All guides
136 guides, grouped by style and topic.
Compare Styles
Which martial art suits your child?
Choosing a styleBest martial art for kids: an honest comparison for parentsTaekwondo, karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, kung fu, wrestling and kickboxing compared for children: what each one teaches, starting ages, costs, safety and which kind of child each style suits.
Choosing a styleBest martial art for a child who is being bulliedWhich martial art helps a bullied child most? Why grappling arts like BJJ, judo and wrestling are often recommended, what striking arts offer, and how martial arts build confidence alongside talking to the school.Choosing a styleMartial arts vs team sports for kids: which is the better choice?Should your child do martial arts or a team sport like soccer or basketball? How they compare for fitness, confidence, social skills, cost, schedules and the kind of child who thrives in each.Head-to-head comparisons
Style vs styleKarate vs Taekwondo for kids: the real differences, explained for parentsKarate or Taekwondo for your child? How the two styles differ in kicks and punches, forms, sparring, belts, competition, cost and class culture, and which kind of child each one suits.
Style vs styleTaekwondo vs BJJ for kids: kicking art or grappling art?Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu compared for children: striking vs grappling, self-defense, safety, belts and progress, competition, cost, and which child each one suits.
Style vs styleBJJ vs judo for kids: which grappling art should your child try?Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and judo compared for children: throws vs ground work, safety, belts, competition, cost and self-defense, plus how to choose between them.
Style vs styleKarate vs BJJ for kids: tradition and striking or modern grappling?Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu compared for children: what each teaches, self-defense value, discipline, safety, belts, cost and how to choose.
Style vs styleTaekwondo vs judo for kids: kicking art or throwing art?Taekwondo or judo for your child? Two Olympic martial arts compared for children: kicks versus throws, sparring, falling, belts, competition, safety, cost and which kind of child each one suits.
Style vs styleKarate vs judo for kids: striking or throwing, compared for parentsKarate or judo for your child? How a striking art and a throwing art differ in what children learn, live practice, falling, belts, competition, safety, cost and which kind of child each one suits.
Style vs styleJudo vs wrestling for kids: two grappling sports compared for parentsJudo or wrestling for your child? How the two grappling sports differ in throws, takedowns and pins, uniforms, seasons, competition, safety, cost and the kind of child each one suits.
Style vs styleMuay Thai vs boxing for kids: which striking sport is right for your child?Muay Thai and boxing compared for children and teens: what each teaches, starting ages, head contact and safety, fitness, competition, gear, cost and how to choose a good gym.
Style vs styleBJJ vs wrestling for kids: which grappling sport fits your child?Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or wrestling for your child? How the two grappling sports differ in takedowns, ground work and submissions, pace, belts, seasons, safety, cost and the kind of child each one suits.
Style vs styleKids MMA vs BJJ: which is better for your child?Kids MMA or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? What children actually do in each class, how much striking and head contact is involved, self-defense, safety, belts, cost and when MMA makes sense.
Style vs styleTaekwondo vs kung fu for kids: kicks and belts or forms and flow?Taekwondo or kung fu for your child? How the Korean kicking art and the Chinese martial arts differ in technique, forms, sparring, belts or sashes, competition, culture, cost and which child each one suits.
Style vs styleKarate vs kung fu for kids: what is the difference?Karate or kung fu for your child? How the Japanese and Chinese martial arts differ in movement, stances, forms, sparring, ranks, culture, cost and which kind of child each one suits.
Style vs styleKarate vs Krav Maga for kids: traditional art or self-defense system?Karate or Krav Maga for your child? How a traditional martial art and a modern self-defense system differ for children: what is taught, structure, belts, sparring, safety, cost and which child each suits.Age, cost and choosing a school
Practical questionsBest age to start martial arts: a style-by-style guide for parentsWhen can a child start martial arts? Typical starting ages for Taekwondo, karate, BJJ, judo, wrestling, kung fu and kickboxing, signs your child is ready, and what classes look like at each age.
Practical questionsHow much do martial arts classes cost? Prices by style for kidsWhat parents typically pay for children's martial arts in the US: monthly tuition by style, belt testing fees, uniforms and gear, contracts, and how to spot a fair price.Practical questionsHow to spot a McDojo: 12 warning signs of a bad martial arts schoolWhat a McDojo is, the warning signs parents should look for in any martial arts school, from guaranteed black belts to high-pressure contracts, and what a good school looks like instead.Taekwondo Belts
How the belt system works
Belt basicsTaekwondo belt order: every color, what it means and what comes nextThe standard Taekwondo belt order from white to black, what each color stands for, how geup and dan ranks work, and why your school's colors may look different.Belt basicsTaekwondo ranks explained: every level from first stripe to 9th danThe full Taekwondo rank ladder in one place: stripes inside each color, the ten geup ranks, poom for kids, the nine dan degrees, and the official ages and waiting times between them.
Belt basicsTaekwondo belt stripes: what the tape on the belt meansWhat the colored stripes or tape on a Taekwondo belt usually mean, how schools award them, and how stripes differ from ITF tips and new belt ranks.
Belt basicsHow long does it take to get a black belt in Taekwondo?Realistic timelines for kids and adults, how training frequency changes the answer, what the black belt test asks for, and how long the higher degrees take.Each belt, one by one
Belt by beltTaekwondo white belt: what it means, what's expected and what's on the first testEverything about the Taekwondo white belt: what the color symbolizes, the attitude instructors look for, the basics students learn, and what the yellow belt test usually includes.
Belt by beltTaekwondo yellow belt: meaning, expectations and the next testWhat the Taekwondo yellow belt symbolizes, the attitude expected at this stage, the techniques and form students learn, and what the test for the next belt usually includes.Belt by beltTaekwondo orange belt: meaning, expectations and what's testedWhat the orange belt means in Taekwondo, why many US schools add it, the attitude expected, the skills and form students learn, and what the green belt test usually includes.Belt by beltTaekwondo green belt: meaning, expectations and what's testedWhat the green belt symbolizes in Taekwondo, the attitude expected at this stage, the techniques and form students learn, and what the test for the next belt usually includes.Belt by beltTaekwondo purple belt: meaning, expectations and what's testedWhat the purple belt means in Taekwondo, where it sits in the rank order, the attitude expected, the kicks and form students learn, and what the blue belt test usually includes.
Belt by beltTaekwondo blue belt: meaning, expectations and what's testedWhat the blue belt symbolizes in Taekwondo, the attitude instructors expect, the kicks, breaks and form students learn, and what the test for the next belt usually includes.Belt by beltTaekwondo brown belt: meaning, expectations and what's testedWhat the brown belt means in Taekwondo, where it sits before red and black, the attitude and leadership expected, the techniques and form students learn, and what the red belt test usually includes.
Belt by beltTaekwondo red belt: meaning, expectations and preparing for black beltWhat the red belt symbolizes in Taekwondo, why it is the hardest color belt, the self-control expected, the form and skills learned, and how students prepare for the black belt test.Belt by beltTaekwondo black belt: what it means, the test, and what comes afterWhat the Taekwondo black belt symbolizes, poom and dan explained, what the first black belt test includes, the attitude expected of a black belt, and the forms and degrees that come next.Common belt questions
Belt questionsHow to tie a Taekwondo belt, step by step (with diagram)The standard way to tie a Taekwondo belt so the knot sits flat and the ends hang evenly, with a four-step diagram, tips for helping a young child, and how to fix a belt that keeps coming loose.Belt questionsPoom belt vs black belt: the red-and-black belt explainedWhy children under 15 wear a half red, half black belt, how a poom rank compares to a dan rank, and what happens when your child turns 15.Taekwondo Forms
What a form is
The 8 color belt forms (Taegeuk 1 to 8)
Taegeuk 1 · color belt formTaegeuk 1 (Taegeuk Il Jang): the first color belt form, every move step by stepAll 18 movements of Taegeuk Il Jang (Taegeuk 1) explained step by step, with a floor diagram, the Korean names, the meaning of the form, and the mistakes examiners notice most.Taegeuk 2 · color belt formTaegeuk 2 (Taegeuk Ee Jang): the second color belt form, every move step by stepHow to perform Taegeuk Ee Jang (Taegeuk 2), all 18 movements in order with a floor diagram, the Korean names, the meaning of the Tae trigram, and practice tips for the green belt test.Taegeuk 3 · color belt formTaegeuk 3 (Taegeuk Sam Jang): the third color belt form, every move step by stepTaegeuk Sam Jang (Taegeuk 3) explained move by move: knife-hand strikes, back stance, double punches, a floor diagram, the meaning of the Ri trigram, and what examiners look for.Taegeuk 4 · color belt formTaegeuk 4 (Taegeuk Sa Jang): the fourth color belt form, every move step by stepHow to perform Taegeuk Sa Jang (Taegeuk 4): all 20 movements with a floor diagram, spear-hand thrust, swallow-form strike, side kicks and backfist, plus the meaning of the Jin trigram.Taegeuk 5 · color belt formTaegeuk 5 (Taegeuk Oh Jang): the fifth color belt form, every move step by stepAll 20 movements of Taegeuk Oh Jang (Taegeuk 5) with a floor diagram: hammer-fist strikes, elbow strikes, side kicks and the cross-stance backfist finish, plus the meaning of the Seon trigram.Taegeuk 6 · color belt formTaegeuk 6 (Taegeuk Yuk Jang): the sixth color belt form, every move step by stepHow to perform Taegeuk Yuk Jang (Taegeuk 6): all 19 movements with a floor diagram, the roundhouse kick, single knife-hand twist block, slow low opening block and the backward finish, plus the meaning of the Gam trigram.Taegeuk 7 · color belt formTaegeuk 7 (Taegeuk Chil Jang): the seventh color belt form, every move step by stepTaegeuk Chil Jang (Taegeuk 7) explained move by move with a floor diagram: tiger stance, palm-heel blocks, scissors blocks, knee strike, horse stance and the crescent kick combination.
Taegeuk 8 · color belt formTaegeuk 8 (Taegeuk Pal Jang): the eighth color belt form, every move step by stepThe last color-belt form, Taegeuk Pal Jang (Taegeuk 8), explained move by move with a floor diagram: double jumping front kick, mountain block, slow uppercut and the two kihaps.Black belt forms
Black belt formTaekwondo black belt forms: all nine poomsae from Koryo to IlyeoThe nine Kukkiwon black belt forms in order, which dan each one is for, what each name means, the floor pattern behind it, and how they differ from the Taegeuk color-belt forms.Black belt formKoryo poomsae step by step: the first black belt formHow to perform Koryo, the first Kukkiwon black belt form: the pushing-hands ready stance, all 30 movements with a floor diagram, the meaning of the 士 pattern, and what changes from the Taegeuk forms.Black belt formKeumgang poomsae: all 27 moves step by step, with meaning and tipsKeumgang, the Taekwondo black belt form for the 3rd dan test, explained move by move with a walk-through floor plan, the meaning of the diamond mountain, and the details examiners look for.Black belt formTaebaek poomsae: all 26 moves step by step, with meaning and tipsTaebaek, the Taekwondo black belt form for the 4th dan test, explained move by move with a walk-through floor plan, the meaning behind the name, and what examiners watch for.Black belt formPyongwon poomsae: all 21 moves step by step, with meaning and tipsPyongwon, the Taekwondo black belt form for the 5th dan test, explained move by move with a walk-through floor plan, the meaning of the open plain, and the details examiners watch.Taekwondo Kicks
All the kicks at a glance
First kicks (white to green belt)
Beginner kickTaekwondo front kick (ap chagi): how to do it, common mistakes and drillsHow to do the Taekwondo front kick step by step, the snap and push versions, the mistakes instructors correct most, and simple drills to practise at home.
Beginner kickTaekwondo roundhouse kick (dollyeo chagi): step-by-step technique and drillsHow to do the Taekwondo roundhouse kick properly, how the pivot and hip turn work, the mistakes that make it weak, and drills for speed and power.
Beginner kickTaekwondo side kick (yeop chagi): technique, mistakes and how to get it higherHow to do the Taekwondo side kick step by step, which part of the foot to use, the mistakes that make it weak or push it off line, and drills for height and power.Beginner kickTaekwondo axe kick (naeryeo chagi): technique, flexibility and safetyHow to do the Taekwondo axe kick step by step, the inside and outside versions, how much flexibility it needs, common mistakes and drills to practise safely.Beginner kickTaekwondo crescent kicks: inside and outside crescent technique and drillsHow to do the inside and outside crescent kicks in Taekwondo, what they are used for, how they help flexibility and the axe kick, and drills to practise at home.
Beginner kickTaekwondo push kick (mireo chagi): how and when to use it in sparringHow to do the Taekwondo push kick step by step, why it matters so much in sparring, the mistakes that turn it into a weak front kick, and drills for timing and balance.Turning and sparring kicks (blue to red belt)
Intermediate kickTaekwondo back kick (dwi chagi): how to turn, aim and land itHow to do the Taekwondo back kick (spinning back kick) step by step, how to keep it on target, the mistakes that make it miss, and drills to build speed and timing.Intermediate kickTaekwondo hook kick (huryeo chagi): technique, uses and drillsHow to do the Taekwondo hook kick step by step, how it differs from the roundhouse, the mistakes that slow it down, and drills to build a fast, accurate hook.Intermediate kickTaekwondo double kick (narae chagi): the sparring kick explainedHow to do the Taekwondo double kick (narae chagi), the fast switching roundhouse used in Olympic sparring, plus the mistakes that slow it down and drills to build speed.Intermediate kickTaekwondo spinning hook kick (dwi huryeo chagi): step-by-step guideHow to do the Taekwondo spinning hook kick, how to spin without losing balance or sight of the target, the mistakes that make it miss, and drills to build it safely.Intermediate kickTaekwondo twist kick (biteureo chagi): the reverse-angle kick explainedHow to do the Taekwondo twist kick (biteureo chagi), the kick that strikes outward to the opposite side, with step-by-step technique, common mistakes and drills.Jumping and spinning kicks
Advanced kickTaekwondo jumping front kick (ttwieo ap chagi): technique and drillsHow to do the Taekwondo jumping front kick and the double jumping front kick from Taegeuk Pal Jang, with step-by-step technique, common mistakes and practice drills.Advanced kickTaekwondo jumping side kick (ttwieo yeop chagi): technique and breakingHow to do the Taekwondo jumping side kick, from the standing jump to the flying side kick used in breaking, with step-by-step technique, common mistakes and drills.Advanced kickTaekwondo jumping back kick (ttwieo dwi chagi): technique and drillsHow to do the Taekwondo jumping back kick, the spinning jump that drives the heel into the target, with step-by-step technique, common mistakes and safe practice drills.Advanced kickTaekwondo tornado kick (dolgae chagi): how to do the 360 roundhouseHow to do the Taekwondo tornado kick step by step, how the spin and jump fit together, the mistakes that make it fall flat, and drills to learn it safely.Advanced kickTaekwondo jump spinning hook kick (ttwieo dwi huryeo chagi): advanced guideHow to do the Taekwondo jump spinning hook kick, how it builds on the spinning hook, the progressions to learn first, common mistakes and how to practise safely.Advanced kickTaekwondo 540 kick: what it is, how it works and how to build up to itWhat the Taekwondo 540 kick is, how it differs from the tornado kick, the step-by-step technique, the progressions to learn first, and how to practise it safely.Kick higher and harder
Kick trainingHow to kick higher in Taekwondo: stretches, strength and a 4-week planWhy most Taekwondo students cannot kick higher, the stretches and strength exercises that actually help, a simple four-week plan, and how kids and adults should approach flexibility differently.Kick trainingHow to kick harder in Taekwondo: technique, strength and speedWhere kicking power really comes from in Taekwondo, the technique fixes that add the most force, strength and speed exercises, and drills to test your progress on pads and boards.Taekwondo Korean Terms
The Korean you hear in class
Korean wordsCounting to ten in Korean for Taekwondo (with pronunciation)How to count to ten in Korean the way Taekwondo classes do, with hangul, easy pronunciation and audio, plus the second number system used for forms and black belt ranks.Korean wordsTaekwondo class commands: charyeot, kyungye, junbi and the restWhat every command in a Taekwondo class means, how to respond, and the etiquette behind them: attention, bow, ready, begin, stop, return, kihap and more, with audio.Korean wordsTaekwondo Korean terms: the complete list with pronunciationEvery Korean word you hear in a Taekwondo class, in hangul with romanization and an easy English sound-alike: commands, counting, stances, blocks, kicks, and sparring terms.Karate
Karate for kids
KarateKarate for kids: styles, belts, kata and what classes are likeA parent's guide to karate for children: the main styles from Shotokan to Kyokushin, the belt system, kata and sparring, starting age, costs, benefits and how to choose a good dojo.KarateKarate styles explained for parents: Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Kyokushin and moreThe main karate styles a parent will find in the US, what makes each one different, which suit young children, and what it means when a school says it teaches 'karate' without naming a style.
KarateKarate belts and kata for kids: the belt order, what each test asks and how long it takesHow the karate belt system works for children: kyu and dan ranks, a common belt order, the kata learned at each stage in Shotokan, Goju-ryu and other styles, junior black belts and realistic timelines.KarateBeginner karate kata: the first forms children learn in each styleWhich kata do children learn first in karate? The beginner forms in Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Wado-ryu and Kyokushin, why Heian and Pinan names are swapped, what kata teach and how to help at home.KarateKarate sparring rules for kids: point fighting, contact and safety gearHow karate sparring (kumite) works for children: WKF point scoring, how much contact is allowed, Kyokushin knockdown rules, open tournament point fighting, the gear kids wear and the age sparring usually starts.Starting karate
Karate practicalYour child's first karate class: what happens and how to prepareWhat to expect at a child's first karate class: arriving and bowing in, warm-ups, basics, kata and games, what to wear and bring, dojo etiquette for kids and parents, and how to help a nervous child.Karate practicalKarate words for kids and parents: Japanese terms, commands and countingThe Japanese words children hear in karate class, explained for parents: greetings and commands, counting to ten, names for stances, punches, kicks and blocks, and what sensei, dojo, kata and kiai mean.Karate practicalHow much does karate cost for kids? Tuition, testing, uniforms and gearWhat parents typically pay for children's karate in the US: monthly tuition at commercial dojos and community clubs, sign-up and belt testing fees, uniforms, sparring gear, tournaments and how to keep costs down.Karate practicalKarate gear for kids: what your child needs and whenA parent's guide to karate equipment: the gi and belt, sparring gear such as gloves, foot pads, mouthguard and headgear, groin and chest protection, bags and what you can skip, with tips on sizing and buying.Karate practicalKarate home practice for kids: a simple 15-minute routineHow children can practise karate at home safely: a 15-minute routine with warm-up, stances, basics, kata and stretching, how parents can help, space and safety tips, and getting ready for a belt test.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
BJJ for kids
Brazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids: a parent's guide to BJJWhat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is, what kids' BJJ classes look like, the IBJJF kids' belt system, gi vs no-gi, safety, costs, benefits and how to choose a good academy.Brazilian Jiu-JitsuBJJ belts for kids: the IBJJF kids belt system, stripes and minimum agesHow Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belts work for children: white, grey, yellow, orange and green belts, the three versions of each color, stripes, minimum ages, how promotions happen and what changes at 16.Brazilian Jiu-JitsuBJJ gi vs no-gi for kids, and the gear you actually needThe difference between gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children, which to start with, how to choose and size a kids gi, rash guards, mouthguards, ear guards, and the hygiene rules every academy expects.Brazilian Jiu-JitsuYour child's first BJJ class: what happens and how to prepareWhat to expect at a child's first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class: what to wear and bring, how the class runs, tapping and safety rules, how parents should behave and the questions to ask the coach afterwards.Choosing and training
BJJ practicalHow to choose a BJJ gym for your child: what to look for and askHow to pick a good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy for kids: the coach and lineage, class structure, how rolling is supervised, safety and hygiene, culture, belt promotions, pricing and red flags.BJJ practicalHow much does BJJ cost for kids? Tuition, gis, gear and tournamentsWhat parents typically pay for kids' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the US: monthly tuition, sign-up fees, belt promotions, gis and rash guards, tournament entry and memberships, and how to judge whether a price is fair.BJJ practicalBJJ words for parents: guard, mount, rolling and other jiu-jitsu terms explainedThe jiu-jitsu terms children use after class, explained for parents: positions like guard, mount and side control, moves like sweeps, passes and escapes, what rolling and tapping mean, and common submissions.BJJ practicalBJJ drills kids can do at home: solo movements and safe partner gamesSafe jiu-jitsu drills for children at home: solo movements like shrimping, bridging, technical stand-ups and forward rolls, gentle partner games for siblings or parents, a 10-minute routine and safety rules.BJJ practicalKids BJJ tournaments: rules, divisions and what to expect at the first oneA parent's guide to children's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions: how kids are divided by age, belt and weight, how points and submissions work, techniques banned for kids, weigh-ins, gi and no-gi, costs and tips for the day.Judo
Judo for kids
JudoJudo for kids: throws, falls and an Olympic sport explained for parentsA parent's guide to judo for children: what judo is, breakfalls and throws, kids' rules and safety, belts, competition, costs and how to find a good judo club.JudoJudo belts for kids: belt order, kyu grades and how promotion worksHow judo belts work for children in the US: kyu and dan grades, a common junior belt order, stripes, what is tested, the national organizations that set the rules and how long black belt takes.JudoYour child's first judo class: what to expect and how to prepareWhat happens at a child's first judo class: what to wear and bring, bowing and mat etiquette, learning to fall, how the class runs, what parents should look for and questions to ask the coach.Falls, throws and competition
Judo practicalJudo breakfalls for kids: how ukemi teaches children to fall safelyWhat judo breakfalls (ukemi) are, the four main falls children learn first, why they matter on and off the mat, how coaches teach them step by step and how to practise safely at home.Judo practicalThe first judo throws and pins children learnThe beginner judo techniques most children learn first: foot sweeps, hip throws and shoulder throws such as de ashi barai, o soto gari, o goshi and ippon seoi nage, plus the first pins, and how they are taught safely.
Judo practicalJudo words for kids and parents: Japanese terms, scores and commandsThe Japanese words heard in a judo class and at tournaments, explained for parents: dojo commands, judogi and belts, falling and throwing terms, and scores like ippon and waza-ari.Judo practicalKids judo tournaments: rules, divisions and the first competitionA parent's guide to children's judo competitions: how kids are grouped, how scoring works, rules that protect young players, weigh-ins, costs, what to bring and how to support your child on the day.More Styles
Kung fu and wushu
Wrestling
Muay Thai, kickboxing and boxing
Striking sportsMuay Thai and kickboxing for kids: what age, how safe, and what to askA parent's guide to Muay Thai and kickboxing for children and teens: how they differ, what kids' classes involve, contact and safety, starting ages, gear, costs and how to choose a gym.
Striking sportsBoxing for kids: fitness boxing, amateur bouts and what pediatricians sayA parent's guide to boxing for children: the difference between non-contact boxing fitness and competitive boxing, how USA Boxing runs youth bouts, head-injury concerns and the AAP position, gear, costs and how to choose a gym.Self-defense systems and MMA
Self-defenseKrav Maga for kids: what children learn in self-defense classesWhat Krav Maga is, how kids' Krav Maga classes differ from adult training, the self-defense and anti-bullying skills children learn, safety, ranks, costs and how to check a program's quality.
Self-defenseKids MMA: is mixed martial arts a good idea for children?What kids MMA classes really teach, how they combine wrestling, jiu-jitsu and striking, rules for youth competition, safety and head contact, the right age to start and how to judge an MMA gym's kids program.
Self-defenseHapkido for kids: Korea's self-defense art of locks, throws and kicksA parent's guide to hapkido for children: what hapkido is, how it relates to Taekwondo and aikido, what kids' classes teach, belts, safety, costs and why many Taekwondo schools teach it too.Swords, music and harmony
Other traditionsAikido for kids: the gentle Japanese art of blending and fallingA parent's guide to aikido for children: what aikido is, its non-competitive philosophy, rolls and throws, what kids' classes involve, ranks, safety, costs and how it compares with judo and BJJ.
Other traditionsKendo for kids: the Japanese way of the sword explained for parentsA parent's guide to kendo for children: what kendo is, bamboo swords and armor, how scoring works, what kids' classes involve, ranks and gradings, safety, costs and how to find a dojo.
Other traditionsFencing for kids: foil, épée and sabre explained for parentsA parent's guide to youth fencing: the three weapons, how bouts and electric scoring work, starting ages, safety, equipment and costs, youth competitions, college fencing and how to choose a club.
Other traditionsCapoeira for kids: the Brazilian martial art of music, movement and playA parent's guide to capoeira for children: its Afro-Brazilian history, the roda, music and songs, what kids' classes involve, cords and the batizado, safety, costs and who it suits.For Parents
Every child is different
Your childMartial arts for kids with ADHD: what helps, which styles fit and what to askCan martial arts help a child with ADHD? What the research suggests, why structure and movement help, which styles tend to fit, what a good class looks like and questions to ask the instructor.Your childMartial arts for autistic kids: finding the right class and styleAre martial arts good for autistic children? What can help, sensory and social considerations, which styles and class formats tend to work, adaptive programs and questions to ask a school.Your childMartial arts for shy kids: building confidence without pressureCan martial arts help a shy or anxious child? How classes build confidence, which styles and schools suit quiet children, how to handle the first class, and the warning signs of a bad fit.
Your childMartial arts for 3 and 4 year olds: are preschoolers ready?Can a 3 or 4 year old do martial arts? What preschool classes really involve, signs your child is ready, which styles offer them, what to look for in a class, costs and when to wait.Your childMartial arts for girls: choosing a style and a schoolAre martial arts good for girls? Which styles girls often enjoy, mixed versus girls-only classes, self-defense, confidence, what to look for in a school and how to keep girls training into their teens.Your childStarting martial arts as a teenager: is it too late?Can a teenager start martial arts from scratch? Which styles suit teen beginners, what classes look like, catching up with younger students, self-defense, fitness and how to choose a school.Your childSafest martial art for kids: injury risk and head contact by styleWhich martial arts are safest for children? Common injuries in each style, head contact and concussion risk, how kids' rules protect young athletes, and the safety questions to ask any school.Training week to week
Training lifeHow many martial arts classes a week should a child take?How often should kids train in martial arts? Recommended classes per week by age and goal, how training frequency affects belt progress, signs of too much, and fitting classes around school and other sports.Training lifeKids martial arts tournaments: a parent's guide to the first competitionEverything parents need for a child's first martial arts tournament: types of events, divisions, costs, what to pack, what the day is like, how to support your child and when competition is not a good idea.
Training lifeMartial arts uniform sizing and care: a parent's guide to the gi and dobokHow to choose the right size uniform for your child in Taekwondo, karate, judo and BJJ, how much room to leave for growth, how to wash without shrinking, how to care for belts and when to replace gear.Training lifeMartial arts summer camps, birthday parties and after-school programsWhat martial arts schools offer beyond regular classes: summer and holiday camps, birthday parties and after-school pickup programs, what they cost, what to check and whether they are good value.
Training lifeMy child wants to quit martial arts: plateaus, burnout and what to doWhat to do when your child wants to quit martial arts: common reasons, the plateau after the first belts, how to tell a phase from a real problem, ways to rekindle interest and when letting go is right.Training lifeSwitching martial arts schools: how to do it and what happens to beltsWhen and how to switch your child's martial arts school or style: good reasons to move, what happens to their belt rank, ending a contract, telling the old instructor and helping your child settle in.For any style
Any styleHow to choose a martial arts school for your child (any style)A practical guide for parents choosing a martial arts school: matching the style to your child, watching a class, checking instructors and child safety, understanding costs and contracts, and the red flags to walk away from.
Any styleMartial arts trial class checklist: 25 questions to ask and things to watchA printable checklist for your child's first trial class at a martial arts school: what to watch during class, questions to ask about instructors, safety, belts, costs and contracts, and red flags.
Any styleMartial arts contracts: what parents should check before signingHow martial arts school contracts usually work, what to look for in length, auto-renewal, cancellation and extra fees, questions to ask before signing, and how to avoid getting stuck paying for classes your child no longer attends.Any styleWhat to bring to your child's first martial arts class (and what to leave at home)A simple checklist for a child's first martial arts class in any style: clothing, water, sandals, nails, hair and jewelry, what to eat beforehand, paperwork, how parents can help and questions to ask afterwards.
Any styleMartial arts belt tests explained: how promotions work in each styleHow belt tests and promotions differ between Taekwondo, karate, BJJ, judo, kung fu and wrestling, what children are usually asked to do, typical fees, how to help your child prepare and what to do if they do not pass.
Any styleBlack belt clubs and martial arts upsells: what parents should knowWhat a black belt club, leadership program or masters club really is, what it costs, the upsells parents commonly meet in the first months, and how to decide whether it is worth it.Before you sign up for Taekwondo
Getting startedIs Taekwondo good for kids? Best age to start and how to choose a schoolWhat Taekwondo really does for children's focus, confidence and fitness, the best age to start, how safe it is, and the green and red flags to look for in a school.
Getting startedHow to choose a Taekwondo school: what to look for and what to askA practical guide for parents and adults choosing a Taekwondo school: affiliations, instructors, class structure, contracts, belt pace, safety and the questions to ask on a trial class.
Getting startedHow much does Taekwondo cost? Tuition, tests, uniforms and contractsWhat families in the US typically pay for Taekwondo: monthly tuition, testing fees, uniforms and gear, black belt costs, and how to read a contract before you sign.Once classes start
At the dojangYour child's first month of Taekwondo: what actually happensWhat a beginner Taekwondo class looks like week by week, what to buy, how bowing and the Korean commands work, and how to tell if your child is enjoying it.
At the dojangDojang etiquette for parents: how to behave in the lobby and at testsThe unwritten rules of a Taekwondo school for parents: bowing, shoes, watching class, talking to instructors, and how to support your child without coaching from the side.
At the dojangWhat happens at a Taekwondo belt test, and how to calm the nervesA walk-through of a typical color-belt test, what examiners look for, what it costs, how to help a nervous child prepare, and what to do if they don't pass.Training
Training guides
TrainingStarting Taekwondo as an adult: is 30, 40 or 50 too late?What it's really like to start Taekwondo as a grown-up: finding an adult class, flexibility and injury risk, how fast adults progress, and how to keep going when kicks feel impossible.TrainingTaekwondo practice at home: a 20-minute routine for kids and adultsA simple 20-minute Taekwondo home practice routine with warm-up, stances, kicks, forms and stretching, plus how to adapt it for young kids, how often to practise and how to stay safe.
TrainingTaekwondo sparring rules and gear, explained for beginnersHow Olympic-style Taekwondo sparring is scored, what counts as a point, common penalties, how kids' rules differ, and which protective gear to buy first.