At this age, special karate academies start gymnastics and stretching classes for children.

Additionally, they develop the memory and attention span of the child, because these will be needed later for the formal training of karate.

In karate lessons, children will learn obedience and discipline. These qualities will be useful to them not only in the karate game, but also in life.

At this age, parents shouldn’t expect that the kids will realize the importance of training. Children in this age group aren’t yet able to take many things seriously.

By the age of seven to nine years, a child will begin to understand the importance of their karate classes. At this level, the child should be transferred to specialized courses in karate.

In European countries, as well as in the United States, children undergo an interview with a trainer who will supervise their subsequent years in the sport.

During the interview, the master will try to identify the child’s desire to practice karate, and most importantly, try to understand whether it’s time to practice seriously or if it’s still too early.

For some children, an exception will be made, and the learning process will begin before the age of six years.

A big plus is the enrollment of a child at an early age in connection with entering school.

By the age of seven, the child will learn independence and will be able to stand up for themselves. Thus, their adaptation to school life will be much milder.

You may also want to read about Kickboxing for kids.

The best age to start karate lessons for boys and girls

Karate is one of the martial art activities that’s equally suitable for both girls and boys.

Of course, the classic karate of Asian countries was focused on the male, but in the 21st century, there’s no such difference.

Girls can start karate earlier than boys

At an early age, girls are better at learning than boys.

According to research conducted by the University of Missouri, girls are significantly ahead of boys in their childhood development.

The research sample was made up of 300 children between the first and sixth grade.

Girls tend to thoughtfully, methodically and painstakingly master the fundamental technique of this type of martial arts. In this regard, kata and kihon are available for them from four years of age.

Boys lack concentration at an early age

On the contrary, it’s difficult for boys to concentrate on learning karate techniques at this early age, especially for hyperactive children, as their attention lasts a maximum of five minutes.

Therefore, instead of mastering the basics of karate, it’s better to focus your efforts on the physical training of your child.

From the age of six, parents can sign their boys up for a specialized class that focuses on studying karate techniques.

However, their intellectual potential will still be inferior to the female, up to age nine.

After this threshold, the boys begin to “catch up” with girls and become more successful.

It’s the result of merging karate with boxing, so it’s sometimes called “boxing with legs” or “karate in gloves.”

You may think that kickboxing sports are not suitable for kids, for a variety of reasons, so let’s delve deeper into this.

In this article, For Kids will outline the history, styles and types of kickboxing. We’ll look at what is the best age to start kickboxing for kids, and the potential benefits of this sport for your child.

We’ll also fill you in on the difficulties that your kid may encounter while playing kickboxing sports, and how to deal with those difficulties if they arise. Plus, we’ll educate you on how to choose kickboxing classes, a club and trainers for your kids.

Kickboxing for kids

Table of Contents

• 1. History
• 2. Styles
• 3. Types
• 4. Best age
• 5. Benefits
• 6.Disadvantages
• 7.Difficulties
• 8. Choose academy & Classes
• 9. Summary

Kickboxing history

Kickboxing is quite a young sport. It originated in the 1960s, at the peak of the popularity of Oriental martial arts such as karate, judo and Muay Thai.

At that time, there were many self-defense sports with different rules for fighting. Then, the idea of holding a tournament in which representatives of the different styles could participate came about.

The new kind of wrestling was first called full-contact karate, while “karate” was understood to mean any martial art. Adherents of traditional karate didn’t like the use of the name in this way, so a new term was adopted. “Kickboxing” was used first in Japan, then in the United States.

The first world tournament was held in 1974 in Los Angeles. Women’s competition was first included in the program in 1985.

Styles of kickboxing

1. Full-contact kickboxing

In full-contact kickboxing, opponents fight with each other at a professional level, while trying to earn points.

2. Semi-contact kickboxing

In semi-contact kickboxing, players learn all of the kickboxing movements, including self-defense routines.

Sparing is allowed, and the scoring system is based on successfully landing strikes with light contact only.

3. Light-contact kickboxing

Kids practice kickboxing in a controlled manner while wearing appropriate safety gear that allows for very light contact against another player.

4. Cardio kickboxing

In this type of kickboxing, there is no contact with a real opponent. Kickboxers perform kickboxing punches and strikes against an imaginary kickboxer.

Usually, this type of fighting takes place in a cardio gym class environment,. with music playing.

Types of kickboxing

According to the rules of kickboxing and the types of blows allowed in the game, there are two types:

1. American kickboxing

American kickboxing or full-contact kickboxing is based on karate, in which opponents are allowed to hit each other with punches and kicks, striking only above the waist.

At first, there were no rules in kickboxing as such. There were no limits on the force of the blows.

Headshots, sweeps, grabs and throws were allowed. The rules were drawn up over time, and throws and grabs, as well as the use of elbows and knees, were forbidden.

Athletes began to be divided into weight categories. The number of kicks for one round became regulated, with the kickboxer having to inflict at least eight strokes (now, it’s at least six).

These rule changes occurred because former kickboxers hardly ever worked with their feet, which contradicted the idea of kickboxing and reduced its entertainment value.

2. Japanese kickboxing

There are no serious differences between American and Japanese kickboxing. The differences are associated more with Thai boxing.

When Muay Thai penetrated Japan, it wasn’t preserved in its original form, but underwent some changes.

For example, in Japanese kickboxing, elbow strikes didn’t take root, as the audience didn’t like the frequent stoppage of fights due to injuries. The scoring system is also different.

What is the best age to start kickboxing lessons for kids?

The club determines the age at which children start kickboxing. Some kickboxing clubs accept children from five to six years and up, while others don’t accept kids until they’re eight or nine years old.

The approach to classes will be different for different age groups. For instance, younger children’s training focuses on general physical development and usually takes place in a playful way.

According to many kickboxing coaches, five to six years is the best age for kids to start kickboxing lessons.

Boys and girls: Is there any difference?

There is no difference between boys and girls when it comes to mastering the technique of martial arts and kickboxing.

Stages of kickboxing training lessons

There are four stages through which all kickboxers pass:

1. Initial training (usually from 10 years onward):​

During the first two years, children improve their physical fitness and become familiar with the basic techniques of kickboxing. Training includes outdoor games, stretching and elements of acrobatics.

2. Training stage (from 12 years)

Throughout the next three years, children continue to improve their level of physical fitness and begin to participate in competitions and training camps.

3. Skill improvement (from 14 years)

The lessons become more focused on kickboxing skills and styles. Kids improve their endurance, speed and reaction time, and the number of competitions increases as well.

4. Higher mastery (from 15 years)

By this time, the athlete will have begun to develop their own style. Their weaknesses and strenghts will be visible in their manner of combat.

Weight & age Categories in kickboxing

According to the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), there are different age and weight categories, for all sports played on tatami, which means “the floor of the fighting area.” The categories are organized as follows:

Younger Cadets Category

Age: 10 to 12 years old.

Weight in kilograms (girls & boys): 

• Less than 28
• Less than 32
• Less than 37
• Less than 42
• Less than 47
• Greater than 47

Older Cadets Category

Age: 13 to 15 years old.

Weight in kilograms (boys): 

• Less than 42
• Less than 47
• Less than 52 kg
• Less than 57
• Less than 63
• Less than 69
• Greater than 69

Weight in kilograms (girls): 

• Less than 42
• Less than 46
• Less than 50
• Less than 55
• Less than 60
• Less than 65
• Greater than 65

Juniors Category

Age: 16 to 18 years.

Weight in kilograms (men):

• Less than 57
• Less than 63
• Less than 69
• Less than 74
• Less than 79
• Less than 84
• Less than 89
• Less than 94
• Greater than 94

Weight in kilograms (women):  

• Less than 50
• Less than 55
• Less than 60
• Less than 65
• Less than 70
• Greater than 70

Benefits of kickboxing for kids

• Builds self-confidence and helps kids overcome difficulties
• Teaches techniques of self-defense.
• Improves kids’ health and physical fitness
• Improves response time, co-ordination, flexibility, balance and agility
• Provides opportunity for making new friends
• Like all sports, the main benefit for kids should be fun
• A good sport for hyperactive kids to get rid of excess energy
• Strengthen the shoulder girdle, the arms and the abdominal muscles

Disadvantages of kickboxing for kids

• Potential trauma, such as bruises, pain in both hands or head injuries
• Kids may be afraid of fighting, bruises and abrasions at first

Choosing the correct equipment and following the instructions will reduce the risk of injury.

These disadvantages won’t be a serious problem at the amateur level, but may increase if the child starts to play on a professional level.

Difficulties your child may face while playing kickboxing

• Kickboxing requires force and high speed, which may overload on the child
• The child may not be able to cope with the psychological burden of kickboxing
• A child may lose their motivation due to the long training process
• At the beginning of training, a child will usually get tired quickly, which often affects the learning process

Kickboxing classes for kids

Children’s kickboxing classes: Prices

The average cost of children’s kickboxing classes ranges from $50 to $120 for 10 to 30 lessons.

Many kickboxing instructors will charge, on average, around $125 a month for weekly classes.

The price of classes for kids may be 20 to 25 percent less than adults.

Your child will also need kickboxing equipment, such as boxing gloves, a mouth guard, a chin guard and headgear.

How to choose a kickboxing club and trainer for juniors?

This process will depend on whether you’re targeting a club or a specific coach.

Choosing a club

To get started, go to the first free lesson, or visit it as a spectator if the rules allow.

Be sure that the number of children in the group doesn’t exceed what is stated, and pay attention to the training process (such as the timing of the warm-up and stretching).

Search for kickboxing clubs near you to make it easier for you and your kids.

Choosing a coach

Read all the information available about the coach, including how much they prepare the athletes for competition or how much success their students have achieved.

Pay attention to how the coach behaves with the children. Keep a close eye on whether they’re watching the children closely at the general training session or not.

Ask other parents why they’ve introduced their child to this particular coach.

If the coach hasn

If the coach hasn’t had much success, look at their personal achievements. And of course, be guided by whether your son or daughter likes the coach.

You may also be interested in: Badminton for kids | raise your child to be a champion.

Summary

Kickboxing is a good sport for kids, as it’ll help each child develop perseverance, dedication, courage, self-control, a strong will and the ability to think tactically.

A child can achieve a high-performance standing and become a champion at an official level. Even if the child plays kickboxing at the amateur level, they’ll be fit and more self-confident than they would be otherwise.

References

• WAKO Tatami Sports General Rules [PDF].
• Kickboxing – Wikipedia
• World Association of Kickboxing Organizations
• Photo (1) Designed by asier_relampagoestudio / Freepik
• Badminton for kids