Will Martial Arts help someone with ADD?

[krunchyfrogg]

I don't know if this is the right forum or not, but I'd think that it would. Martial Arts places a lot of importance on concentration, and this focus should help someone with Attention Defecit Disorder.

Can anybody add to this either from a written source or experience?

[G95champ]

Cant hurt.

[Greek Fighter]

Definately. No doubt about it. With the proper skills and acquirements in training, you can definately beat ADD.

Edited July 3, 2007 by Greek Fighter

[french fri25]

as already said, it cant hurt. MA will probably help the person build coordination and focus skills.

[bushido_man96]

There has actually been some studies done on the effects of MA training on children with ADD/ADHD. The most important factor is the instructor. The instructor must have the right amount of patience and push to develop the child. However, I do think that the MAs can go a long way to helping out with ADD/ADHD.

[pegasi]

I have an adhd son, and there are several kids in the kids class who have add/adhd. Martial arts seems to help with some self control issues, and with a good instructor with a lot of patience, these kids grow into themselves a lot. In the rest of their lives, add/adhd kids are often at odds with the things going on around them, and being in a situation where they can control themself, as in the ma class, translates to having more confidence in controlling themself in daily activity. I must say that both parent and instructor must repeatedly emphasize that what they learn is not to be used to harm others, except in self defense, and will not be tolerated. This makes it clear that learning ma doesn't entitle the child to seek revenge for the things other kids do in school etc.

I don't recommend starting MA with a severely adhd kid at the earliest ages, 7 or so seems to be much better than 5 for them to start something like ma. It has to do with emotional maturity and ability to handle not being able to do something right the first try, not so much physical growth or hyperactivity level.

When considering enrolling a child with add/adhd in ma, I think it important for the parent to work with the instructor, in letting the instructor know that there is an issue (adhd) and that some allowances might be needed. I know of one parent who asked the instructor to be extra strict with her son, as she felt he needed the discipline of zero tolerance for any acting out in class.

I also would like to point out that it is wise to look into a trial period before being required to sign any long term contracts, since the child's interest may disappear after a few weeks. I'd ask for a 60-90 day trial period, then consider a contract later if the child is going to stick with it.

[ninjanurse]

It absolutely 100% helps!!!!! ADHD/ADD kids have a unique capacity to focus on things that they are intensely interested in , i.e. video games, etc., so most that take martial arts because the want to are able to focus and get a lot out of it. But, as with any kid, if the are there for the parents it is a crap-shoot! I have 3 ADD/ADHD kids who have all benefited from martial arts and would recommend it to any parent struggling with behavior issues, etc. !!!!! I also agree that the instructor is important. He/she must be able to capture their attention and move things along quickly enough to appeal to their impulsive tendencies. I currently have several of these kids in my school and they are great students once you cam figure out how the learn and what motivates them!

[The BB of C]

Yes, it should.

[Kajukenbopr]

I don't know if this is the right forum or not, but I'd think that it would. Martial Arts places a lot of importance on concentration, and this focus should help someone with Attention Defecit Disorder.

Can anybody add to this either from a written source or experience?

if its something the person is interested in, that person might learn enough discipline to overcome his ADD, or at the very least, modify it

[lordtariel]

There has actually been some studies done on the effects of MA training on children with ADD/ADHD. The most important factor is the instructor. The instructor must have the right amount of patience and push to develop the child. However, I do think that the MAs can go a long way to helping out with ADD/ADHD.

Like Bushido says, if you have an instructor that knows how to deal with such people, it most definitely does. We have had a couple that started about a year ago that I have noticed that made remarkable progress. It's important to find an instructor that can deal with these types of problems.