Can anyone recommend a Martial Arts studio in the area for a 6 yr old?

Thanks...

DO NOT go to a store front facility. They charge upfront (essentially buying a belt) and go out of business with startling regularity leaving you empty handed. And stay away from Tai Kwon Do. They must have various types of black belts because I have never seen nor heard of a martial art that has so many 8 year-old black belts ("Jenny just got her black belt and she is only 7!")...all of whom I could snap in half with my weak arm. And they actually do break boards...which is a useless skill if one thinks about it.

Do go to www.iskc.com You pay as you go and it is the largest Shotokan karate club in the U.S. About 8,000 members. They sponsor 4-5 tourneys per year and the instructors are beyond reproach. Classes held in 75+ park districts around Chicago. All in all, they get my patented Clam Thumbs Up Award.

Unfortunately I must agree with Clam and it sickens me to do so.

Store fronts are belt factories plain and simple. The little GEMs are finishing up at the storefront place by Trader Joe's classes cost about $23.00/class. This year I was quoted a price almost $150.00 more than I paid last year. They want you to sign an automatic billing or pay for the whole thing up front.

Try to find a place that will let you go for a month or so on a pay as you go basis, just to make sure junior likes it. Classes involve tons of repetition and may become uninteresting very quickly.

They have fun there, however classes seem to be taken over by older children and some of the technique gets lost in the process.

It is very important that they are taught the proper technique from the beginning. Sloppy blocking and kicking is very hard to correct later on.

BTW we also tried the Super Star Karate place in Wheaton by the Rock n' Roll deli.

Don't waste your time or money there. Plenty of "structure" but after observing a class you will realize skill is optional.

What about that big place on Main in Lombard, near downtown? Seems like they've been there forever.

Thanks for the suggestions\comments.

We also went to the studio next to Trader Joe's - I think this is for Tae Kwon Do but it's a little unclear. I actually like the classes and my daughter really loves it there. However, they want you to go several times a week and the cost is much higher.

For now, I think we are going to stick with the park district for the iskc classes. It is a not as structured nor controlled as the other class - but cheaper and once a week. If she really ends up likely in, we'll re-consider the one next to Trader Joe's.

I think that studio has been there quite a while though. So, if anyone is sticking around there and really likes it - I'd love to get more feedback.