Training for children in Massachusetts?

[dianneg]

Hi everyone-

I am writing with a question about children's training. My 9-year old daughter is asking about karate alot lately. My area is yoga and when it comes to martial arts I am uncertain about how to direct her except to say that CST and silat are my natural inclinations for her to learn. However, neither are availabe in our immediate vicinity, at least to my knowledge.

So, my question to the tribe is 2-part:

Does anyone know of silat and/or CST for kids in the western mass area?

Where would you train your kid in martial arts if CST weren't available locally?

Grant it, she is exposed to influences from Rmax, Yoga and Sufism yet we would also like to give her the classroom experience but don't want to taint her with the false experience of purely physical martial arts.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

in peace,
dianneg :P

[Escort]

Dianneg,

I am probably the least qualified to give you advise, because I am obviously a litte far from the State of Massachusets, and I am neither a Martial arts Instructor, or familiar with Silat. I do have an 11 year old daughter that two years ago asked me for Sambo classes. My natural inclination then was Kenpo Karate, because that was what I was practicing. My current inclination is to teach her CST. She wants neither. The former she tried and the later she has no interest for; so I feel that her choice of Sambo is justifiable and as for CST, she is "not ready for" as is commonly said, or I have not found the manner to present the material to her by sparking her interest and motivating her.

To get back to you questions, I would say that if she wants Karate, then give it to her. (Or let her try it) Second: The Silat that you mention is, if I am not mistaken, a type of Karate. (Silat Practicioners correct me on this) In either case; are you refering to Karate and Silat as one and the same or different choices?

As for CST; there are hardly enough CST "schools" in the U.S. (NOT TO UNDERMINE the tremendous Tribe Network & Seminars) yet alone for kids! I recall someone asking about CST for kids a while back on the forum, and I believe Coach Sonnon answered that RMAX is also working on this, and something will appear in due time. Perhaps someone in your area will come to the call. I also think that as a mother you will have greater success in teaching your daughter the CST that you know, then I myself, especially with your background in Yoga. This (your instruction) would also be a good antidote to the "false experience of purely physical martial arts" while allowing her to develope the skills and joys that all children need.

Just my opinions; Good luck on whatever you choose!

[Connie Brown]

If she's asking for karate I'd ask why. Age 9 is not too young for the peer group thing; could some of her friends be into it? My daughters and sports was all about the socialization.

What I would do is call around to the karate places and get the vibe. See if you can find a school where the focus is on character/community/personal growth and not on fear/intimidation/look cool.

If I've learned anything from 3 gifted kids is that my role was to steer where I could to quality & safety while they followed their own noses. Took me to some pretty weird places and events as their interests came and went!

[Coach Flanagan]

Diane,

I cannot offer you any advice in specifc to martial arts schools for kids, However, I will say this. If you explore CST deep enough in your own personal practice, you should be able to approach the material off off the Softwork DVD with your daughter with relative ease. I recently was wrestling with my 8 year old cousin Ben and I would introduce drills from softwork to address things in my own movement that he wasnt able to perceive in the heat of the moment grappling with me. The challenge is of course balancing out softwork with the (playful) hardwork; though in my limited experience, much easier than one would think.

[wadem]

Hi Diane,

If you still want to find a school for your daughter, I could try to locate something in our area. I know a few folks in the Central MA area that may be able to provide some direction.

Kind regards,

[dianneg]

Thank you all for your kind advice. I will certainly explore the area with open eyes and heart.

My daughter's introduction to karate stems from her role in a 4th grade play-she was a kickboxer! She is always jumping and kicking around the kitchen.

Wade, any words of direction is much appreciated.

Wish us luck!

Thanks again,
dianne