Choosing the Right Martial Arts School for Your Child

Are you looking for a martial arts class for your child in Overland Park, Olathe, or Prairie Village?

Maybe your child saw martial arts on YouTube and now wants to try it. Or maybe you’re just starting your search and feeling overwhelmed by all the options.

You’re not alone — and you’ve come to the right place.

At KOMA Taekwondo, we’ve been teaching martial arts to kids and families for more than 17 years. I started training at age 4. Now I have 10-year-old twins, and my daughter began Taekwondo at age 3. I’ve seen firsthand what works — and what doesn’t — for families looking to enroll in martial arts.

This blog will help guide your decision so you can confidently choose the best martial arts school for your child.

Step 1: Ask Yourself Why You Want Martial Arts for Your Child

Start with this important question:

Why do you want your child to join a martial arts program?

Most parents we talk to fall into one or more of these three categories:

Fun and Recreation – You want your child to enjoy a safe, positive activity.
Self-Defense – You want your child to have the tools to protect themselves if needed.
Character Development – You’re looking for help with focus, confidence, respect, or behavior.

You may care about all three, but choose the most important goal to guide your search.

Step 2: Understand the Martial Arts Styles Available for Kids

Martial arts styles fall into two big groups:

Stand-up styles – practiced mostly on your feet (like Taekwondo or Karate)
Ground styles – practiced mostly on the ground (like Jiu-Jitsu or Judo)

Here’s a quick guide to the most popular types:

Stand-Up Martial Arts

Taekwondo (Korean) – Focuses on powerful kicks, discipline, and forms.
Karate (Japanese) – Combines hand and foot techniques with strong focus and precision.
Kung Fu (Chinese) – More fluid in movement; depends on the style.
Muay Thai (Thai) – Uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees; effective for self-defense.
Krav Maga (Israeli) – Very aggressive; meant for real-world self-defense, usually not ideal for young children.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) – Combines different styles; can vary by school.

Ground-Based Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – Focuses on grappling and submissions; looks like wrestling but with joint locks and chokes.
Judo – Involves throws and takedowns; often starts standing but ends on the ground.
Wrestling – Not always seen as a martial art, but still great for physical fitness and grappling

Step 3: Choose a Martial Art That Matches Your Goal

For Fun: Try different styles to see what your child enjoys.
For Self-Defense: Look into Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, or MMA.
For Character Development: Choose a traditional martial art like Taekwondo, Karate, or Kung Fu.

But the style isn’t everything. The school culture is even more important.

Step 4: Know What to Look for in a Martial Arts School

Here are key questions to ask when visiting martial arts schools in Overland Park, Olathe, or Prairie Village:

How does the instructor handle behavior issues?
Look for patient, positive discipline — not old-school punishments like pushups or yelling.
Can you watch a class?
If they don’t allow parents to watch, that’s a red flag.
Are the instructors calm and confident?
Great instructors stay relaxed and in control — even when a student misbehaves.
How do they keep kids engaged?
The best schools use intrinsic motivation — helping kids want to do well, not just react to loud energy.
Is the facility clean and safe?
Check the bathrooms, mats, and lobby. Ask how often the floors are disinfected.
Do they follow a trusted curriculum?
At KOMA, we follow the standards set by the Kukkiwon — the global governing body for traditional Taekwondo.
Do they offer fair pricing with no long-term contracts?
Be cautious of studios that require multi-year contracts backed by third-party finance companies. Ask about all fees (testing, gear, etc.) upfront.

Step 5: Make Sure It Fits Your Life

Can you afford it?
Martial arts prices can range from $25 to $500+ per month. Most schools fall between $150 and $250.
Does it fit your schedule?
Look at your child’s weekly activities. Don’t overschedule. A great mix is one team sport and one individual activity like martial arts.

Download Our Free Parent’s Checklist

If you’re starting your search for martial arts schools in Overland Park, Olathe, or Prairie Village, download our free checklist for parents. It covers everything mentioned here — and more — so you can make the best choice for your family.