Martial Arts: Helping Children with ADD/ADHD

There are many studies supporting the advantages of martial arts helping children with ADHD. Some of the advantages of martial arts include having a positive outlook, a high self-esteem, and a secure confidence. Several positive effects that are offered include self-discipline, self-restraint, mental meditation, and self-respect. The mind and body dualism works well in training children with ADD/ADHD to control some of their undesirable behaviors. It teaches them to be aware of their emotions and seek alternative ways of dealing with problems.

Karate is also an intense, fast paced and very rigid activity that helps children eliminate some of their extra energy that usually gets them into trouble. It teaches them how to calm themselves and their minds through meditation and breathing exercises. Plus, it gives them the self assurance that a lot of children with ADD/ADHD lack.

There are various types of martial arts available but each with own unique set of disciplines. Here are a few examples and brief descriptions:

Aikido - Doesn't focus on punching or kicking rather it uses its opponents own energy to gain control or to throw them away from you.

Judo - Known for its throwing techniques and techniques for controlling opponents on the ground, comparative of wrestling.

JuJitsu - Developed as a method for defeating an armed opponent without weapons.

Kenpo - A karate from China that offers strict mental capacity along with combinations of a variety of moves.

Kung Fu - The oldest and most popular of the Chinese martial arts. It is primarily know for its striking style.

Shotakan - A well disciplined Japanese karate with a 20 principle base.

Tae Kwon Do - A Korean fighting system that emphasizes on kicking and blocking.

When deciding which type of martial art to choose for your child, it would be wise to research the various types and keep in mind your child's demeanor and activity levels. Always seek doctor's approval before beginning any physical activity for the first time.

Some believe that martial arts teach aggressive behavior. Actually, true martial arts teach quite the opposite. Many karate schools teach it only to be used as a form of self-defense. Parents should visit the school and watch a few training sessions to make sure that it's a good fit for their child.

My 11 year old son has suffered with ADHD for most of his school age years and with the help of karate it has helped him become a model student. It has helped him focus and pay attention to details that which he may not have accomplished without the disciplined teachings of TaeKwonDo. His rambunctious behavior slowly subsided and now he has learned not to over react and calm himself from being over stimulated.

Martial arts has definitely had positive effects in transforming some of the basic symptoms of ADD/ADHD, such as distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity, in my son and others like him. Parents may not see immediate improvement in their children but with patience and understanding martial arts can be a great way to help your child.