So tonight, after many test runs, discussions, and observed classes, and even visual approval from the wife that the level of contact is OK... I will be signing up my youngest for BJJ lessons in the 7-12 age class.
As someone who maintains what some consider unreasonably high standards for martial arts instruction, I've waited a long time to find an instructor that a) I would trust with my boy and b) teaches an art I think he could handle at his age, I settled on....you guess it my own BJJ school, where I am having a great time learning both sports AND traditional methods. The best of both worlds.
Having had at least a couple dozen arguments with my wife over the poor quality of martial arts schools in the area and around the globe (I'm easy to set off on a lecture about this whenever she shows me a coupon for free classes at the local karate schools), I finally had her watch a class. She winced, raised eyebrows, but ultimately found the idea of grade schoolers learning to grip fight and grapple cute and minimally acceptable.
To date, I've only taught my youngest some basic kung fu strengthening routines and of course, he's had a basic exposure to boxing from actual coaches to the point where he's got a nice little jab.
The post of this post...we cannot train together at class, because there is no interaction between the two age groups.
So, what kind of basic stuff can be practice together at home? I have been wrestling with this boy for many years now like any good father should. He considers himself to be a ninja already due to watching a lot of TMNT, something I'm trying to fix with real martial arts.
Taking it slow and careful here...anybody suggest any good home routines or drills for kids and dads?
Any thoughts are welcome.
As someone who maintains what some consider unreasonably high standards for martial arts instruction, I've waited a long time to find an instructor that a) I would trust with my boy and b) teaches an art I think he could handle at his age, I settled on....you guess it my own BJJ school, where I am having a great time learning both sports AND traditional methods. The best of both worlds.
Having had at least a couple dozen arguments with my wife over the poor quality of martial arts schools in the area and around the globe (I'm easy to set off on a lecture about this whenever she shows me a coupon for free classes at the local karate schools), I finally had her watch a class. She winced, raised eyebrows, but ultimately found the idea of grade schoolers learning to grip fight and grapple cute and minimally acceptable.
To date, I've only taught my youngest some basic kung fu strengthening routines and of course, he's had a basic exposure to boxing from actual coaches to the point where he's got a nice little jab.
The post of this post...we cannot train together at class, because there is no interaction between the two age groups.
So, what kind of basic stuff can be practice together at home? I have been wrestling with this boy for many years now like any good father should. He considers himself to be a ninja already due to watching a lot of TMNT, something I'm trying to fix with real martial arts.
Taking it slow and careful here...anybody suggest any good home routines or drills for kids and dads?
Any thoughts are welcome.