I have a son who needs an output for all his energy. He is very active, energetic, and physical, and I am thinking karate might be a great way for him to express his enthusiasm in a healthy way. Does anyone have any input on if karate is beneficial for kids?

My mom enrolled me and my sister in karate when we were little kids, and we loved it. I did it all through school and it helped me focus on my homework and get better grades. I think karate was the perfect activity for us.

My son is new to karate (Taekwondo) and I was wondering if anyone knew of any other benefits to karate in general

Please see our "Benefits of Karate" article. This could be helpful on this topic.

Karate is a very healthy way to express energy. The kids I see at my dojo seem very well-mannered and disciplined; I think it's a very constructive way to teach respect and discipline.

Karate is from Japan, Tae Kwon Do is from Korea.  Please get in the habit for calling it what it is.    Thank you!

Becky78,

i am 14 years old.

Karate is definitly beneficial for kids, 

I have been doing karate since i was nine and it has greatly improved my focus and discipline at school. (I suffer from ADHD).

It helps release energy and the meditation period before and after class helps you to focus and remain calm.

You should definitly consider allowing your son to join karate,

Best wishes; Nat :)

In my former school where I was a trainer myself, too, I told the kids that if you don't know how to behave in real life, do as you're taught in the dojo. That usually works.

On the other hand, I also don't like when parents bring the children to the dojo not to learn Martial arts, but behaviour. What an idea is THAT anyway?