Is Your Child Ready To Join AKI Miami?

Is your child excited to re-watch the Power Rangers movie from this year? (Be honest: Are you a little excited, too?) Do your kids gaze longingly through the windows as you pass a local karate studio? Or maybe they’re just tired of the activities they’ve participated in already, and they — and you — are looking for something new to help them meet the one-hour-per day of exercise recommended for kids and teens. Fortunately, the first step in finding out if martial arts might be right for your child is very simple: Just ask them if they’re interested. Have a child who doesn’t know enough about martial arts to say yes or no to that question?

Consider taking them to the American Karate Institute to meet us and to observe a class. DO any of their friends tain at AKI Miami? Having buddies who train might make your child more interested in trying karate, judo, tae kwon do, mixed martial arts, or whatever their peer group is doing. Also, don’t let your child be discouraged if they don’t think of themselves as “athletic.” Martial arts programs are good for kids who like competitive or team sports, but they’re just as good for kids who don’t.

What martial arts styles do we offer at AKI?

There are hundreds of styles of martial arts and mixed martial arts to choose from. Mixed martial arts (MMA) doesn’t always mean dangerous cage fighting, either; it simply means that the style being taught includes two or more styles of martial arts. Some programs called mixed martial arts, karate, or tae kwon do include learning to punch and/or kick as methods of self defense. Kung fu is one of the oldest martial arts and focuses on strong blocks to prevent being struck. Others, such as aikido, focus on using the opponent’s strength and momentum to prevent them from harming you. Some include wrestling, and others focus mainly on kicks (such as tae kwon do). Some also train students in the use of traditional weapons, such as a bo staff or nunchakus, which are those two short sticks joined by cord that you’ll see in Bruce Lee videos. Many also focus on solo routines called kata, in which students practice a series of moves with an imagined opponent.

At the American Karate Institute, we focus on Mixed Martial Arts, which focuses on many of the above fighting styles mentioned above.

How do you know if your child is ready to join AKI?

At AKI, we recommend that kids start around 5 to 8 years old, young exposure is never a bad idea. We offer preschool or kids’ beginner classes, which get them moving, jumping rope, kicking a shield or the air, and learning how to focus and listen. Typically, we will tell you what age level we recommend, and will also evaluate your child privately or during his or her free trial class so we can tell you if your child is ready and which class would be the best fit for them.

What sort of safety concerns should I be aware of?

The most common injuries in the martial arts, according to HealthyChildren.org, are scrapes and bruises! Older kids may experience sprains or strains and finger or toe injuries — mainly due to improper technique. Also be wary of concussions, which can occur if kids strike their heads or are struck in the head. Whether your child engages in martial arts, soccer, football, or another sport, it’s a good idea to learn the signs of concussion and get your child checked by a doctor any time you suspect he or she has one.

How much time do kids martial arts classes demand?

Most classes tend to be 30 to 60 minutes in length. Class times for preschoolers may be just 30 minutes, while teens may train for over an hour. It is usually recommended that beginners practice 2 to 3 times a week, More advanced students will likely practice 3 or more times per week, especially if they are looking to advance to a higher level..

Contact American Karate Institute for 2 Free Trial Classes

At the American Karate Institute, we teach a way of life. Our Miami martial arts school has developed a well thought out curriculum that teaches more than just the art of self-defense. We delve deep into our students’ technique, skill set, intelligence, intuition and overall physical fitness. Contact us today if you’re interested in self-defense classes and schedule two free-trial classes!