ADHD and martial arts

Your kid has ADHD. Should you put them in martial arts, and if you did, how would it help? I get this one a lot.

I am not a doctor. I am not trying to give medical advice. We do have a lot of students who have ADHD, and they often learn to manage it a little better, because class works different than a lot of what they are already doing. Screens are a quick dopamine hit. Martial arts is more focused. When they are starting out it is more like a game. They are trying to beat a friend at something. That competitive piece, done in a good way, helps them focus.

Medication has its place. Sometimes it is given out a lot. I am not settling that argument. What I will say is, let your son or daughter in on why you are doing this. One of the reasons is to help with the ADHD. When they are having trouble, they can talk to you about it, and you can give the instructor a heads up. We can usually tell. Talking about it means we have a rapport and we can keep you in the loop.

Once everybody agrees that class is a different outlet, something fun with friends, a real challenge, you have a shot. Impulse control is the big one. I have a kid who will sit there and do a headstand while I am in the middle of explaining a technique. It is funny and endearing, and it is also really distracting. If they can function in the group, it should not be a problem.

Beyond that they get confidence, they learn to defend themselves, they make friends. The pace is different than a mobile game. They have to get their body to do the thing. When the physical skills start to show up, confidence comes up, they are often a little less anxious, and they learn that if they pay attention and acquire skill they can steer their life. A little hope. And they may be around one or two other kids with the same challenges, which always makes it easier.

Keep those things in mind when you have a little hyped-up dude you are trying to raise into a warrior.

Watch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/A2IwEO4SmdA