Best, modern martial-art for children-

[Steve]

Many forms of karate and even tae kwon do have "open" tournaments one can enter.

That's true. Did I say otherwise? If so, thanks for the clarification.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Many forms of karate and even tae kwon do have "open" tournaments one can enter.

Yes, anyone can enter an "open" tourney, regardless of their style (or lack thereof). But some systems have competition "built in", and some do not.
Kids like to compete. Going to an "open" tourney a couple times a year is not going to be as much fun for them as training in an art that regularly engages in free sparring.

 

[crazydiamond]

Any MA which has a "mix" of striking/kicking and some grappling.

 

[drop bear]

Yes, it is, without a doubt.
But I'm thinking of kids. Most don't have that mentality. At least, not yet. Especially if they're average, shy or slightly withdrawn.

Nobody has it. You train it.

 

[Ironbear24]

That's true. Did I say otherwise? If so, thanks for the clarification.

No you're didn't. I was just saying this because some people spoke as if some arts have no competition at all.

It really depends on the culture of the dojo though and not so much the style.

 

[Steve]

No you're didn't. I was just saying this because some people spoke as if some arts have no competition at all.

It really depends on the culture of the dojo though and not so much the style.

Okay, but some styles really do have no competitive element. Some styles actually eschew competition. Fine, if that's your thing. But I don't think it's very good for kids.

 

[Dirty Dog]

No you're didn't. I was just saying this because some people spoke as if some arts have no competition at all.

O'Sensei specifically intended Aikido to have no competition at all.
So those people you speak of? They're right.

 

[drop bear]

No you're didn't. I was just saying this because some people spoke as if some arts have no competition at all.

It really depends on the culture of the dojo though and not so much the style.

Capoeira all roda. It is definitely a style thing.

 

[Ironbear24]

Okay, but some styles really do have no competitive element. Some styles actually eschew competition. Fine, if that's your thing. But I don't think it's very good for kids.

That's not my thing though. I really feel like things get lost in translation over the internet sometimes. My dojo competes but I get what you mean. Some styles don't, in my opinion that is wrong because competitive nature can help one get better.

 

[Ironbear24]

O'Sensei specifically intended Aikido to have no competition at all.
So those people you speak of? They're right.

So aikido can never go to a competition at all? Or is that a policy for his dojos?

 

[Monkey Turned Wolf]

So aikido can never go to a competition at all? Or is that a policy for his dojos?

Nothing is stopping them, but yes going to compete goes against the nature of the art.

 

[Buka]

Nobody has it. You train it.

Yes and no. You do train it, but if you have a child that grew up with brothers, especially if they're engaged in sports, and are used to rough housing with each other at home, that child first walks into a dojo with a completely different mind set and personal experience than a child that doesn't.

 

[Steve]

Yes and no. You do train it, but if you have a child that grew up with brothers, especially if they're engaged in sports, and are used to rough housing with each other at home, that child first walks into a dojo with a completely different mind set and personal experience than a child that doesn't.

While true, tying this back to the original statement, I think it's a bit of a stretch to say that wrestling isn't suitable for kids who don't have a rough and tumble background. Kids get involved in activities for all kinds of reasons, and you never know what's in a kid until they give it a go. Introverted doesn't necessarily equate to passive or timid.

 

[Buka]

You're right, it doesn't necessarily equate to passive. But it does more often than not.
In which case, or any case for that matter, I always recommend BJJ over wrestling to people I know who ask me about their kids. I also recommend it over Karate for their kids. and, hopefully, you know how much I love Karate.

I never said wrestling wasn't suitable for kids. I'm going with the OP on "best" martial art for kids. For me, it's BJJ. That's my opinion. It's where I stear the children of MY friends when they ask.....which they've been doing since I was in my late twenties.

 

[frank raud]

So aikido can never go to a competition at all? Or is that a policy for his dojos?

Only Tomiki aikido has competitions.