Karate is a combination of both physical and mental elements. It is highly recommended for children with special needs, hyperactivity or developmental and learning difficulties.
This class will help improve a child’s:
- balance and coordination
- strength, physical and motor skills
- awareness and attention
- patience and determination
- sensory and speech
- social skills
Specific exercises can be created to fit each student’s particular developmental needs. These can help those who may experience difficulties with walking, flexibility, overall range of motion or other concerns. I have been working with special needs children and over the years have found students who participate in a karate program exhibit increased mobility, memorization and self-esteem.
Karate can also function as a form of therapy.
It provides among other things:
- Physical exercise – practicing karate allows students to process information;
- Consistency – repeated movements and practice help organize and focus a student’s learning;
- Social skills – setting forth the boundaries of acceptable behavior and reinforcing achievable goals, i.e., the belt system.
Most importantly, karate is “fun!” It gives students with special needs a boost of self-esteem. The rewards of completing a technique, a kick, a strike or a punch, enables confidence and pride. Students are willing and excited to demonstrate something they have learned in class.