US Hwa Rang Kwan
Starting ages can differ from school to school. At US Hwa Rang Kwan, Kumdo classes are for students 7 years and older. Under the Korea Kumdo Association's rules, children under 12 start at 9th geup, can earn a junior dan from age 9, and can hold a regular 1st dan from age 13.
What age can a child start Kumdo?
US Hwa Rang Kwan teaches Kumdo to students 7 years and older, at its dojangs in Chantilly, Virginia and Ellicott City, Maryland.
The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture describes Kumdo as a martial art that people of any age or gender can train for their whole lives.
How do ranks work for children?
The Korea Kumdo Association's grading rules set the starting grade by age:
- Under 12: start at 9th geup
- 12 to under 15: start at 7th geup
- 15 and older: start at 5th geup
Children can also earn junior dan ranks: junior 1st dan for ages 9 to under 13, junior 2nd dan for ages 10 to under 14, and junior 3rd dan for ages 13 to under 16. A junior rank turns into the regular rank without another test at age 13 (1st dan), 14 (2nd dan) and 16 (3rd dan). More in Kumdo Ranks: How Do Dan and Geup Grades Work?
How much activity do children need?
The CDC says children and teens aged 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and that at least 3 days a week should include vigorous activity. A martial arts class can be part of that time.
What should parents ask before signing up?
- What age does the school start students at, and are there classes for kids and teens?
- Which organization awards its ranks, and what dan ranks do its instructors hold?
- How does it teach beginners before they put on armor? The Korea Kumdo Association says a beginner can learn the basics in about three months and can then start training in armor.
- Can you watch a class first?
For more on choosing a school, see How to Choose a Kumdo School.
FAQ
When should a child start martial arts?
It depends on the school. US Hwa Rang Kwan's Kumdo classes start at age 7.
Is there an age limit for martial arts?
The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture says Kumdo can be trained for life, regardless of age or sex. Classes and ranks do have minimum ages: US Hwa Rang Kwan's classes start at 7, and a regular 1st dan requires age 13.
Can a child earn a black belt in Kumdo?
Kumdo ranks are geup and dan. Children aged 9 to under 13 can earn a junior 1st dan from the Korea Kumdo Association.
Kumdo classes for kids near Washington, DC
US Hwa Rang Kwan Kumdo teaches kids, teens and adults (ages 7 and up) in Chantilly, Virginia and Ellicott City, Maryland. New students at the Chantilly, VA dojang can start with 3 semi-private lessons for $19.99. For Ellicott City, please contact us before you visit.
