Help me convince my son to take Judo.

**RhinoUP** · Posted On: 8/20/2012 10:31am

While I’m sure this is the last place I should be looking for parental advice…you guys haven’t steered me wrong yet so I’m gonna give this a shot. I’ve got a 5 year old son and I really want get him into Judo classes. We went and observed on at my school the other day, and the class is exactly what I was looking for, good discipline, positive reinforcement. Problem is that my son is very shy/insecure and doesn’t want to go into the class. I know once he gets over his fear, he will love it as he is always trying to wrestle with me and loves to hit the heavy bag. Do you guys have any tips on convincing an extremely stubborn kid to try something new?

**itwasntme** · Posted On: 8/20/2012 10:40am

Tell him Judo or extra chores. But seriously, is there a place he loves to go? Chuck E Cheese, an arcade, something like that. Compromise.

Alternately, be the parent and tell him he doesn't have a choice.

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 8/20/2012 10:48am

He's too young.

**RhinoUP** · Posted On: 8/20/2012 10:53am

Originally Posted by Omega Supreme

He's too young.

I was beginning to think that.

**patfromlogan** · Posted On: 8/20/2012 11:04am

At that age a kiddie tumbling class might be OK?

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 8/20/2012 11:06am

Originally Posted by patfromlogan

At that age a kiddie tumbling class might be OK?

This would be my suggestion.

**Ming Loyalist** · Posted On: 8/20/2012 11:07am

Originally Posted by Omega Supreme

He's too young.

exactly, some five year olds are ready for judo and some aren't. sounds like he may need a bit more time.

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 8/20/2012 11:09am

For the record I've taught kids younger than 3. I wouldn't let my daughter, who now has aspirations of going to the Olympics in Judo and can throw full grown men with O-goshi, do Judo when she was that young.

*Edit: I mean 3 year old....I wouldn't teach them Judo that young. Ming touched on my initial meaning. Tumbling will give him some confidence and some sense of structure. Either that or just drop him off and leave the room if you trust the instructor.

**RhinoUP** · Posted On: 8/20/2012 11:18am

Well. The judo class that we observed was mostly stretching, tumbling and rope climbing. I think he might not be ready, but I'd love to see him get into it. Some of those 5 year olds were great tumblers already.