While there are more than 10 listing of Martial Arts Organisations in Bangkok, there are only a handful who cater their classes for kids. As we discovered, the earliest age for an  enrollment into a Martial Arts class is 4 years old. The types mostly skew towards “hard art” focusing on kicking and punching with the likes of Taekwondo or Karate being the primary martial art forms available for kids.

Quite limited there, for we would love to rather introduce the kids to the “soft art” like Judo or Aikido, as they are  non-aggressive and are very much focused on self-defense rather than being on the attacking side. Until those become available, we are pretty much stuck to the  “hard art” as current offering.

Spud was recently enrolled into a Taekwondo class for no other reasons than to be able to direct all of her excessive energy to something else that would tire her out while helping her adapt to some discipline. That, as well as the fact that not only I have always  thought that  kids look super cute in a martial arts’ uniform, they also tend to give out that impressive vibes with their coloured belts. Especially those who managed to attain their black belts at such a young age!

Spud had initially responded with a very strong “NO!” at the mere suggestion of her having to take up the Taekwondo class. We had to do a lot of convincing to just get her to try it out first. Good thing was, the Taekwondo Academy offered the first trial session for free and we were able to gauge how she took to it. Even though Spud strongly made her point that she “will never, ever go to a Taekwondo class, ever after this!” before her trial session, she seemed more perceptive to give another session a try once again after her trial. We insisted that she had to try it at least 3x before she tells us she doesn’t like it. Besides, we paid good money for it; she cannot just not go!

The little imp, despite showing signs that she had actually enjoyed her class very much, however, remained verbally committed to not going after her 2nd class. By the 3rd session, she was completely sold. She now goes to Taekwondo twice a week and can actually go to these classes up to 4x a week every month.

I have been quite impressed with the classes and the showcase of commitment from the instructors. I am also heartened to see the confidence of these young kids, with some taking on a leadership role in leading and helping out with the sessions.

Someday, this young Padawan is going to be kicking some serious asses with her black belt if anyone dares step on her toes. Big bad wolves and potential suitors who are a bully, abusive, jerks and cheat on their partners, beware!  She’s certainly one not to be trifled with.

 

Here is the  list of Martial Arts School in Bangkok for kids which I have come across during my research:

• Asia Pacific Taekwondo
• Thai Zendokai Karate
• Shaolin Kungfu Thailand