A good first sport for a 4-, 5- or 6-year-old is taught to a group of children close to your child's age, by a coach or instructor who shows each skill before the children try it. Ask for a trial before you commit to a team sport or an individual one, and choose the sport your child asks to go back to.
Chung TKD in New Hyde Park teaches Tae Kwon Do to children ages 2 to 13, in three programs by age: Pee-Wee for ages 2 to 3, Children for ages 4 to 6 and Youth for ages 7 to 13. Grandmaster Howard Chung, 9th Dan, has taught Tae Kwon Do since 1970 and opened the school in 1984. This guide is by Master Chris J. Chung, 5th-degree black belt.
What is a 4-, 5- or 6-year-old ready for in a first sport?
A class made for children that age, where a coach or instructor shows a skill and the children copy it. A first sport asks a young child to listen to an adult who isn't you, copy a movement they have just seen, wait for a turn and try again after a miss. Your child doesn't need to do all four every time, and a class made for this age expects some of each.
If you aren't sure, a trial class will show you. Our guide to whether a 4- or 5-year-old is ready for Tae Kwon Do has a few questions to ask yourself first.
Should my child start with a team sport or an individual sport?
Either can work as a first sport, and neither suits every child. In a team sport, such as soccer, T-ball or basketball, children share a ball and play together toward one goal. In an individual sport, such as swimming, gymnastics, dance or a martial art, each child learns their own skills, side by side with the other children in the class.
Think about how your child plays now. A child who loves running around with a group may enjoy a team sport first. A child who likes to show you a new trick may enjoy an individual class first. You can also try one of each and see which one your child keeps talking about.
What should I look for in a sport or activity for a 4- or 5-year-old?
Look for the same four things in any program, whatever the sport.
- Grouped by age. Ask how classes are grouped, and whether your child would be with children close to their age.
- Taught by showing. Ask whether the coach or instructor shows each skill before the children try it.
- A trial first. Ask whether your child can try a class before you sign up, and whether you can stay.
- A next step. Ask what happens when your child is ready for the next class or level.
What should I watch for at a trial class?
Take these six questions to a trial class in any sport. You can answer each one by watching the class and your child.
- Is your child with children close to their age?
- Does the coach or instructor show each skill before the children try it?
- Does every child get a turn, or do a few children do most of the playing?
- When a child gets something wrong, does the coach or instructor help them try again?
- Does the coach or instructor learn your child's name and speak to them directly?
- On the way home, does your child talk about the class or ask to go back?
Where does Tae Kwon Do fit?
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art, an individual sport taught in a group class. At Chung TKD, a 4-, 5- or 6-year-old trains in the Children program with children close to their age and works toward each new belt at their own pace. Belt tests follow each child's own progress rather than fixed dates. Families have a seat at each belt test, and they also watch the school's in-house tournaments. Self-defense is part of class.
If your child would rather learn their own skills than share a ball, Tae Kwon Do is one sport to try. If you are choosing among martial arts, our guide to choosing a martial art for your child compares them.
Which class is my 4-, 5- or 6-year-old in at Chung TKD?
The Children program, for ages 4 to 6. A child who is still 2 or 3 starts in Pee-Wee. At 7, children move up to Youth, the program for ages 7 to 13. A child the staff think is ready can move up sooner, with the staff's permission. Our guide to what age kids can start Tae Kwon Do explains the programs, and our parent's guide to kids Tae Kwon Do by age covers each age from 2 to 13.
Can my child try a class first?
Yes. New families at Chung TKD start with two free trial classes, and a parent or guardian stays for both. Kids wear something comfortable, sweats or shorts. Our guide to how the two free trial classes work covers the first visit.
Where is Chung TKD?
Chung TKD is at 1527 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040.
How do we get started?
Start with the two free trial classes in the Children program. A parent or guardian stays for both. Book a free class online, and our Children page has more on the program.
Questions parents ask
What is a good first sport for a 4-year-old?
One taught to children close to their age, by a coach or instructor who shows each skill, with a trial before you commit. Whether it is a team sport or an individual one, choose the sport your child asks to go back to.
Is a team sport or an individual sport better for a 5-year-old?
Neither suits every child. A child who loves playing in a group may enjoy a team sport first, and a child who likes to show you a new trick may enjoy an individual class first.
Which class does a 6-year-old take at Chung TKD?
The Children program, for ages 4 to 6. At 7, children move up to Youth, or sooner with the staff's permission.
Is self-defense part of class at Chung TKD?
Yes. Self-defense is part of class.
Can families watch belt tests at Chung TKD?
Yes. Families have a seat at each belt test, and they also watch the in-house tournaments.
How many free trial classes does Chung TKD give?
Two. A parent or guardian stays for both.