Choosing a martial arts! Help

I'm trying to work out what martial art my 5 year old son should do. I only went to one lesson of karate as a kid. I wish I had stuck with it but my mate didn't want to go again so I refused anyway as any good parent I'm trying to rectify my mistakes by making my child succeed where I have failed. I have no idea though what martial arts he should try. Did or do any of you do a martial art? Can you offer any advice? From what I can work out some are completely stand throughout the country but others are specific to each club, so your skills might not be transferable or you may not be able to compete regionally or nationally if you are good.

I would recommend something like Judo or Brazilian Jujitsu. But maybe take them along to a karate class then something like Jujitsu and see what they prefer. As far as competition goes, you'd have to speak with the instructors there. But at an early age, I don't think that's something to worry to much about atm. I personally think Jujitsu or Judo would be a good start as they are more grappling focused styles, with judo incorporating a lot of throwing and you'll learn great balance as well. But I think just take them along to a session and see what they think. There's not really a right or wrong discipline to choose though, see what's available in your area. I myself have only done a little martial arts in the past, some kickboxing, jujitsu. I never stuck it long enough to get anywhere though, but I enjoyed them and it got me fit. I do watch a fair amount of mixed martial arts though.

I'd say 5 is a bit young for a martial art personally. We started teaching kids Ju-Jitsu at 6-7 and I always hated teaching the youngest kids - they just wanted to roll around on the mats and didn't really have the focus to do the techniques properly. It was basically just playing games with them.

Judo might be a good shout as it's a bit more sport oriented rather than self-defence. It might be worth picking one you both like and going along yourself if they have simultaneous sessions. Like zXe says, a lot of clubs will let you have a go for free, so take him to a few and see what he likes.

Is he begging you to go or is it your idea?