Martial Arts for Kids Are Not Your Typical Extracurricular Activity
As parents, we are always striving 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 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.
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 fairly 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, respect, and see growth in self-esteem and confidence as a result.
Although martial arts uses individually assigned goals, don’t assume your child will be flying solo; students still practice teamwork, support their peers and develop friendships.
Starting as young as three years old, your child can begin to capitalize on the many benefits that martial arts provide.
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:
FAQs
What Age Do Kids Start Martial Arts Classes?
Many studios offer introductions to martial arts as young as three years old; however, most locations do not start structured training until about age six.
When Can You Register for Karate Classes for Kids?
Martial arts for kids are quite flexible without a defined “season” like traditional sports. Most studios welcome registration at any time of the year.
What Types of Costs/Equipment Can I Expect 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 time period.
Which Types of Martial Arts Classes are Right For My Child?
Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and Jujitsu are typically the most popular choices for kids.
Irrespective of discipline, most studios will offer a trial class to ensure that your selection a good match for your child.
More to Explore
