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Best Martial Arts Styles for Kids

By Jessica Militello

If you are looking for a martial art to enroll your child in, you may be wondering which style is the best for them to learn and have fun while still being appropriate for their age. Every martial art has a list of benefits and something to offer for physical health and self-defense, but if your child is going to begin their martial arts journey, they may as well take up the one that will make them the most well-rounded in any self-defense situation while equally emphasizing character development. Jeet Kune Do is a great martial art for any age and there are many benefits to starting your child’s martial arts journey in the art founded by Bruce Lee. 
Here are some of the reasons Jeet Kune Do is the best martial art for your child-

Learning self-defense for all situations

When Bruce Lee developed his ideas for what is now known as Jeet Kune Do, he wanted a form of self-defense that could work in all situations regardless of the attacker’s height, weight, and strength. Bruce took inspiration from everywhere including boxing, kickboxing, fencing, and even dancing. In a real-life self-defense situation, there are no rules, referees, or moves that are banned, so it’s best to be equipped to handle anything that comes your way in the interest of getting out of danger and getting home safely. Our tool kit includes punching, kicking, trapping, grappling, and weapon and we have a stance that is designed to keep an attacker from getting too close, while still using the tools you need to protect yourself. Your age, gender, or body type doesn’t matter in Jeet Kune Do; the art is for everyone and when kids start their training young, it certainly gives them an advantage in the event they need to protect themselves in a self-defense situation.

Bruce Lee as a role model for kids

Every martial art has some honorable founders and notable figures that are inspiring, but Bruce may be even more relatable for kids because he also used movies as a way to spread the art and share it with viewers. Kids can be hard to impress sometimes but showing them his movies and letting them see how great of a fighter he was will give them extra motivation to stick with their training. Bruce is an amazing role model and many of his ideas can help teach children discipline, self-control, and integrity as they grow up. Jeet Kune Do offers more than just self-defense, it is a vehicle for personal betterment both mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Learning to “be like water” on the training floor and in life

One of Bruce Lee’s most famous quotes is the idea of being like water, not only in Jeet Kune Do training, but throughout your life. Bruce talked in detail about what he meant by this in interviews and it’s an important aspect of Jeet Kune Do training- learning to adapt in an unexpected situation. Any time you are defending yourself in real life, you have no idea what your attacker might do and so it’s best to be as well-rounded as you can in order to get out of the situation safely. But really, life is exactly the same way and no matter how much we plan or stay organized, there will always be something unexpected happening at some point and instead of having a fixed mindsight that it wasn’t “supposed” to happen, it makes you more resilient to understand unexpected things may happen, we don’t always get the results we want in life, and learning to adapt and flow will add to your peace of mind that no matter what, you can really adapt to and handle any challenges that come your way. How many adults wish they would have learned this from a young age? Children learning this important message early on is a benefit that lasts a lifetime and can help your kids on the training floor and throughout their lives.

Learning for a lifetime

In the children’s program, we do have a belt system that rewards kids for their hard work and motivates them to keep training, but if they keep training until they get to the adult program, which they are eligible to do when they turn 13, there is no belt system because Bruce Lee did not believe in belts for Jeet Kune Do training. His reasons are myriad, but one of the most important reasons is that sometimes in schools, once a student earns their black belt, it can give the idea that they have learned everything and there is nothing more to know and can put a ceiling, in a way, on a student’s learning. Bruce wanted students to realize that there is always more to learn, always some way to refine and better yourself in training, and it’s good to strive to know more and constantly refine your art no matter how many years or decades you’ve been at it. This idea is also a great concept to take with you in life, by constantly striving to be better than the day before and learn something new throughout your life, regardless of your age or how much you’ve accomplished.

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My son has been training at New York Martial Arts Academy for a few months and absolutely loves it! The students learn to focus, follow directions and coordination all while having fun with other kids their age! The children also have discussions about topics such as discipline, politeness, respect, etc. If you are looking for a martial arts school that respects all students and works one to one with them to help them improve their form, look no further. I highly recommend New York Martial Arts Academy! Phyllis Trilivas | Queens Phyllis Trilivas | Queens's Rating
My son has been attending classes here for two years and I only have the best to say! He has learned so much and loves going each time which is a testament to the amazing coaches and staff. We will be going for years to come! Dimitra Stellatos | Queens Dimitra Stellatos | Queens's Rating
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My daughter and I couldn’t be happier with our experience at NY Martial Arts Academy. She is treated with respect and also shown how to treat others with respect along with learning important self defence which I’m sure will lead to boosted confidence in the long run. Such a great place for kids to attend! Kimberly Ross | Brooklyn Kimberly Ross | Brooklyn's Rating
My son has been attending NYMAA for over a 1.5 year and overall he has gained more confidence, discipline, and love his classes. We had the pleasure of working with many of their Sifus and they are all amazing. Special thanks to Sifu Chuck, Sara, Carlos, James and everyone else that my son has worked with. We started doing private classes and then switched to group classes. Great place to have your child gained discipline and learned martial arts. Marcia S | Astoria Marcia S | Astoria's Rating
I am extremely pleased with instructors Sifu James, Sifu Carlos and Sifu Dino. My son has participated in their classes for the past 3 months now. have noticed a great change in my son's school work and how motivated he is to come to class! They are the best of the best!!!!! Would recommend for all ages! Víctor Santamaria | Astoria Víctor Santamaria | Astoria's Rating
My daughter loves it here, and I can see improvements in her character. Lenny Lam | Astoria Lenny Lam | Astoria's Rating
I've been training here for almost 3 years now and it has allowed me to meet great people and form strong bonds with the people I train with. It's a great environment to learn martial arts because not only are you surrounded by good people, you also have a lot of fun training as the instructors tend to crack jokes throughout the classes. Great place get in a hard training session, and a real confidence booster as you will be pushed to your limits and be encouraged by the instructors and your teammates to continue despite being tired. Great instructors that know their stuff and will explain why we do certain techniques or drills a certain way. More importantly than that, it's great for personal growth as it also tends to highlight the more philosophical aspect of Bruce Lee and martial arts as a whole. mcgregor conner | Queens mcgregor conner | Queens's Rating
I have been a student at New York Martial Arts Academy for about 10 years and it is such an amazing opportunity to be a part of this school! All of the instructors are very knowledgeable and are always there to help you. You can tell that all of the instructors love what they do and they want to see us become the best version of ourselves, both on and off the training floor. The instructors and students at New York Martial Arts Academy have created such a welcoming and fun environment for anyone to learn martial arts in. I would definitely recommend training at New York Martial Arts Academy! Angela Gallo | Queens Angela Gallo | Queens's Rating
When I was looking for a martial arts to try, for the first time ever, I was very nervous especially starting at the age of 30 and not having had any prior experience. Starting from day one I felt comfortable with the trainer who was amazingly patient, had a positive attitude and didn’t make me feel self conscience about my inability to land a half decent kick. But after attending for many months I started to get the hang of it. The instructors here as well as my fellow students who I have the privilege to train with are top notch. The culture is amazing, you will never feel out of place and the teachers here are absolutely amazing, they will provide you with all the tools you need and all the attention you need to make sure you succeed and achieve your goals. I Highly recommend you check this place out! Dan B | Queens Dan B | Queens's Rating
I've been a martial arts practitioner for 12 years now, and have trained in different countries around the world. New York Martial Arts Academy has, by far, the best facilities of any school I've been a member of. The instruction is top tier as well. I haven't met an instructor here that doesn't have at least 10 years of experience. You can tell that they all really love what they do. Whether your goal is to get in shape and have some fun, fight in a cage, or defend yourself in the street, NYMAA will be able to accommodate.

One of the things that most impressed me about the school was the camaraderie between students. You won't find cliques here. Advanced students are encouraged to help newer members, and I've never seen anyone be disrespectful or intentionally try to hurt anyone else.

If you want to learn a skill that helps your confidence, increases your fitness, allows you to be able to defend yourself, and make some good friends at the same time, then I would de initely recommend checking out NYMAA.
eassae | Queens eassae | Queens's Rating
Growing up, I have always admired Bruce Lee's unique fighting style, so I was extremely happy when I finally found a Martial Arts Academy that based their instruction on jeet kune do. I have tried several different academies, and I can proudly say that none of them met the exceptional experience that I received from NYMAA. In here, the instructors, staff, and even students form a team based on mutual respect, creating a great atmosphere. I also love how the instructors pride themselves in teaching their students a new way of life rather than just self-defense. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is interested in seeking new opportunities to better their life. Elke Xenophontos | Queens Elke Xenophontos | Queens's Rating
Joining was the best decision I've ever made. It's an amazing workout that I genuinely look forward to everyday and I have never felt better.

I highly recommend the NYMAA to anyone looking to take martial arts for any reason.
Richard Boehm | Long Island Richard Boehm | Long Island's Rating