Looking for an interesting way to spend time with the kids in San Francisco? Martial arts family classes are becoming a popular way for parents to bond with their kids. Why don’t you give it a try? Though these classes give you little opportunities to document your day through photos and videos, you and your kids will have a blast as you learn to kick, punch, and breathe deeply. Not to mention that skills like self-control and discipline will prove extremely valuable to you and your kids outside of the dojo.  Besides, there’s always time for a family portrait before and after class! Give these martial arts schools a call today.

Paresh Martial Arts and Yoga Center

Paresh Martial Arts is a popular destination for family classes; in fact, they’re the first school to offer this unique bonding opportunity for parents and kids.  The Family Class gives you and your child to train in the Korean martial art called Tang Soo Do, a technique similar to karate that emphasizes a balanced, non-violent life in tune with nature.  Everyone in the family can join the class, even if they’ve never had martial arts training before. Every session follows the traditional opening and closing rituals of Tang Soo Do, while the majority of the time is spent exploring basic stances and learning how to kick, block, and punch. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move well, because this class is quite the workout!

Aside from the Family Class, Paresh also offers Tang Soo Do programs for kids. Kids as young as 3 can enroll in the Tiny Tigers class, where they are introduced to martial arts through games, movement, and music.  Formal martial arts training doesn’t begin until kids are age 5 or 6, at the Little Dragons program. Here, the playful atmosphere of the Tiny Tigers class remains, except kids get to do the basic martial arts rituals like belt-tying and bowing. They are also taught how to block and break – a great way to develop hand-eye coordination and listening skills. The Juniors and Teens class provide more rigorous Tang Soo Do training, complete with traditional rankings and trainings.

Paresh Martial Arts and Yoga Center is located at 447 Irving Street San Francisco, CA 94122. Enroll by calling 415.665.5511. You can also learn more at http://www.sfmartialarts.com.

Project Commotion

Project Commotion is not a martial arts dojo per se; it’s actually a non-profit organization that aims to provide low-cost movement programs to disabled kids and families in financial need.  However, all pre-k kids and families are very much welcome to sign up for their parent-child capoeira classes. This program serves as a great introduction to the Brazilian art form capoeira, which combines elements of music and dance with martial arts.  A Little Ants Open Gym Program is also available for kids of all ages and abilities, and parents can take an adult capoeira class while waiting.

Project Commotion is located at 2095 Harrison St., San Francisco, CA 94110. Learn more about their exciting programs at http://www.projectcommotion.org or call   415-252-8059.

These are just some of the excellent martial arts classes in San Francisco!