Thank you to everyone for your quick and frank feedback! There were a number of people who wanted to know the results of my survey, so I've compiled them all below. I retained the commentary, but tried to remove any identifying details. I've separated responses with a series of plusses (+). Again, thanks so much for your help! Heather ++++++++++ Kenpo Karate on Centre Avenue 412-621-5425 Mr.Josh is the instructor and he is excellent with kids! +++++++++ We really liked United Parker's Kenpo Karate<http://www.unitedparkerskenpo.com/>(now Ryer's Martial Arts Academy) near Graham and Center. The owner Josh is young but is absolutely great with kids. http://www.unitedparkerskenpo.com/ ++++++++ We have gone to Ryer Martial Arts Academy for 3 years and have been very pleased. http://www.unitedparkerskenpo.com/. It's on Centre Avenue, right by the Panera. +++++++++ I strongly recommend the Ryer Martial Arts Academy on Center Avenue near Panera Bread. I've had a chance to observe the instructor, Joshua Ryer, with kids and he is wonderful. He's very engaging but respectful of the martial artform and the kids. He takes interest in the children and works with them very patiently. He also offers a couple of free lessons so that you can figure out if it will work out before expending any cash. Their website is: http://www.pittsburghkarate.com/ where you can find more information on the kid's programs. Phone is: 412.621.5425 and email is: info@pittsburghkarate.com. +++++++++ We had an excellent experience with Pittsburgh Kung Fu in Squirrel Hill on Wilkins Ave between Dallas and Beechwood. (412) 521-1388 http://www.pittsburghkungfu.com/ +++++++++ We have been extremely happy with Shaolin Studios (formerly United Studios of Self Defense) in Regent Square. Sensei Steve is great with kids, and we have been very pleased with the whole package (and I was pretty leary of the idea going in). There number is: (412)242-8773. +++++++++ I've heard that the martial arts studio in Bloomfield/Friendship at the Corner of Liberty Ave and S. Winebiddle St is very good. I used to live right around the corner, and the place was usually filled with kids. Can't recall the name right now, though... +++++++++ The place at Forward and Murray. [My kids] loved it! I think that the owner/sensei is very good with kids and has a firm but not heavy-handed way with discipline. He combines a lot of different techniques, and includes just plain exercises, too, like push-ups and jumping jacks, so it isn't in any way "real" karate. The classes are large, so there's not all that much time for the really cool stuff he brings out at the end, but it's motivating nonetheless. You get to throw cool ninja stuff or kick a bag that measures your force, etc. The drawback may be that the sensei has recently changed the curriculum and that caused problems with continuing parents because it changed the rules of the game. Suddenly there was a whole lot of kick-boxing equipment to buy, for example. I don't know if he regularly changes things, but he strikes me as possibly a little bit spontaneous, albeit in the interest of improving the class. That said, I would sign my kid up again. The sensei is honest and fair... ++++++++++++ I have several friends who take their kids to the place at Forward and Murray but it feels like too far for me... +++++++++++++ My older boys attend a Jujutsu class on Baum Blvd. It's a small Traditional Martial Arts Academy - I am sure you could make arrangements to observe the classes they have for smaller kids. No "karate" per se....they do "grappling". I have seen smaller kids there...the owners are rreally great. Here's the link. www.tmas-dojo.com +++++++++++++ I strongly recommend the Traditional Martial Arts Society on Baum Blvd. It is close by, about 1.5 mile from my house on Heberton St. The dojo offers classes for kids and adults. I have been training there for 7 years and I attained my black belt just last June. My kids are too young right now but they will be attending classes there when they are 7 years old (minimum age). Here is the website:http://www.tmas-dojo.com I would go talk to the teachers, watch and/or have your kids attend one of the classes to see how you all like it. The teachers are exceptional and they do this because they want to do it not because they have to. You can mention my name if you want. ++++++++++++ Here's the Aikido info http://aikidopittsburgh.org/ for the one in Etna. There's also one at the Wightman School building that has a children's class. I think that one might be later in the evening... ++++++++++++ friends in fox chapel have told me they really really like the one in aspinwall on the main drag through town and I'm sorry but I don't know their name. In the block after the flower shop if I remember right... take a look! good luck! On 1/10/08, Heather Conrad <conradhs@gmail.com> wrote:

Both of my boys, ages 10 and 7 1/2 are interested in "Karate."

My husband and I would like to know if anyone has recommendations for a good studio for working with kids on some sort of martial arts. The boys want kicking and jumping, and we are assuming that discipline and self-control are part of the package, but would want a do jo (?) (studio) that teaches responsible control.

Does anyone have experience with a good option for kids? We'd prefer something in the area to minimize the amount of running around required.

Many thanks in advance,

Heather Conrad