not they want to. The instructor may even remind children to thank their parents for bringing them to class! This structure helps children understand the importance of civility and to appreciate other people."
THE DISTRACTED KID
The martial art: Judo, dubbed "the way of gentleness"
"One whole class may be devoted to a single throw, which helps a child's attention span. The child doesn't have to memorize forms and break boards; she just has to learn the throws and then do them during randori, which is free-style sparring."
THE KID WHO NEEDS TO FIND INNER ZEN
The martial art: Tai chi, a style of slow, connected movements used to reduce tension and clear the mind
"Tai chi's flowing, stylized movements are like moving meditation. The '8-minute form' -- a series of connected movements that gives your whole body a gentle stretching and strengthening workout -- grounds and centers you and gets you ready for the day, or calms you and relaxes you for bed. Plus, many of the greatest martial arts teachers are tai chi practitioners."
