When Should Children Start Martial Arts Training?

One of the most contentious topics for many martial arts schools is the age kids should be when first they start their practice. At AKI, we believe the student and the parent play the biggest role in this decision. While some parents think no age is too young — as long as the classes are tailored for tots — many others think starting a child in martial arts too early is a recipe for disaster. In most cases, this will come down to the child, the martial art, and the instructor, but there are other factors to consider.

At the American Karate Institute, we need to collectively work towards providing your child with a balance in their training and physical activities. This will be a key factor in well-being. However, consistently training rigorously is something that must come with age and is not advised for young children. Here are some thoughts on when your child should start training in the martial arts.