Martial Arts for Kids Are Not Your Typical Extracurricular Activity
As parents, we always strive to find the right activities for our children.
Common extracurriculars may include soccer, gymnastics, dance classes or piano lessons. But what if none of these are the right fit for your family?
Which other activities can inspire confidence, instill discipline, and provide fun for your children? The answer for many is martial arts for kids.
We’ve rounded up 15 locations in the Kalamazoo area for kids to learn Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, or other forms of martial arts.
In this guide
Martial Arts for Kids Provide More Than Physical Benefits
The benefits from martial arts are numerous: karate and other disciplines harness energy into a positive outlet.
The physical benefits from martial arts are relatively well known: classes teach balance, posture, coordination, self-defense, and motor skills.
Equally important are the social and emotional gains from martial arts: children learn discipline and respect and see growth in self-esteem and confidence as a result.
Although martial arts uses individually assigned goals, please don’t assume your child will be flying solo; students still practice teamwork, support their peers, and develop friendships.
Your child can begin to reap the many benefits of martial arts as early as three years old.
Kalamazoo Martial Arts Classes
| Alliance AZO Martial Arts Training Center 1348 King Hwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Classes: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai |
| ATA Integrity Martial Arts 6860 Stadium Dr #101, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Classes: Taekwondo |
| Okinawan Karate 1837 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Classes: Karate |
| Snyder Dojo 670 Maple Hill Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Classes: Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling |
| Trinity Martial Arts – Black Tie Jiu Jitsu Kzoo 6480 Technology Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Classes: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Family/Kids Martial Arts |
Portage Area Martial Arts Classes
| Chung’s Black Belt Academy – Portage 626 Romence Rd #103, Portage, MI 49024 Classes: Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido |
| Dojos of the Risen Son 269-808-6484 Dojos of the Risen Sun teach classes in local churches Classes: Christian Karate |
| Lightning Kicks Martial Arts 161 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024 Classes: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, Mixed Martial Arts |
| Southside Dojo 8534 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002 Classes: Karate, Aikido, Jujitsu, Kendo, Kobudo, Arnis, Medieval European martial arts |
| Walker’s Tae Kwon Do 8675 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002 Classes: Taekwondo, GongKwon YulSul |
Classes in Surrounding SWMI Communities
| Aikido Institute Of Michigan 551 Michigan Ave E, Battle Creek, MI 49014 Classes: Aikido |
| Chung’s Martial Arts Academy 52362 N Main St, Mattawan, MI 49071 Classes: Taekwondo |
| Chung’s Black Belt Academy – Richland 9703 M 89 Richland, MI 49083 Classes: Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, HapKiDo |
| Kwang’s Taekwondo Academy 938 Columbia Ave W, Battle Creek, MI 49015 Classes: Taekwondo |
| SaBumNim Martial Arts Academy 10211 M 89, Richland, MI 49083 Classes: Hapkido |
Martial Arts FAQs
New to martial arts for kids? It can be tough to get started with a new extracurricular activity.
We’ve rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions to help parents get started:
Q1: At What Age Do Kids Start Martial Arts Classes?
Many studios offer introductions to martial arts as young as three; however, most locations do not start structured training until about age six.
Q2: When Can You Register for Karate Classes for Kids?
Martial arts for kids are quite flexible, and unlike traditional sports, they do not have a defined “season.”
Most studios welcome registration at any time of the year.
Q3: What Types of Fees and Equipment Are Required with Martial Arts?
Martial arts courses can include course fees, competition fees and uniforms.
Many locations offer discounted or free uniforms if you enroll for a specified period.
Q4: Which Types of Martial Arts Classes are Right For My Child?
Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and Jujitsu are typically the most popular choices for kids.
Regardless of discipline, most studios offer a trial class to ensure that your selection is a good match for your child.
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