beginner karate vs tae kwon do

[DealDemon]

Which one is better? Or is there other defence that are better and readily available? We live in the GTA area.
I want my son to learn some sort of self defense course, have fun and exercise at the same time. He's now 4 years old and I think ready to for structured learning.

Thanks for any input/insight you may have.

[mart242]

Mine is in taekwon-do. I really like the fact that they put a strong emphasis on discipline / self control, what to do with strangers (if they offer you candy..) and all. I don't know if it's the case in all schools though..

[hightech]

I would also suggest tae kwan do but as with all martial arts, it is only as good as the instructor. Make sure they follow the discipline first and only to use the taught skills as a last resort.

[pupazzo]

My cumpare's six year old kid does MMA. He made like 4 kids at his school tap out.

[IceBlueShoes]

I would also suggest tae kwan do but as with all martial arts, it is only as good as the instructor. Make sure they follow the discipline first and only to use the taught skills as a last resort.

HUGE +1 on the bolded.
In any case there are a LOT of other martial arts available. Karate and TKD are a bit more of the "well known" ones.
Don't forget things like Ju Jitsu, Ninjitsu, Aikido, Capoeira, Muy Thai, Krav Maga (sp?), Jeet Kune Do etc.... and within those are tons of "styles"...

[Bullseye]

Both my boys (4 and 6) are in Jiu jitsu, and love it. Kids naturally want to wrestle, not strike, so it's perfect for them. Also, it's probably one of the best fighting styles for self defense, as the focus is on ground fighting (where most fights end up), and on submission. My 6 year old is a yellow belt, and is good enough that the 8-9 year old kids on the street already know better than to play fight with him.

[DealDemon]

Both my boys (4 and 6) are in Jiu jitsu, and love it. Kids naturally want to wrestle, not strike, so it's perfect for them. Also, it's probably one of the best fighting styles for self defense, as the focus is on ground fighting (where most fights end up), and on submission. My 6 year old is a yellow belt, and is good enough that the 8-9 year old kids on the street already know better than to play fight with him.

how much does it cost for class like this?

[Bullseye]

Depends...they go three times a week for an hour each, and it's $80 each kid per month. You can go less times and pay less.

[carolina girl]

You live in Thornhill, so I would suggest Systema. It is a Russian martial art. My son has been doing Systema and Tae Kwon Do for 5 yrs (he is 11). Systema is self defense and lots of wrestling. The location is Glen Cameron. Cannot say enough great things about it.

[deblis]

What's a good class for a girl to take, I want my daughter to take a martial arts class?

[Bullseye]

Lots of girls in my kids jiu jitsu class.

[mart242]

Lots of girls in my kid's taekwon-do class.

[creamsoda]

Any comments on going through a public class (e.g. Parks and Rec) vs a private karate/ MMA / tae kwan doe school?
Is the extra money worth it for a young child to go the route of an actual school / centre vs parcs & rec?

[hunt3rshadow]

Any comments on going through a public class (e.g. Parks and Rec) vs a private karate/ MMA / tae kwan doe school?
Is the extra money worth it for a young child to go the route of an actual school / centre vs parcs & rec?

Parks and Rec public classes are just horrible. They teach basics and most instructors have no enthusiasm. Its basically straight from the book boring instructions.

I would definitely reccomend private academies for martial or combat arts.

[IceBlueShoes]

Parks and Rec public classes are just horrible. They teach basics and most instructors have no enthusiasm. Its basically straight from the book boring instructions.

I would definitely reccomend private academies for martial or combat arts.

True, but it might be a "cheap" way to try it and learn SOMETHING...