Karate | ADHD Information

Does anyone have thier kids in Karate?  I heard its supposed to teach them self control and help them focus better.  Would you agree?  My 6 yr old nephew has been asking about it latley and we're not to sure what to do yet.  He had really violent meltdowns in the begining of the year.  They have calmed down to the point we rarely see one.  The last two times he's had once has been when he's missed two consecutive doses of his meds.  But we are concered about him using Karate if he ever goes into a meltdown.  Also, my brother took karate when he was little and would always practice on us.  He doesn't have any siblings, but there are tons of kids on the playground at school!  oye!  Thoughts?  Comments?  Suggestions? AuntFalcor38896.5147106481My own rule is NEVER give Karate to a violent child because you don't know when he'll lose it, and forget about his teachings. If the child isn't violent or angry, go for it. My 11 year old ADHD son has been in karate for 2 years. He really enjoys it. I am not sure if it has helped him focus or not. I put him in to help develop his self confidence more. He is still on meds just for school days. I think it has helped him to devcelop nmore self control. He was never violent though.I agree with MomWI.  I have a soon to be 18 year old  son with ODD, who can become very violent and out of control.  All attempts at therapy seem to have failed with him.  People have suggested martial arts to us before, but his father and I have been hesitant.  Our son seems to have no desire to control his actions in certain settings.  We,  also, have been fearful that he would totally disregard his teachings of self control and use his martial arts training to seriously injure someone.  Of course, every situation is different, and I think that the parents need to consider what their child is like, including their willingness to learn to control their temper.My son took karate from age 9 to 16. It built great self confidence, self control, respect, and focus. The kids are taught respect to others, and not to use it in anger, only for defense. Kids need something to feel good about themselves. They need to be involved. They also learn to help other kids in the class. I think it's wonderful for AD/HDer's.  If you want a non violent martial art, try Aikido. It is mostly about self defense.

TillyT- We've had the same experiences! 

Azurebosque-  This place sounds like a "right fit"...the sense of belonging to a group-but still working independently really is good for my son.  He feels like he "belongs" but is constantly moving-not like baseball where 90% of the time you are waiting...This school sounds great-they are bringing in the community and his sense of responsibility(keeping good grades) into their training.  Good Luck!

My son had taken taekwondo for almost 1 year- it has helped him so much.  His instructor is constantky reminding them they can not use it outside the classroom.  If they are caught using it outside the classroom, they are reprimanded within the classroom setting.  It also helps that when the children bring in a good behaviour chart, or report card (basically anything they are proud of) he rewards them for that.  He is a HUGE believer of positive reinforcement. (he's a lisc therapist/soc.worker for kids in his "day job") [QUOTE=kimber26] My son had taken taekwondo for almost 1 year- it has helped him so much.  His instructor is constantky reminding them they can not use it outside the classroom.  If they are caught using it outside the classroom, they are reprimanded within the classroom setting.  It also helps that when the children bring in a good behaviour chart, or report card (basically anything they are proud of) he rewards them for that.  He is a HUGE believer of positive reinforcement. (he's a lisc therapist/soc.worker for kids in his "day job")

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My sons teachers also rewarded for good report cards ans volunteering in the community.

hi this is aunt falcor's sister and the six year old's mum.

given the fact that he at one point he was prone to frequent tantrums karate was just never going to be an option.  however, its been quite some time now since he'd had a very bad episode. the only times we've had an issue is when he's missed 2 dosages.

since watching karate kid he's been all about it. i told him i'd think about it and yesterday we went to visit a couple of schools in our city.  the first place taught judo and it was based more on tumbling, and hardly any punching which was a good thing.  I asked the teacher about how they've been able to work with ADHD children and he said it varies but they always give it a shot.  it seemed like a nice program but not what marshall was going to need. but i liked the no punching part.

the second school is a self defense school that trains in classical japanese.  (there are other names but i can't remember.  the adults train mostly in jitisu). yes, they teach in a sense...street fighting.  you can imagine my reaction when i walked in and the first thing i saw was a 12 year old rolling over the sensei's arm and landing on his back with the added slapping of his palm on the mat (sound effects are needed of course!).  they don't teach the six year olds this. nothing like it. lol

i met with the sensei and was really surprised at the amount of work they put into thier students.  at my sons age, they'll mostly be taught defense modes, how to avoid strangers, be aware of your surroundings, and if worse comes to worse, how to escape a predator. they're very big on positive reinforcement and the children are taught at every session that any moves are only to be practiced in the classroom or only if they are ever in a dangerous situation. (predator).  children are also required to complete chores at home and keep a certain grade point average.  failure to do so retricts them from participating in the classroom until they improve.  most students have made it up to honor roll.  they seem to be very involved with the kids inside and outside of the classroom.  i liked that alot.

i asked him about how much experience he's had with children with adhd or behavioral problems and he's taught quite a few with success.  alot of the kids come in bouncing/unfocused or non-compliant but with time they learn to develop these skills and you'd never be able to pick them out from the other kids. they might require a bit of extra help but he's never had one leave. he thinks my son would benefit well from it. 

i took a packet home with me and studied it and i must say i'm very impressed.  i'd like to take him to the next class for his age group and see what it is exactly they teach but so far, i'm pretty much won over.  :)

My DS (7) does Tae Kwon Do, and loves it.

Sometimes I'm amazed he can remember and execute the complicated patterns of moves in sequence, and in a group of kids no less.

Some nights, of course, are better than others. He does his share of pushups for talking out of turn or failing to listen, etc., but the teacher is fabulous with kids so it's never traumatic.

In fact, the pushups helped us learn to count to 10 in Korean!!
I asked my son's sensei tonight if karate is okay for violent kids. My friend has an ADHD son who is violent. He said that some school encourage fighting and these schools are not good. Schools like his that teach techniques and nopt really combat are ok. This is true. His school doesn't encourahe the kids to spar.