I've trained and taught martial arts for 24+ years now and there is much in this thread that is sensible. In the end, find out what his motivation is; belts and ranking? competition? physical fitness? personal protection? philosophy? Then expose your son to as many as possible and see what sparks an interest. Some styles are better at this and some are better at that but it all comes down to what he is looking to get out of martial training. Forcing a discipline on him will only lead to frustration and turning him off to the idea of it. And while there must be some sort of tangible commitment to his study, there is no reason not to change disciplines or schools if it is not working for him.

My daughter and a bunch of folks we know take TKD from Master Kim. He was the Korean National Champion for 11 years as well as having a Gold Medal in TKD. He is simply amazing. He has a number of locations, I don't believe any of them are close to you however.

World Champion Taekwondo - HOME

Good luck!
Larry

I kind of wish he'd go back to fencing. It is a cool sport; one of the oldest martial arts. He has fast feet and good balance. Went from fencing to dancing. The problem with dance is that the program he is in requires constant class, practice, and rehearsals, 4 weeknights plus Saturdays. That doesn't allow him to do any theatre or high school sport, too many time conflicts. It is really meant for kids who want to be professional dancers or choreographers. I'm hoping he'll still dance one or two days a week.

My son (7) has been doing Tae Dwon Do since he was 4. He loves it, and I really like the school. They focus on the "whole picture;" discipline, respect, etc. I love that.

There is one heck of a fencing coach in the Portland area.

You guys that know your stuff, I'm curious what classes you think I should take. I'm about 6' and pretty thin, but wiry from a fair bit of rock climbing. I've been reading lots of stories lately about realtors being mugged or worse, and I'm starting to think it might not be a bad idea to learn some at least basic self defense. I know it won't stop every situation, but if I can get away instead of get dead, I don't care if they make off with my phone and watch!

Jiu Jitsu. I've been doing it for years and wish I had started when I was very young.

Krav Maga is perfect for confined spaces. I started out in TKD in my teens, I feel like I need to be in an empty warehouse to practice. Remember, even so called tough guys can't fight worth a damn. You don't need to be a master nor do you need to stay and fight, you want to "get out" as soon as possible, Krav Maga will give you tools to get out of 80% of situations in a month. Stick with it and you'll have the confidence in your eye that most people won't even bother you.

+1

A couple months in Krav Maga and you should be able to hold your own against most folks, especially the 'black belt' crew. KM or grappling is perfect for your needs. More focused on take down and submit rather than stand up fighting. Submit means the attacker either gives up, chokes out, or suffers a painful joint injury.

as above..
Krav Maga is about getting away,back up if down..
& inflicting pain..
my Ladies place has a plane & apartment mock up..
you sit down..and the trainers bust in / act up..
and it's on..
she LOVES it..

Rika

The American martial art, aka firearms. Find a good school like a derivative of Jeff Cooper's Gunsite.

The original Q was about a teen... I like Aikido for kids especially, because it's mostly defensive, and a lot of time is spent learning to fall and roll (my kids are klutzes). I've seen kids go to other MA and it's sometimes hard for children or teens not to develop a cocky attitude once they master the skill to a certain level. Because they know they can do damage - instead of just walking away. Never seen that with Aikido, again beause it's defensive in nature. But if somebody initiates a fight, I think Aikido is just as good at ass-kicking as the other arts.

I love Aikido, it's a perfect practice for a teen. Great choice.

Whatever your son decides, consider doing it with him. My oldest son started ATA Tae Kwon Do at age 5. after dropping him off for lessons and hanging around waiting for a month, I decided it looked like fun. Three years later my son and I both got our black belt at the same time, while my younger son was just a little behind. I was really disappointed when the boys moved on to soccer and baseball, and decided they didn't want to practice martial arts any more. Of course, that's when I had to learn about soccer and ended up as a soccer coach...

Gary

Quality time..........
 

I did the same thing with my son and later, my wife. My son and I trained and tested together for all of our belts thru 3rd degree black belt. After getting his 3rd, he got more interested in other things and only went to class sporadically. I kept on and after about 3 years got certified as an ATA Black Collar instructor. A great way to have quality time with your kids!

I have been looking at krav classes. Needed to find one and fit in my schedule guys. Thanks everyone!

I have my concealed permit and have taken gunsite classes. It's next to useless in most situations where a realtor has been attacked. If someone gets the drop on me in a closet, etc when I have my hands full, I'm going to have to fight my way to my gun and a clean shot. Why not just fight my way the hell out. Less paperwork to fill out if they are still breathing when it's all done.

I'll put my 2 Yen in on this ... Whatever style you'd choose for martial arts of any kind in some ways needs to suit your temperament and body style to a certain point. I would think that someone in this case who's young and also graceful from dance and fencing would do well in either Aikido or Jujitsu with circular movement and avoidance to find openings to attack.
Your Krav folks are more straight line smasher basher thinkers. Not a fan of TWD and it's sport form, it's fighting style to me is not realistic in real world situations. Japanese Karate styles of Shotokan are fine, a bit rigid possibly but certainly classical style which was "borrowed" from Okinawa. Okinawan is both hard and soft style karate that if taught correctly does not include spinning woopy kicking to the head and as well grappling without submission from my background.
Look for a true camaraderie of those there working with lower level students before class... that'll give you a concept of top down instruction and a non belt farm location.

My history.... Started in 1981, 1st degree black in 84, competed in the IIKA World champs in 95 as 4th degree and have denied advancement above 4th in that I am a student of the way and never a master. I could be probably 7th degree by now but such things are not important to my path. It is , however, a constant issue with my sensei but that's another story.

Darn, one of my son's good friends started studying karate recently and wants my son to join him. It would be great for them to do it together, and I think he'd like karate. But that dojo is totally inconvenient to us, like it would be over an hour's driving RT in rush hour traffic.

There is an aikido school very close to us, like walking distance. He will go watch a class there. As well as at the taekwondo school near us, and he is interested in visiting the nearby Shotokan karate school as well.

I would get a feel for the gym. Hang out and watch a few lessons. If you like what you see then bring your child in to try a class. You are interested in the people they'll be sparring with and the safety instincts of the instructor.

For me by far my best martial arts experience was at a fighting gym for boxing and mma. Lots of tats, loud and really obnoxious rap but the people were terrific, excellent work ethic and with no attitude or ego.

There is a less mature set of martial arts students that tend to hurt their partners. Generally young beginners with big egos who don't want to "lose." Young folk are fragile so be careful who you let them spar with.

Excellent idea to attend the class with your child, at least at the beginning.

If you've been to Gunsite, wasn't there the Weds lecture on the color code? I'm a bit confused...