Martial Arts Classes for Teens
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Martial Arts for Unathletic, Anxious 12YO Boy
June 2012
My 12YO son is significantly over-weight, inactive, unathletic and suffers
from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and anger issues. I'd like to
find a physical activity/practice for him that will give him exercise, but
also work on mindfulness, calming and building self-esteem. He would be
overwhelmed by anything too physically demanding or competitive. I'm
thinking a martial arts practice focusing on mindfulness or yoga classes
would benefit him. Would appreciate any suggestions for these activities,
or any other classes/groups you think might be helpful. Thanks very much
in advance!
Worried Mom
I'm not sure where you are located, but I highly recommend Hernandez Martial Arts in
Union City. This is the only Martial Arts school for children that I have found that
has taken the time and resources to develop a curriculum that is child based. The
owners have been in business for 30 years and over the years have changed to focus of
their teaching from how adults are taught to how to teach MA to children. They worked
w/a child psychologist to develop the best program to meet children's needs while
teaching Mixed Martial Arts. They focus on ''Common Sense Before Self-Defense''
Strategies while the friendly instructors develop students from the ''Inside Out''
through instilling Character and Values enabling students to do Better in School,
Behave Better at Home and Attain the skills necessary to be Successful in Life. Call
(510) 487-3790 or visit us at www.hernandezkarate.com for more information. Re: Yoga,
I do yoga w/my kids from an awesome DVD which is demonstrated by teen/tweens and are
30-45 mins long. It is called Shanti Generation Yoga skills for Youth Peacemakers. I
bought it on amazon.com. We give it 5 stars. Teaches inner peace (w/o referring to
religion), flexibility in an encouraging, calming manner. Good luck!
anon
I recommend Berkeley Martial Arts on Sacramento, http://www.berkeleymartialarts.com,
540-5425. Besides learning martial arts the kids learn self discipline, respect, and
self confidence. Master Thomas Brewer is very inclusive and promotes community. My
son has been attending classes for over a year and looks forward to it every week.
First class is free so come try it out. Hope to see you there. Mom to boys
I think Kuk Sool Won (Korean Martial Arts) in Berkeley would be perfect for
your son. He doesn't have to be athletic. The teacher, Master Brewer, has 2
sons of his own, and is extremely patient, while still being a good
disciplinarian. All the classes are mixed ages, so there might be 6 year olds,
12 year olds, and adults all in the same class. Everyone is respected. It's
near the corner of Sacramento & Dwight, near the Homemade Cafe.
heidilee
I think your son might get a lot out of the martial arts classes at Kuk Sool Won
(Sacramento near Dwight, in Berkeley). Kuk Sool Won is similar to karate, but
it's not just about self-defense. The classes at Kuk Sool Won are not at all
competitive (until the higher levels, when students can choose to compete) and
although it is somewhat physically demanding, the beginner classes are pretty
accessible. The teacher, Master Thomas Brewer, is great, and has just the right
combination of firmness and humor to keep the kids in line without scaring them.
There is definitely some focus on calming and mindfulness (for example, the
ability to stay still and listen without wiggling). My favorite thing about the
classes is that they are for all ages, so I can attend with my whole family
(though kids or adults can and do attend without other family members). When
there is some exercise involving partners, people partner with other class
members roughly their size.
Martial arts family
Sept 2010
Looking for a martial arts program for my 16 year old daughter. She's a beginner
but doesn't want to be a a class with young kids. She's not a physical person
(her description) and feels very awkward in sports but wants to try a martial
arts to build strength and improve coordination.
Cindy
Terri Giamartino is a female martial arts teacher with her own dojo
and school on San Pablo and 48th. It is very popular with teens (as
well as adults and young kids). Seems like more teen girls than
boys. Entry level teens work with adults. My kids and I have been
here for 7 years. I highly recommend it. skillsforsafeliving.com
In Alameda, there is a great (sincerely dedicated and fun) martial
arts studio that offers specialized classes just for teens and adults
as well as children. Here is the link to their well done website:
http://www.usakungfustudio.com/
parent of two
She may enjoy Capoeira, a Brazilian Martial Art. United Capoeira
Association in Berkeley has excellent, world renowned teachers. They
are located on the corner of San Pablo Ave/Hearst in Berkeley. Intro
classes are usually at 5:00. It is a very organic martial art that
includes music, singing, acrobatics, etc. She would probably be with
the beginning adults. The community is welcoming and often has other
events (movie nights, etc.)
My son started when he was 5, and is almost 14 now. He loves it and
has gained so much from the community.
google UCA Berkeley (I don't have the exact website).
Good Luck
Capoeira mom
August 2010
I am looking for a martial arts program for my son primarily
to help him be assertive (not aggressive) with his peers.
He's entering a new Middle School this Fall. I would like
to take a class with him (if possible).
Any suggestions?
Concerned Parent
Berkeley Martial Arts, also know as Berkeley Kuk Sool Won is great and
would be great for your son. I've been practicing there for over 11
years, and my son attended for several years. It is a very good
program for kids, which teaches good values including respect, self
discipline, self esteem, persistence, etc. The master instructor,
Thomas Brewer, has a great reputation with kids and adults. Check out
the reviews on Yelp. I believe you can get a free lesson to try it
out. Kuk Sool is a great martial art with great variety that makes it
fun and interesting.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/berkeley-martial-arts-berkeley#query:berkeley%20kuk%20sool
http://www.berkeleymartialarts.com/
Rocky
Aikido is a martial art where the goal is to end the
conflict without harm to the defender or the attacker. The
founder was specifically looking for a nonviolent path.
Watching experts 'spar' is like watching water -- it's
beautiful.
Not sure where you are but East Bay Aikido near Park St on
Leimert in Oakland is a lovely dojo, great leadership and
community. Aikido parent
You might consider Studio Naga, on San Pablo avenue. It's
open to all ages, and one of their goals is assertiveness
for kids (the theme of their summer camp this past June was
'Camp Courage' and my son got a very practical lesson in
what to do when a peer upset him!) Karen
April 2010
Would appreciate any recommendations for Martial Arts or Karate
classes for a 16yr old girl. She took some classes when she was
young but didn't pursue it. She really needs more physical workouts
combined with something that's fun and group activities to meet
others. Any ideas or places for classes would be great.
teen mom
My daughter studies Cuong Nhu at Hua Sen Dojo in Emeryville and
enjoys it very much. There are lots of women instructors and a
large cohort of teen girls in the upper (brown/black stripe) belts.
My daughter has been lovingly mentored by these now-high-school-aged
girls for years and has developed a lot of confidence from watching
them, being taught by them, encouraged by them, etc.
Most of the teens are in the upper belts, but there are ''family
classes'' where students who are above a certain age and/or belt can
attend (no little kids!). For more info, check them out on the web:
skillsforsafeliving.com
--Mom of little ninja
We have truly appreciated Hoa Sen Dojo on San Pablo at 48th St
(Emeryville) for 7 years. There is a moderately large, dedicated
group of sweet teens. The sensei is a fabulous woman, well-loved by
all. Drop by to watch the teens/adults Mondays or Thurs at 6:30.
www.skillsforsafeliving.com
BTW, I do it too, now.
Check out krav maga, an approach to self-defense/fitness that is a
little different from the better known ''martial arts''. Start by
perusing the website, kravmagaberkeley.com. There are lots of
different classes and different skill levels. Then you could call
and arrange for your daughter to attend a trial class or two to see
if she's interested. Classes are held 7 days/week. The instructors
and the students are friendly. My son has been training for 3 years
and loves it.
anon
Check out Studio Naga in Oakland/Emeryville border. The studio's
commitment goes beyond fitness and self defense ~ the instructors
follow the owner's vision of building confidence and community.
Classes are fun, challenging and available with the opportunity to
train up to 5 times a week.
There is a great mix of male & female instructors ranging in age from
15 - 50ish. The teens are great and come from Oakland, Berkeley &
Albany to train. They are smiling when class is over ~ their parents
are smiling when they pick them up...good stuff!
All students are mentored by black belts so training becomes a more
personal experience. My daughter has been training for 8 years, was
mentored by owner & head instructor Louise Rafkin, and is now
mentoring others.
Studio Naga
5850 San Pablo Avenue 94608
510.652.6242
www.StudioNaga.com
Cinthia
Nov 2007
My 13-year-old son has been attending a karate dojo for the past three
years, and enjoys it. I have become increasingly turned off by the head
teacher's teaching methods; he yells a lot, talks to the students about
''kicking ass'' and tells them to practice until they ''don't suck.'' I
understand that karate is a martial art and that it's tough, but I would
like to find an atmosphere that's a little more zen and a little less Army
boot camp. My son is not afraid to work hard -- he's in excellent shape
and enjoys his accomplishments, but I would like to see martial arts
taught and modeled in a more positive manner. Does anyone have
recommendations for a kenpo karate dojo in South Berkeley or North
Oakland?
peaceful mom
My son has been with West Wind Kung Fu-Karate in Berkeley for about 17 years and is
now Head Instructor at the Berkeley Dojo (University at Sacramento). I read your post
to him and he said there is no way anyone at West Wind would teach that way. We first
chose that school, when he was 6 years old, because they stressed the true ''art'' in
martial arts, and they incorporate the history and philosophy of the discipline in
their teaching, besides being top notch in martial arts skills. As one other student
told me, ''They are like the Harvard of martial arts.''
You can go on a tour of the school and discuss taking introductory lessons. Drop in
and ask for Mr. Shah. Or email me if you have more questions Barbara
Sept 2007
I am looking for a safe class, preferably in the
Elmwood/Berkeley area, for learning any of the martial arts
for a 14 year old girl. We are hosting her from Germany, she
is primarily interested in it as strength training, not
necessarily defense. Any recommendations are greatly
appreciated. Thank you.
yvonne
West Wind Karate at 1551 University is an excellent place
for women to learn martial arts. There are many strong,
amazing women in the system as inspiration and their
training is top notch. My son, ''Mr. Shah,'' is the head
instructor and he can set you up for a tour and answer all
your questions. Drop by.
Barbara
Studio Naga has a fabulous program for kids of all ages
(adults too)It is woman owned and run. Its phenomenally
supportive and everyone can work at their own pace. And it
is a wonderful community of people. It is in Emeryville on
San Pablo. www.studionaga.com 510.652.6242
Kyree
Class for a 14-year-old with engaging instructor
Oct 2002
My 14-year-old son wants to begin a martial art, and what's most important
is a dynamic and engaging instructor. We're looking for someone who's a
really good model/leader for teen boys.
Any suggestions for a top-notch teacher?
Lynn
My 7th-grade son has gone to Kuk Sool (Sacramento at Dwight,
Berkeley) for about 1 1/2 years and now is a brown belt in
this rather aerobic Korean-style karate discipline. Thomas
Brewer (known by his students as ''Sir'') expects excellence
from his students - expecting more as the kids advance in
expertise (it will take as long for my son to go from brown
to black belt as it took for him to reach brown) and
stresses values/discipline as well as the physical aspects
of karate. He also has been a good resource for our family
as an ''extra'' adult to talk to our son about discipline,
responsibility, etc. on a one on one basis. At 14, your son
may also be eligible to study with the ''adult class'' which
is quite mixed with teens. From what I see, its great for
teens to be learning with adults, who must themselves be
respectful to ''Sir'' and the discipline of karate.
Karen
We found an amazing martial arts teacher at the TaeKwonDo
Academy in Alameda. Dan teaches a class just for teens. He
teaches them respect, life skills, concentration, many
valuable skills. His focus in teaching martial arts is to
enhance the students self-esteem and respect for self and
others. I am so impressed with him. My son, who is not
athletic, has learned so much about how to do TaeKwonDo.
Even more valuable are the life lessons he is learning. I
spoke with several martial arts teachers before finding Dan.
He is everything I was looking for in a teacher.
Good Luck,
Patti
April 2002
I am looking for a martial arts class for my 14 year old.
Previously, he's gone to the Y kids' karate class, which is
MWF 5-6pm. I was wondering if anyone had personal
recommendations for other places around the neighbourhood
that might have more classes per week; I used to go to a
dojo that had classes 6 days. I've checked the web site,
but there's little mention of frequency of classes.
Must be sympathetic teaching style for a teenager and
within walking distance of Albany High. Maybe I'd go again
too if it would work for a very rusty middle aged mom!
Dana
Hello,
I can heartily recommend Golden Lion martial arts on
San Pablo near Marin. They teach tai chi and kung fu,
primarily the latter to their younger students. I took tai
chi there for over 2 years. The head instructor, Sifu
David Dong, is a wonderful guy, great with kids, and is
excpetionally talented.
Andrew
my daughter takes karate at the Northern California Martial
Arts Association in Albany. the karate for kids (6 and
under) class is 2-3 days a week. i believe the beginning
Adults (14 and up) have classes 3 times a week plus a
Saturday mixed rank class.
they are located on the Albany/El Cerrito border next to El
Cerrito Plaza but will be moving a little further north in
El Cerrito (still very close).
carrie s.
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