Interesting coincidence, my oldest daughter (7) is autistic and we are actually going to be starting her in TKD today. From what I can tell the TKD school has lots of patience with younger kids. My daughter has displayed great coordination, balance, and focus from a young age, so I am hopeful that she will enjoy TKD or some other martial art. She does have a hard time getting larger concepts and communication, but once she understands what is going on or is expected she often excels at what she is doing. Take math for example, with addition it took a little bit of time to get her to understand taking the two numbers and putting them together makes a new number, but once she got it she flew past her classmates. For anyone enrolling their child in a martial arts or any physical program, if you child is autistic, let the instructor know. This will help provide the best outcome for your child. Autism aside, you want the experience to be positive. Letting the instructor know will help. Also for parents, recognize that your child may not have interest in martial arts, get your child exposed to it, if it fits great, if not move on. You child might develop an interest later. I have been involved and training martial arts for 25+ years, so I would love it if my daughter gets involved in martial arts, but if she doesn't, that's ok.
@@songoku9348 High functioning Austistic here, I practice judo. Not a lot of people can tell. Though I'm not a social butterfly. But I think the intimate close contact of grappling sorta broke me outta my shell. I also couldn't adjust to change until I started training. Judo taught me like opponents, things in life can just change on the fly and you've gotta adapt or you end up stuck on your back. With judo, I gotta job back in school and I even have a girlfriend now :)
My eldest son is on the spectrum, and he enjoyed martial arts, especially kicking, but he needed an instructor who understood that you can't bark orders at him. After about a year our whole family left that school.
My wife is on the spectrum and has been training martial arts for over 30 year's as Nd has excelled at it and holds a 2nd Dan in karate and a 3 Dan in jui jitsu . Total respect for all her hard work
My sensei didnt even know I have ASD till I told him. But I grew up in a chaotic household, so I guess the structure he enforced I was able to get behind
I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism) as a boy and I really had difficulty both socially and academically. Training in martial arts really helped me to focus better and understand social behavior. It also helped me deal with bullying in school. As of this writing, I have a Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, a Red Belt in Taekwondo and a First-degree (Shodan) Black Belt in Uechi Ryu Karate. Looking forward to getting my Black Belt in Taekwondo soon, once the pandemic calms down. Many thanks Mr. Dan for covering this topic.
I can’t thank you enough for making this video. Several times recently I have researched “martial arts and autism” to see if anyone has addressed this topic; I found virtually nothing. And the little I did find was focused on kids, not adults who are on the spectrum. I have Aspergers and train in American Kenpo and 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. It’s my life. Yeah my “wiring” makes the social aspect of class a struggle, and sometimes I get overwhelmed by the noise and amount of people, but there are some things I have a knack for. Like noticing little details, remembering techniques and their names, and having a deep need and desire to understand everything that I learn on every level. So as much as there are struggles, there are a lot of benefits. Martial arts is a huge gift to me and has helped me to appreciate the parts of having autism that I am not particularly fond of. I’m not broken or weird. I’m just different. And different can be really awesome.
Being an aspie myself gives me some of the same "superpowers", it have also caused me to ruffle a lot of feathers in the community of my federation. Mostly because I notice the things that doesn't make sense and asks questions and try to make changes. Something not always welcomed by the higher-ups.
It's interesting that you should mention that, since many people on the Autism Spectrum also have ADHD. It's a double-whammy for many of these individuals. To the extent that martial arts can improve their quality of life, I say: "Go for it!"
Hi there- So my son has moderate ASD and I just finished medical school. We enrolled my son and his "neurotypical" sister in a taekwondo school, where the owner/master also has a son with moderate to severe ASD as well. The curriculum and instructors are flexible in order to accommodate kids with all sorts of developmental disorders, and watching them teach my son, as well as watching them teach my daughter a bit about how my son communicates, has been PRICELESS in terms of stimulating their relationship, and teaching my son how to relate to other people. I apply many of the lessons I've learned from our TKD studio to dealing with my ASD patients, and as soon as the schedule slowed down a bit for me, I joined the studio as a student as well. My kids will test for their black belts as early as late December, and I couldn't be more pleased with how things have gone.
Autism is a challenging condition when teaching Martial Arts. Some afflicted thrive while others just have no interest. Patience is a prerequisite for everyone involved. The one thing I recommend from all involved is an abundance of "Zen". Excellent topic! 👍
I was diagnosed with high functioning autism as a child. Since 2017 I have been training in wing chun, white crane and recently have started training with yet another group in another style. What I found is that while I had a far steeper initial learning curve and tended to over focus on details in the beginning, that the work I had to do to overcome that learning curve gave me training habits that eventually led to my skills becoming very advanced very quickly once I got the hang of things. That attention to detail that was at first highly distracting eventually became a great strength too as I began to learn where to focus it. In short, I found that while it was harder for me than some in the beginning, that a lot of areas where I thought this was hurting me ended up developing into strengths. Also, and this is just for other folks that might be diagnosed, martial arts is a great way to stim. I find myself doing huen sau, and practicing lots lot little subtle things while on walks, at work or on the bus in instances where I need to. The forms and daily morning practice are also a very comforting routine and help me build my mind body connection which is super helpful.
I loved teaching KAFA (Karate Adapted for Autism) classes as a brown belt. It’s awesome helping these kids realize their potential or learn extremely basic coordination skills that can benefit them. Actually was more rewarding than teaching normal adults by far. Very counter to my past as a warrior in the US Army.
Martial arts can help nerds, weak people, and anyone who doesn't know how to fight. It's a great way to deal with stress too. Unfortunately we live in a time where these self-defense classes could be very expensive especially with COVID and the economy in the tank.
The benefits for martial arts are for everyone, whether or not they are given the label of "Autistic". A person is just that, a person. No matter the circumstance or condition. So often we, as people forget that and that is no good. Though the benefits can seem more obvious in the more extreme or dedicated cases; the arts are for the enjoyment of everyone, a universal tool for personal growth. In my case as a kid diagnosed early on in life, taking the time to learn martial arts with my old-man was and still is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It and the efforts of so many others saved me. My journey gave me confidence, focus, ambition, respect, and fostered connections that saved me so many times whenever the world became too much... My best memories are interwoven with my martial-arts journey. The joy that a person feels when they finally master or perform a technique for the 1st time or conquer past limitations is infectious to all participants. A joy and a connection that I hope to share one-day with my children, if I ever have any. Labels Don't mean Jack... The true winners are those who can still stand and smile at the end.
I, myself, am on the spectrum. Aspergers Syndrome (or just an aspie). I've been training martial arts most of my life (roughly 35 years or so) and while it have presented a lot of challenges it have also given me so many victories and so much joy. The thing that has given me most trouble is my ability to spot things which either is too complicated or just unrealistic to work outside the dojo. Combined with the common lack of understanding social interactions (which is a active thought-process for autists and not a subconscious process as it's for most people) have made me ruffle some feathers along the way. Mostly because I say what I see. It's a large and complex topic you have dug into, Dan, and something not able to be covered in just 13 minutes on RUclips. I however love that you have done it. Because it might help shed some light on the subject and show that not only are we all around, but that it can be helpful for some and a joy for most.
Have you tried taking NLP or Neurolinguistic Programing classes? Or perhaps Dale Carnegie interpersonal communication classes? I have Aspergers and I found them very useful. That and taking a course in body language, and a course from Paul Ekman on micro expressions.
The love of teaching and care for your students really shows in this video Mr Dan, I myself have met people and have family members with autism, I would always recommend the martial arts. A good school with great mentors, can do wonders and change the lives of so many for the better.
You are explaining my basic problems as an ADHD person. I was diagnosed 3 years ago, I am 51 now. I have been an obsessed student of theology, music, and martial arts. Martial Arts shaped me.
They have a program in Northern Florida where people with autism are taught to surf. It's a beautiful experience for everyone involved. No question, with an encouraging, educated teacher, the martial arts would be very helpful
Hi! Thank YOU for doing this research, I found it very encouraging and interesting. I do have some follow up questions, what is the best way for me to contact you? you can reach me at F2B@F2BPro.com. I'd like to talk more about this. Thank you!
I am 53 was first diagnosed with ASD (High Functioning) at age 35. I began training in martial arts at age 38. I have even reached black belt level in three separate styles so far and I am working on my fourth black belt style. It has made me able to better read people and to communicate with them as a symptom of mine is inability to read social cues because so much training is dependent on being able to read and understand body language of other students. I feel it necessary to say the Senseis at the schools I have attended had a more light hearted approach to how they not only ran their dojos but teaching methods they used. I also had the benefit of being in a small class with no more than 6 other students despiter they both had other classes with far more students. They encouraged students to engage in conversation such as asking questions immediately instead of holding all questions until after class even encouraging humor to be injected. They also had a less rigid teaching method example my Sensis had to correct my stance, He would for example say "assume left lead", but I would assume right lead, and instead of yelling at me or other form of discipline that made me feel bad. He would just say to me "your other left" or if in my excitement I was going to ask a question that with patience the answer would come he would just say "let me play teacher and you play student" They would even entertain questions about martial arts I saw in animation on their practicality, even going so far as making it part of the class. One favorite example was about martial arts in Star Wars so one evening I brought in my collection of light sabers and I was not yelled at but instead Sensei used light sabers to show how in Kendo which he did not teach the techniques he did teach could be applied. Even later on when we attended a martial art seminar expo he encouraged not just me but all his students to attend the seminar on Kenjitsu to show the 8 angles of attack were not exclusive to his style. Upon returning he encouraged my interest in Kenjitsu even helping me contact the instructor at the seminar to become my long distant teacher, so long as it was not done during regular class or did not interfere with my regular training. He even went so far as to give me greater access to the dojo so I could come anytime day or night and practice both his style and the kenjitsu I was learning. I mean "your other left" became so endear to me that I actually named the martial art I developed "your other left" which is not new but was an amalgamation of styles and techniques not found in the styles and techniques they taught. One final thought is in both styles on numerous occasions my Senseis would tell me alone or in front of the class that don't be surprised if one day H becomes one of the greatest martial artists in the area. It was because they saw how quickly I was able to learn and understand techniques after seeing it done just a few times even to the point of trying to adapt it by connecting it to what I already knew. I thought they were only saying this to be nice because I did not tell them I had ASD because I was only understanding it myself, but now I can see that is a strength of my ASD and this strength is what in my Senseis eyes set me apart from other students that they made the claim. Over the years overcoming my ASD symptoms improved even to the point I was called to lead class and teach/demonstrate techniques to students both lower and higher rank then me. I do want to say this did present a challenge for them because as an Uke I saw and experienced techniques advanced for my level being done by or taught to my Nage, this often led to me not just learning advanced techniques but sometimes faster and better then the Nage. One issue I continued to have and still due although not as much is reorientation Example I would be facing North in left lead for almost every drill, but sometimes Sensei would say turn 180 degrees and continue in left lead, well when I would turn 180 degrees facing South it would take me longer to reorient myself to left lead. It got even worse when we did 8 direction drills N-S-NE-SW-E-W-SE-NW-S-N.
I'm a youth coach for at risk teens. I get a lot of experience with autistic kids and something that I think will help is something you touch on. You mention talking with the parents and paying attention to the kids' needs and goals. It can make things harder teaching a full class, but really looking at them as individuals and what will and will not work for them is key. Honestly, doing that for every student improves things for those students, as no one really fits in that standard "one size fits all" box. Good luck to everyone who chooses to help autistic students, and to every autistic student who wants to pursue the arts!
OMG martial arts litterally saved my life, I was diagnosed with ASD when I was 19, I was alone, no friends, no social skills, non verbal with anyone but close family, now I'm a 2nd Dan Sensei, teaching 30+ students several times a week.....yes martial arts is exactly what you need, ok so it might not be for everyone, but it teaches you skills that you cannot learn anywhere else..trust, compassion, empathy, inner strength, balance and coordination skills, verbal skills, self confidence. It was the scariest thing walking in to a dojo for the first time, I was shaking, but by the end of the first class I knew I was in the right place....20 years later, I'm now teaching what I have learned, to others who felt the same as I did.
@@pjelly633 do you think competitive martial arts could be less atractive for a child on the spectrum? (My boy is 5 and is ASD1). I am looking into Karate Shotokan or Aikido to start next year when he is 6. We have read the story of the Karate Kid (Mr.Miyagi and Daniel-san) and he says he wants to learn how to kick!
@@davidgarciacooke337 personally, I did not like the competitions so much, but as I was an adult, I think that may have been down to the fact that I would push myself too much and if I didn't achieve the result I wanted I'd feel really depressed, I also think it's up to the child, if competition is something they enjoy then of course it's a great idea as long as the parent doesn't set standards to high, the main benifit of starting any martial art at a young age is learning life skills, if he wants to focus on kicking, teakwondo might be better, as they are one of the best martial arts for leg work. Karate is more kata driven which is also good for concentration and focus. At his age, try out a few different classes, most Dojo' s will let you try a class before joining, and ask the other kids and parents what they think of the instructor and the classes, I've had Sensei's that scream at kids, or some that have no clue how to handle a large class because they have only taught adults. Most martial arts don't insist on competition as part of their grading system. If you can find a kensuki karate class, all the I structors have worked with children on the spectrum.
While I haven’t had a formal diagnosis, my therapist at the time did say I could be on the spectrum, with high functioning autism (not picking up basic social cues, that sort of thing) and/or some form of ADHD. I find it difficult to get my body to move in the way my sensei is showing me, and it takes me longer than usual to get the Kihon right. That being said, I do notice my mental state improving with every class I go to, and the repetition does help a lot.
If there is any interest in training, there are so many benifits for ASD as well as other developmental disabilities. When attempting to help a new potential student find interest I go through several of the limitless methods of training and find one that appeals to thier needs and interests. "Why do you want to learn martial arts?" What do you hope to learn from a martial art?" Then I ask again for each test with a follow up: "How has training helped you in your life? What have you learned besides punching and kicking?" If you cannot find some aspect of training that appeals to them then they must find other physical practices that they like.
@Dan I'm glad you addressed this topic. I have very high functioning Autism, I am a martial artist, and I teach martial arts. As far as less functioning Autistic people are concerned, they need all the help they can get. I think it's very important for parents, guardians, advocates, and other caregivers to "inform" the martial arts instructors of the Autistic students' (potential) limitations. Perhaps the greatest challenge is getting lower-functioning Autistic students to "focus", since most martial arts curriculums essentially "demand" focus. After all, "martial" means military, and in military organizations (past & present) focus is an absolute must.
art of one dojo i did my research and think logically and smart and have decided to sanda,kyokushin karate,taekwondo itf,muay thai,combat sambo,bjj,boxing the 7 best combats ports of all time used and practiced more in ufc/mma im and 21 and i know what i want to become boxer,kickboxer,fighter and martial artist and with the 7 combat sports i will thanks to all of you
This is pretty helpful. I'm learning how to be an instructor and there are children with that. My dad used to work with kids like that, and I learned a lot from him
Thank you for your video I have been in martial arts in many different systems and different styles and am a co-creator of a marshal system I was diagnosed with and the extremely high case of autism in 2009 all of the areas that you have covered in your video are extremely important and the coping skills the language skills the discipline that I learned in learning Japanese and Chinese and some Korean languages have helped me greatly an 2017 I received the ranks of HANSHI, 10TH DEGREE BLACK BELT and finally promoted to the rank of Grandmaster I had been training in martial arts 65 years thank you again for your video
I've personally met Janice. Such a wonderful person. Also since I've worked with over 2,000 people all over the spectrum I'd say martial arts training helps most with ASD
I’m on the higher functioning side of the spectrum. But I can honestly say that martial arts training help me through many tough times and also taught me not to be scared to speak up and fend for myself.
I feel it would increase their mental toughness. I feel it'll reduce meltdowns and shutdowns. It'll increase their self-confidence. Martial arts help with mind, body, and soul.
First off, I love that you made this. I think it would be very good do a follow-up not actually has an autistic martial artist in it so they can speak for themselves. The video is really from the perspective of the instructor. Which makes sense because that's what you are. Someone you can probably reach out to is my friend Mark who you met. He's actually on the Spectrum and also a black belt. I'm sure if you put your feelers out come on you'll find many more and let them tell their story. I know you were just trying to get the conversation started because of is a much larger conversation. Now you did, it's time to get some representation. Good work!
Taught for a long time in TKD Olympic style 15 plus yrs I had one student that was Autistic in a class at another dojang, I showed up to class to teach open the school, had the students line up, started exercising, stretches, The Autistic kid was very noises at first So I gave him a couple of stare downs aka the Parents stare bc I didn't know him and he didn't know me, He was a yellow belt when we meet, Over six months this kid came to train at the headquarters where I was head instructor opposite of the owner of course, This Kid work harder than a lot of kids four years later I had that kid start my classes through stretching and exercises. I came out had the kids do drills then told him I need to go in back for awhile just to see what he would do. This kid I was so impressed with him he started teaching the lower belts forms and did the exact thing that I did Went around the class and had the other kids get into the correct stances he would even bend down and move their feet in the correct spot of the stances I was so proud of him. After Class I had him come into the office and gave him a hug I told him Kristen I am so proud of you man teaching those kids today I going to have you start stretches and exercises for my classes when you can get here. He had the biggest smile on his face, He reply Yes Sir. He ran over to his mom and gave her a big hug. His Mom Looked at me so proudly and started to cry cause she was so Happy. That little man for four years grew up to become a very intelligent young man. So if you think for one second your kid that's Autistic can't do anything. I'll tell you from experience you better think again. They will surprise you so encourage them and love them, if you show them a path while helping them along the way they will overcome anything. Peace!!
My stepson Thomas is mid functioning autistic he is just getting into his teenage years as green belt and world taekwondo federation taekwondo and I noticed a drastic improvement when I brought other students in around his age it kind of boosted his confidence level it basically lit a fire under his ass without even knowing so because he wants to do just as well as the other kids in the class now I've had to stop training this summer because it's just way too hot and heat in Texas and saying I work all day what time I get home it's cooking so so once I start back I'm going to have to start back on square one with him because he would have forgotten everything I've taught him but there's a silver lining in that it'll also give me a reason to remember all my basics and by applying them and repeating over and over again and not only helps myself but it also him and the rest of the class and I stress in every single class you cannot be afraid of the basics the basics of your foundation they got to be harder than the hardest metal possible on a mental standpoint so the better we know the basics the better off we'll be as martial artists my daughter who is 20 is also autistic but high functioning and I will be teaching her in a few weeks so we'll see how that goes my actual birth son is also autistic but he's got the attention span of a nat
Thanks for the video! I've been a martial artist for 35 years. I am also on the Spectrum, though in my youth the condition wasn't understood. While I could not make friends or socialize very well, I found that training and classes were one area where I was able to develop some sense of value. It is a large part of my identity. My son is also autistic, and got into the martial arts recently. At first I tried to teach him myself, but while we totally get each other in all other aspects of life, this is one area gets too frustrating and I feel I get too rigid with him. To me it's a sacred thing, and to him it's just fun. Luckily, we found a couple of schools nearby that have children's classes and while I still get frustrated watching sometimes, the instructors are very patient with him and I see him really benefit from the attention he gets from them. Approval-seeking is a hallmark of the disorder, and he is starting to develop his potential now, while getting constant approval from his current sensei, and myself. It's also creating another bond between us, which is great.
I’m higher functioning, so it hasn’t really affected me in any detrimental way in 25 years (I do struggle with processing things and eye contact from time to time). I couldn’t have really gotten through it without the support of my family ESPECIALLY my mum. Starting Shotokan in 2018 has been the icing on the cake 👍. It’s given me confidence I’ve never dreamed of! Great video and thanks for covering this topic!
I am an autistic and was diagnosed as an adult. A lot of issues I had as child has improved such as making friends, working as a team and my concentration, but I am going to be starting karate to improve my codanation. I am going to be starting martail arts as a adult and I wish I started as a child.
I’m a late diagnosed autistic person and I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I definitely have some insight and thoughts about this. Yes, it can be helpful and I think it helped me. I also think there are some other things to consider, particular how to discuss autistic traits.
On one hand, martial arts helped me with my self esteem, helped me find what I describe as my calling. On the other, I now can focus on barley anything else and just focus on hitting things.
I would like to add. Some the noise of loud yells scares them. Putting on earmuffs and helmets do help. Very good information. I have been “OJT” and LAIG. But most of all I try to connect with the smile of encouragement and LOVE. Again Art Of One great program!
i do not have autism but i do have a medical condition and was bullied my entire childhood unntil i started martial arts it gave me confidence and dicipline i was laking and my sensei also really became a parental figure i needed and i cannot thank her enough for everything i am cosidering studying sports science and one day starting my own dojo so to all senseis sifus, sahbonims and instructors out there give people a chance just becouse the cant do everything emediatly does not mean they cannot learn it 🥋😀
I fall under the autism spectrum but I hate how it’s often categorized as disorder because some individuals like myself are fully functioning and capable of living regular lives. I have to give martial arts a hand in making me more of the man i ham today. I have a purple belt in Jhoon Rhee Taekwondo, brown belt in Kyokushin Karate, and currently a white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu though I’m not used to BJJ surfer lifestyle personality but I love learning from a challenge.
Excellent video and subject Mr. Dan. We have a bunch of autism martial arts organizations in my town. Its really encouraging to know about that there is a place for ASD clientele. :)
Wonderful video! Back when I was teaching, we had a couple of students on the spectrum. Proof that martial arts can really help and give these kids a sense of accomplishment. True, it isn't always a good fit, but understanding a student's needs really helps the instructor communicate with the student better.
I have a form of autism known as asperger syndrome. I'm 15 and currently a second degree orange belt in shotokan. In the past I have had anger issues but I never hit anyone. In class there is always this one kid who just has a way of making me angry. As I've said before I've never hit someone. When I get angry I usually clench my fist close my eyes and try to concentrate and I've also started hyperventilating . Thought the issue is that my classmates don't understand me and my struggles and when I try to explain they're always rude to me. One time (last year actually, in 2020 before lockdown) the one kid made me angry and I was sitting in class so I again, closed my eyes and clenched my fists. I told him to leave me alone and him being the annoying person that he was wouldn't. At a point some of the other kids in my class, not many but still, came to my table and started to make fun at the fact that my face was so red. I told them to stop but they wouldn't. I had to sit there while they taunted me all the while trying to calm myself, my hands were trembling. For the most part I have no way to get rid of my anger, in a way martial arts has helped me but not much. And the kids are still testing my patience. The last time the kid got me THAT angry I was hyperventilating so much (we weren't in class we were walking to the hall) that I starred to see spots in my vision. But live goes on and even when it was reported, nothing happened. Because in south Africa Justice doesn't exist.
I have minor symptoms of autism and the martial arts help me a lot ever since I got back into it in 2016. Too me? Having savant syndrome is a gift..... despite having minor symptoms, I can pick up on techniques faster than they are shown too me. I was 3 certifications away of becoming a instructor until covid hit (less than 4 years). I plan on finishing up when it tones down. My best inspiration movie is The Accountant (besides Rain Man and The Beautiful Mind) with Been Affleck. Despite becoming a black ops assassin, he manage to face his autism no matter what, and rise above his limitations. I like to think of myself as that character while facing life itself.
We ourselves have had students with autism or other special needs. Many as you mentioned Sensei Dan, have exhibited high levels of amazing memory, as well as phenomenal techniques, as they are as highly intelligent as most regular people. The martial arts are definitely a good way, to teach them how to be highly confident, also how to mingle and interact with others, as opposed to be shy and withdrawn from people. Unlike sports such as soccer ⚽️, football 🏈, athletics and so forth which usually cater for elite individuals with physical prowess, martial arts are for everyone, regardless of their personal, physical attributes, gender, age and so forth. It is definitely the responsibility of a parent to let the martial arts school owner, know that their child, have a condition with special needs, so that they along with other instructors, can keep an eye on them. Thus ensuring that their individual needs are met and catered for, while ensuring that there is harmony between them and the other regular, average person at the dojo, without any special needs.
II began in the Martial arts when I was six years old, back in 1973. At that point in time I didn't know anything about being autism or the spectrum or any of that, nor did my family or the instructors. Most people's understanding of autism was kids with severe behavioral issues, and some sort of disorder that affected their personalities. To be honest I don't even know if, at the time, the idea of being high functioning autistic was even a concept or of kids like me were diagnosed with other things or just written off as inattentive, troublemakers or lazy. I was, and still am considered high functioning. Other than a need for ritual (remind me someday to tell you about my weekend, or even my weekday things that I HAVE to do) the only real issue I had was an inability to interact with other kids. Some might say that was because I was, at the time an only child, all of my cousins were older and there weren't really any other kids in the neighborhood for me to play with, but even after time at school I was still always on my own. The story of how I became involved in the martial arts isn't really relevant to this but one thing that I got out of it was having to learn how to interact with the other students. There was no going off an practicing alone during class time, oh no, there was always someone you were working with and even though my conversation in the those first months never strayed away from the training I was still interacting. The training at the school was...to call it intense would be to damn with faint praise, if you take my meaning, but that intensity forced me to learn to interact with the other students, even beyond just what was going on in class. If it had not been for that experience I would probably still have difficulty in carrying on even the simplest of conversations with people beyond a few sentences. Now I can talk for hours about music, martial arts, mysticism, movies, comic books and a host of other things, an ability I truly credit that early training for. Martial arts is a really good way for people on the spectrum to learn to interact. I will admit that, as I have gotten older I have let my discipline lapse and haven't trained seriously in a very long time, and am finding it hard to get back into the routine (which is odd considering my need for routine). As an addendum I will say that I wish these diagnosis had been around sooner, it would not only have explained a lot, but saved me a lot as well. So for people who think they, or one or more of their children might be one the spectrum, get that checked out and if they are...think about martial arts as a way to help them learn to cope with the world to gain the discipline, confidence and strength to be able to interact with people, even in difficult situations without being too overwhelmed.
Thank you so much for sharing this. This is a very valuable insight from someone who had a positive impact. I do agree and wish they had been able to diagnose this earlier as so many people may have benefited from him, but at least going forward the more study and research they do can only help find positive solutions!
as a person on the spectrum myself it good to know people are talking about this. my experience with martial arts was a good one i trained in kickboxing for 6 years and enjoyed m,y time will i trained
I'm a instructor assistant (3rd dan), and I think we have 2 kids in the spectrum currectly training with us. some times I'm left in charge of the whole class, from 1 class a week up to 1 whole month. the biggest obstacles that these kids present often is lack of attention, not remembering patterns, struggle to understand basic safety rules, lack of communication, even when talked in a slow and calmed manner; and luckily not outburst of rage. my biggest struggle with them is how much I have to slow down the class between explaining and re-explaining them the instructions, or getting them to do the drills without going off to walk around the room, while leaving their parteners alone. at the end, for a class that I had planned with 5 or 6 exercecises, we end up doing only 3. this is very frustrating cuz I feel that it slows down the development of all the other children, since I have to pay extra attention to these 2 kids and cant watch and asses the others with their techniques. I know it's how you said, customizing/personalising can help them with most of the work, but I feel like that takes out the martial part in martial art, since we have to treat them with so much care. like, it's not really different from a PE class, or even lighter than that. and when they simply dont want to talk or do anything, the only thing we can do is aks them to sit aside and not participate in the class.
I'm an adult, currently undergoing assessment for ASD. It's interesting that Martial arts training may be/is beneficial to executive functioning, as that's something I definitely struggle with, regardless of ASD diagnosis or not. The past year or so with worldwide disruptions to everyone's schedules etc, has definitely impacted my training consistency and mental health negatively. I'm beginning to wonder if my more consistent martial arts training was counteracting my executive dysfunction issues. Something to consider I guess.
I am a person with autism spectrum disorder I study martial arts but my commitment with the school was lost because of classmates and new instructors don't understand or listen to want my interests in martial arts even as a 2nd degree black belt.
Martial arts are good for EVERYONE! As for people who are concidered autistic, they deserve a chance to show off what they CAN do instead of what they can't! The art work on those kids is epic,by the way XD!
I have what you are talking about in this video, and it has caused me to have a hyper focus on training to the point that I teach people how to do the candle punch technique.
I've done enough martial arts to where I have shown technique in class to beginners. My autistic son is 16 and taller than me when he stands straight. I'm just now starting basics with him and see that even though I know my son very well and I know some teaching, that I have to go a very unconventional route. I'm returning to martial arts as well and I want to see what his interest would be in gyms we will shop around for. He has interest and is psyched. We are just starting by simple exercises and I am really evaluating his motor skills. His focus. I'm not only teaching him about martial arts but that fitness can be done anywhere. So we are in the park of the neighborhood with busy traffic on top of a hill. I don't nerve pinch or anything like that but I get his attention that will wonder off mid sentence if I let it. Interesting place for overstimulation that autistic people tend to have in spades. He loves it. He posted on Facebook and now I am jumping on RUclips. Thank you for good video. I've seen all those traits in others on the spectrum as well.
I JUST DONT KNOW.... I KNOW KENPO.... AND MY SON HAS ASD..... IM THINKING ON PUTTING HIM IN A SCHOOL WITH OTHER KID THAN TO DO IT MYSELF..... MY SON IS 8..... THIS SOMETHING IM THINK LONG AND HARD ABOUT.... YOU GAVE ME MORE INFO. THANK YOU.
Hi! I’m a Taekwondo instructor who has autism, and I work with a lot of kids who are autistic as well! I work with pretty much any child with special needs outside of autism too. PARENTS - please tell the instructor that your child has autism. Also, don’t just take your child to the first martial arts school; MAKE SURE THE INSTRUCTOR(s) ARE THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR CHILD! It is okay to ask a billion questions, too. Don’t apologize for ensuring the best experience for your child. Especially if they are on the spectrum!!!!
I am on the spectrum and yes it is really helpful in self control and tolerance to frustration (through the opportunity of doing something a bunch of times, it also helps with my perfectionist and obsesive over nuances because it actually pays off in a martial context). However despite my love for martial arts I've only been to small clases, the bigger was like 8 people max, and I probably would feel really uncomfortable and unfocused if I went to a massive gym/dojo, also I've been lucky enough to not train on those huge gyms that have changing lights and several rooms because in which case I would have a massive headache every time I trained there (I can't even go to a damn circus for the same reason) I guess that's my experience for now. I should add that my case is not a serious thing, I am a functional autist and I can live alone, I just struggle with minor things such as anything that requires my fingers to coordinate (handwritting, tying knots, etc.) and the aforementioned oversensibilty to light and certain sounds, to which I react not with fear as some kids but just sheer rage (which when I was younger was an issue but it isn't nowadays because of the self control I developed to martial arts and I am forever grateful)
Hi mate, thank you for your videos, I am finding them very helpful. I have a 5 y/o on the spectrum. I practiced martial arts when I was young and I would like to introduce my boy to something that suits him. I have been looking into non competitive martial arts. There is a Karate-do Shotokan school close to where I live. I have been looking into Shotokan lately and love it. Your video on Karate is very good. Also Aikido could be good. What is your opinion with your experience? Thank you.
also art of one dojo i have autism and when i was on a martial arts gyn i did preet much good and my couch was impressed with me and the first comment you saw is what i want to do i know if i have fiat in myself and god i can do anything also who i might add krav maga if i can use some of the moves that work in mma
That is definitely a challenge, and sometimes being in the martials arts can help with the social setting. We have a student in our Judo school on the spectrum and when he started he was very quiet and withdrawn (teenager) but now he's a lot more open and social. He still has some challenges but he's tough and gets through the workouts and he has made a ton of progress.
I had a young man in my class. Who had an angry problem and was beating up his mom. My teacher tried everything with that young man even going and do his house everyday talking to him and going with him to therapy. It would help for three or four days then he will be right back at it again. My teacher told me “he is your student do what your want” so I started working with him and he was doing do for about three weeks. Well my teacher passed away and I took over the school so his mom comes to me and says that her son was beating her and it was worse then before and asked me what I was going to do about it. I told her I would teach him meditation but if he does it again he will be expelled and banned from coming back because I’m not going to teach him how to fight just to beat up on his mom. So they left she didn’t like what I said but I could tell he was getting more and more violent. He was talking disrespectful to other students trying to pick a fight. He even squared up on me one time and I told him “you don’t want to do that”. He did the same thing to my teacher when he was alive and he definitely didn’t want any of him. By the way this young man was 15 around 5 ft 10 inches tall and about 180 lbs and his mom was maybe 5 ft 3 inches.
Sometimes students need to address other issues before being taught martial arts unfortunately. This is a really sad case and I sincerely hope the situation has improved for them.
@@ArtofOneDojo I hope them the best. It broke my heart but I couldn’t risk the safety of my other students plus the safety of the mother. I suggested that they try a Tai Chi school or an other art that focuses on meditation other then sparring and self defense
@@ArtofOneDojo I hope them the best. It broke my heart but I couldn’t risk the safety of my other students plus the safety of the mother. I suggested that they try a Tai Chi school or an other art that focuses on meditation other then sparring and self defense
Very interesting video. My son is 8 years old and is autistic, his challenges are, he is a very slow learner, have trouble focusing & communicating with another person. Do you think martial arts can help him with the challenges he has.
If I saw this sooner, I would have sent this to the kickboxing coaches at the gym I used to go to. They didn't tailor their teaching styles to the autistic (and likely intellectually disabled) student, seemed like one coach was harder on me (diagnosed autistic two and a half years ago) and the aforementioned autistic student, and that same coach liked to say ret*rded. Glad that gym closed. It made me question if all martial arts studios were like this to autistic people. There was also the issue that most people at the gym were right-wing, so that made me feel unsafe.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Interesting coincidence, my oldest daughter (7) is autistic and we are actually going to be starting her in TKD today. From what I can tell the TKD school has lots of patience with younger kids. My daughter has displayed great coordination, balance, and focus from a young age, so I am hopeful that she will enjoy TKD or some other martial art. She does have a hard time getting larger concepts and communication, but once she understands what is going on or is expected she often excels at what she is doing. Take math for example, with addition it took a little bit of time to get her to understand taking the two numbers and putting them together makes a new number, but once she got it she flew past her classmates.
For anyone enrolling their child in a martial arts or any physical program, if you child is autistic, let the instructor know. This will help provide the best outcome for your child. Autism aside, you want the experience to be positive. Letting the instructor know will help.
Also for parents, recognize that your child may not have interest in martial arts, get your child exposed to it, if it fits great, if not move on. You child might develop an interest later. I have been involved and training martial arts for 25+ years, so I would love it if my daughter gets involved in martial arts, but if she doesn't, that's ok.
Good on you man. 👍 I’m 32 and also autistic I train in Shotokan and can’t wait to go back to the dojo this Sunday.
@@songoku9348 High functioning Austistic here,
I practice judo. Not a lot of people can tell. Though I'm not a social butterfly. But I think the intimate close contact of grappling sorta broke me outta my shell. I also couldn't adjust to change until I started training. Judo taught me like opponents, things in life can just change on the fly and you've gotta adapt or you end up stuck on your back. With judo, I gotta job back in school and I even have a girlfriend now :)
On spectrum, 35yo, martial arts has and still is a huge help with keeping me on the rails
I have it. The martial arts continue to help me to this day. Confidence & Discipline are my keys to success. ✊🥋
I am 40 and autistic. Been training since I was 4, almost 5.
You must be skilled asf
My eldest son is on the spectrum, and he enjoyed martial arts, especially kicking, but he needed an instructor who understood that you can't bark orders at him. After about a year our whole family left that school.
My wife is on the spectrum and has been training martial arts for over 30 year's as Nd has excelled at it and holds a 2nd Dan in karate and a 3 Dan in jui jitsu . Total respect for all her hard work
My sensei didnt even know I have ASD till I told him. But I grew up in a chaotic household, so I guess the structure he enforced I was able to get behind
I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism) as a boy and I really had difficulty both socially and academically. Training in martial arts really helped me to focus better and understand social behavior. It also helped me deal with bullying in school. As of this writing, I have a Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, a Red Belt in Taekwondo and a First-degree (Shodan) Black Belt in Uechi Ryu Karate. Looking forward to getting my Black Belt in Taekwondo soon, once the pandemic calms down. Many thanks Mr. Dan for covering this topic.
I can’t thank you enough for making this video. Several times recently I have researched “martial arts and autism” to see if anyone has addressed this topic; I found virtually nothing. And the little I did find was focused on kids, not adults who are on the spectrum. I have Aspergers and train in American Kenpo and 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. It’s my life. Yeah my “wiring” makes the social aspect of class a struggle, and sometimes I get overwhelmed by the noise and amount of people, but there are some things I have a knack for. Like noticing little details, remembering techniques and their names, and having a deep need and desire to understand everything that I learn on every level. So as much as there are struggles, there are a lot of benefits. Martial arts is a huge gift to me and has helped me to appreciate the parts of having autism that I am not particularly fond of. I’m not broken or weird. I’m just different. And different can be really awesome.
Being an aspie myself gives me some of the same "superpowers", it have also caused me to ruffle a lot of feathers in the community of my federation. Mostly because I notice the things that doesn't make sense and asks questions and try to make changes. Something not always welcomed by the higher-ups.
I never had any autistic students, most of my best students were diagnosed with ADHD. I think there's probably a place for everyone.
It's interesting that you should mention that, since many people on the Autism Spectrum also have ADHD. It's a double-whammy for many of these individuals. To the extent that martial arts can improve their quality of life, I say: "Go for it!"
I have both. Even my diagnoticians hesitated in changing the diagnosis but stuck with it anyways.
Hi there-
So my son has moderate ASD and I just finished medical school. We enrolled my son and his "neurotypical" sister in a taekwondo school, where the owner/master also has a son with moderate to severe ASD as well.
The curriculum and instructors are flexible in order to accommodate kids with all sorts of developmental disorders, and watching them teach my son, as well as watching them teach my daughter a bit about how my son communicates, has been PRICELESS in terms of stimulating their relationship, and teaching my son how to relate to other people. I apply many of the lessons I've learned from our TKD studio to dealing with my ASD patients, and as soon as the schedule slowed down a bit for me, I joined the studio as a student as well.
My kids will test for their black belts as early as late December, and I couldn't be more pleased with how things have gone.
Autism is a challenging condition when teaching Martial Arts. Some afflicted thrive while others just have no interest. Patience is a prerequisite for everyone involved. The one thing I recommend from all involved is an abundance of "Zen".
Excellent topic! 👍
I'm on the spectrum and I love martial arts
Me too man.
Me too man
me too
I was diagnosed with high functioning autism as a child. Since 2017 I have been training in wing chun, white crane and recently have started training with yet another group in another style. What I found is that while I had a far steeper initial learning curve and tended to over focus on details in the beginning, that the work I had to do to overcome that learning curve gave me training habits that eventually led to my skills becoming very advanced very quickly once I got the hang of things. That attention to detail that was at first highly distracting eventually became a great strength too as I began to learn where to focus it. In short, I found that while it was harder for me than some in the beginning, that a lot of areas where I thought this was hurting me ended up developing into strengths. Also, and this is just for other folks that might be diagnosed, martial arts is a great way to stim. I find myself doing huen sau, and practicing lots lot little subtle things while on walks, at work or on the bus in instances where I need to. The forms and daily morning practice are also a very comforting routine and help me build my mind body connection which is super helpful.
I loved teaching KAFA (Karate Adapted for Autism) classes as a brown belt. It’s awesome helping these kids realize their potential or learn extremely basic coordination skills that can benefit them. Actually was more rewarding than teaching normal adults by far. Very counter to my past as a warrior in the US Army.
Martial arts can help nerds, weak people, and anyone who doesn't know how to fight. It's a great way to deal with stress too. Unfortunately we live in a time where these self-defense classes could be very expensive especially with COVID and the economy in the tank.
Then it is time for some home school!
The benefits for martial arts are for everyone, whether or not they are given the label of "Autistic". A person is just that, a person. No matter the circumstance or condition. So often we, as people forget that and that is no good.
Though the benefits can seem more obvious in the more extreme or dedicated cases; the arts are for the enjoyment of everyone, a universal tool for personal growth. In my case as a kid diagnosed early on in life, taking the time to learn martial arts with my old-man was and still is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It and the efforts of so many others saved me.
My journey gave me confidence, focus, ambition, respect, and fostered connections that saved me so many times whenever the world became too much... My best memories are interwoven with my martial-arts journey. The joy that a person feels when they finally master or perform a technique for the 1st time or conquer past limitations is infectious to all participants.
A joy and a connection that I hope to share one-day with my children, if I ever have any.
Labels Don't mean Jack... The true winners are those who can still stand and smile at the end.
I, myself, am on the spectrum. Aspergers Syndrome (or just an aspie). I've been training martial arts most of my life (roughly 35 years or so) and while it have presented a lot of challenges it have also given me so many victories and so much joy.
The thing that has given me most trouble is my ability to spot things which either is too complicated or just unrealistic to work outside the dojo. Combined with the common lack of understanding social interactions (which is a active thought-process for autists and not a subconscious process as it's for most people) have made me ruffle some feathers along the way. Mostly because I say what I see.
It's a large and complex topic you have dug into, Dan, and something not able to be covered in just 13 minutes on RUclips. I however love that you have done it. Because it might help shed some light on the subject and show that not only are we all around, but that it can be helpful for some and a joy for most.
Have you tried taking NLP or Neurolinguistic Programing classes? Or perhaps Dale Carnegie interpersonal communication classes? I have Aspergers and I found them very useful. That and taking a course in body language, and a course from Paul Ekman on micro expressions.
The love of teaching and care for your students really shows in this video Mr Dan, I myself have met people and have family members with autism, I would always recommend the martial arts. A good school with great mentors, can do wonders and change the lives of so many for the better.
You are explaining my basic problems as an ADHD person. I was diagnosed 3 years ago, I am 51 now. I have been an obsessed student of theology, music, and martial arts. Martial Arts shaped me.
They have a program in Northern Florida where people with autism are taught to surf. It's a beautiful experience for everyone involved. No question, with an encouraging, educated teacher, the martial arts would be very helpful
Thanks for the feature! I'm always happy to answer any questions you may have about the study :)
Hi! Thank YOU for doing this research, I found it very encouraging and interesting. I do have some follow up questions, what is the best way for me to contact you? you can reach me at F2B@F2BPro.com. I'd like to talk more about this. Thank you!
I am 53 was first diagnosed with ASD (High Functioning) at age 35. I began training in martial arts at age 38. I have even reached black belt level in three separate styles so far and I am working on my fourth black belt style. It has made me able to better read people and to communicate with them as a symptom of mine is inability to read social cues because so much training is dependent on being able to read and understand body language of other students. I feel it necessary to say the Senseis at the schools I have attended had a more light hearted approach to how they not only ran their dojos but teaching methods they used. I also had the benefit of being in a small class with no more than 6 other students despiter they both had other classes with far more students.
They encouraged students to engage in conversation such as asking questions immediately instead of holding all questions until after class even encouraging humor to be injected. They also had a less rigid teaching method example my Sensis had to correct my stance, He would for example say "assume left lead", but I would assume right lead, and instead of yelling at me or other form of discipline that made me feel bad. He would just say to me "your other left" or if in my excitement I was going to ask a question that with patience the answer would come he would just say "let me play teacher and you play student" They would even entertain questions about martial arts I saw in animation on their practicality, even going so far as making it part of the class. One favorite example was about martial arts in Star Wars so one evening I brought in my collection of light sabers and I was not yelled at but instead Sensei used light sabers to show how in Kendo which he did not teach the techniques he did teach could be applied. Even later on when we attended a martial art seminar expo he encouraged not just me but all his students to attend the seminar on Kenjitsu to show the 8 angles of attack were not exclusive to his style. Upon returning he encouraged my interest in Kenjitsu even helping me contact the instructor at the seminar to become my long distant teacher, so long as it was not done during regular class or did not interfere with my regular training. He even went so far as to give me greater access to the dojo so I could come anytime day or night and practice both his style and the kenjitsu I was learning.
I mean "your other left" became so endear to me that I actually named the martial art I developed "your other left" which is not new but was an amalgamation of styles and techniques not found in the styles and techniques they taught.
One final thought is in both styles on numerous occasions my Senseis would tell me alone or in front of the class that don't be surprised if one day H becomes one of the greatest martial artists in the area. It was because they saw how quickly I was able to learn and understand techniques after seeing it done just a few times even to the point of trying to adapt it by connecting it to what I already knew. I thought they were only saying this to be nice because I did not tell them I had ASD because I was only understanding it myself, but now I can see that is a strength of my ASD and this strength is what in my Senseis eyes set me apart from other students that they made the claim. Over the years overcoming my ASD symptoms improved even to the point I was called to lead class and teach/demonstrate techniques to students both lower and higher rank then me.
I do want to say this did present a challenge for them because as an Uke I saw and experienced techniques advanced for my level being done by or taught to my Nage, this often led to me not just learning advanced techniques but sometimes faster and better then the Nage.
One issue I continued to have and still due although not as much is reorientation Example I would be facing North in left lead for almost every drill, but sometimes Sensei would say turn 180 degrees and continue in left lead, well when I would turn 180 degrees facing South it would take me longer to reorient myself to left lead. It got even worse when we did 8 direction drills N-S-NE-SW-E-W-SE-NW-S-N.
I'm a youth coach for at risk teens. I get a lot of experience with autistic kids and something that I think will help is something you touch on. You mention talking with the parents and paying attention to the kids' needs and goals. It can make things harder teaching a full class, but really looking at them as individuals and what will and will not work for them is key. Honestly, doing that for every student improves things for those students, as no one really fits in that standard "one size fits all" box. Good luck to everyone who chooses to help autistic students, and to every autistic student who wants to pursue the arts!
OMG martial arts litterally saved my life, I was diagnosed with ASD when I was 19, I was alone, no friends, no social skills, non verbal with anyone but close family, now I'm a 2nd Dan Sensei, teaching 30+ students several times a week.....yes martial arts is exactly what you need, ok so it might not be for everyone, but it teaches you skills that you cannot learn anywhere else..trust, compassion, empathy, inner strength, balance and coordination skills, verbal skills, self confidence. It was the scariest thing walking in to a dojo for the first time, I was shaking, but by the end of the first class I knew I was in the right place....20 years later, I'm now teaching what I have learned, to others who felt the same as I did.
AWESOME SUCCESS STORY! Thank you so much for sharing this!
May I ask which martial art you practice?
@@davidgarciacooke337 Shinken-do, it's a mix of Karate, judo, jujitsu, and teakwondo
I also hold a first Dan in teakwondo
@@pjelly633 do you think competitive martial arts could be less atractive for a child on the spectrum? (My boy is 5 and is ASD1). I am looking into Karate Shotokan or Aikido to start next year when he is 6. We have read the story of the Karate Kid (Mr.Miyagi and Daniel-san) and he says he wants to learn how to kick!
@@davidgarciacooke337 personally, I did not like the competitions so much, but as I was an adult, I think that may have been down to the fact that I would push myself too much and if I didn't achieve the result I wanted I'd feel really depressed, I also think it's up to the child, if competition is something they enjoy then of course it's a great idea as long as the parent doesn't set standards to high, the main benifit of starting any martial art at a young age is learning life skills, if he wants to focus on kicking, teakwondo might be better, as they are one of the best martial arts for leg work. Karate is more kata driven which is also good for concentration and focus. At his age, try out a few different classes, most Dojo' s will let you try a class before joining, and ask the other kids and parents what they think of the instructor and the classes, I've had Sensei's that scream at kids, or some that have no clue how to handle a large class because they have only taught adults. Most martial arts don't insist on competition as part of their grading system. If you can find a kensuki karate class, all the I structors have worked with children on the spectrum.
While I haven’t had a formal diagnosis, my therapist at the time did say I could be on the spectrum, with high functioning autism (not picking up basic social cues, that sort of thing) and/or some form of ADHD. I find it difficult to get my body to move in the way my sensei is showing me, and it takes me longer than usual to get the Kihon right. That being said, I do notice my mental state improving with every class I go to, and the repetition does help a lot.
If there is any interest in training, there are so many benifits for ASD as well as other developmental disabilities. When attempting to help a new potential student find interest I go through several of the limitless methods of training and find one that appeals to thier needs and interests.
"Why do you want to learn martial arts?"
What do you hope to learn from a martial art?"
Then I ask again for each test with a follow up: "How has training helped you in your life? What have you learned besides punching and kicking?"
If you cannot find some aspect of training that appeals to them then they must find other physical practices that they like.
Awesome video again.. Martial Arts is definitely a way into healing the depths of all challenges of life.
@Dan I'm glad you addressed this topic. I have very high functioning Autism, I am a martial artist, and I teach martial arts. As far as less functioning Autistic people are concerned, they need all the help they can get. I think it's very important for parents, guardians, advocates, and other caregivers to "inform" the martial arts instructors of the Autistic students' (potential) limitations. Perhaps the greatest challenge is getting lower-functioning Autistic students to "focus", since most martial arts curriculums essentially "demand" focus. After all, "martial" means military, and in military organizations (past & present) focus is an absolute must.
art of one dojo i did my research and think logically and smart and have decided to sanda,kyokushin karate,taekwondo itf,muay thai,combat sambo,bjj,boxing the 7 best combats ports of all time used and practiced more in ufc/mma im and 21 and i know what i want to become boxer,kickboxer,fighter and martial artist and with the 7 combat sports i will thanks to all of you
This is pretty helpful. I'm learning how to be an instructor and there are children with that. My dad used to work with kids like that, and I learned a lot from him
Thank you for your video I have been in martial arts in many different systems and different styles and am a co-creator of a marshal system I was diagnosed with and the extremely high case of autism in 2009 all of the areas that you have covered in your video are extremely important and the coping skills the language skills the discipline that I learned in learning Japanese and Chinese and some Korean languages have helped me greatly an 2017 I received the ranks of HANSHI, 10TH DEGREE BLACK BELT and finally promoted to the rank of Grandmaster I had been training in martial arts 65 years thank you again for your video
Thank you so much for always bringing meaningful topics related to the martial arts and Kenpo. Greetings from El Salvador!!
I’m high functioning autistic and a second brown belt in kenpo karate.
I've personally met Janice. Such a wonderful person. Also since I've worked with over 2,000 people all over the spectrum I'd say martial arts training helps most with ASD
I’m on the higher functioning side of the spectrum. But I can honestly say that martial arts training help me through many tough times and also taught me not to be scared to speak up and fend for myself.
I feel it would increase their mental toughness. I feel it'll reduce meltdowns and shutdowns. It'll increase their self-confidence. Martial arts help with mind, body, and soul.
First off, I love that you made this. I think it would be very good do a follow-up not actually has an autistic martial artist in it so they can speak for themselves. The video is really from the perspective of the instructor. Which makes sense because that's what you are. Someone you can probably reach out to is my friend Mark who you met. He's actually on the Spectrum and also a black belt. I'm sure if you put your feelers out come on you'll find many more and let them tell their story. I know you were just trying to get the conversation started because of is a much larger conversation. Now you did, it's time to get some representation. Good work!
I am talking to a couple of people and do think this is worth going into deeper detail with, and like you said, showing more perspective.
@@ArtofOneDojo awesome. I know that would be appreciated.
I see this and I was just diagnosed with Level 1 ASD. Perfect timing!
Great video as always! My older cousin is on the spectrum and I recently got him into martial arts!
Fantastic vid, man. Heavy stuff yes. But you approached it even-handed - both encouraging and sober.
Thanks for making this Video
Taught for a long time in TKD Olympic style 15 plus yrs I had one student that was Autistic in a class at another dojang, I showed up to class to teach open the school, had the students line up, started exercising, stretches, The Autistic kid was very noises at first So I gave him a couple of stare downs aka the Parents stare bc I didn't know him and he didn't know me, He was a yellow belt when we meet, Over six months this kid came to train at the headquarters where I was head instructor opposite of the owner of course, This Kid work harder than a lot of kids four years later I had that kid start my classes through stretching and exercises. I came out had the kids do drills then told him I need to go in back for awhile just to see what he would do. This kid I was so impressed with him he started teaching the lower belts forms and did the exact thing that I did Went around the class and had the other kids get into the correct stances he would even bend down and move their feet in the correct spot of the stances I was so proud of him. After Class I had him come into the office and gave him a hug I told him Kristen I am so proud of you man teaching those kids today I going to have you start stretches and exercises for my classes when you can get here. He had the biggest smile on his face, He reply Yes Sir. He ran over to his mom and gave her a big hug. His Mom Looked at me so proudly and started to cry cause she was so Happy. That little man for four years grew up to become a very intelligent young man. So if you think for one second your kid that's Autistic can't do anything. I'll tell you from experience you better think again. They will surprise you so encourage them and love them, if you show them a path while helping them along the way they will overcome anything. Peace!!
My stepson Thomas is mid functioning autistic he is just getting into his teenage years as green belt and world taekwondo federation taekwondo and I noticed a drastic improvement when I brought other students in around his age it kind of boosted his confidence level it basically lit a fire under his ass without even knowing so because he wants to do just as well as the other kids in the class now I've had to stop training this summer because it's just way too hot and heat in Texas and saying I work all day what time I get home it's cooking so so once I start back I'm going to have to start back on square one with him because he would have forgotten everything I've taught him but there's a silver lining in that it'll also give me a reason to remember all my basics and by applying them and repeating over and over again and not only helps myself but it also him and the rest of the class and I stress in every single class you cannot be afraid of the basics the basics of your foundation they got to be harder than the hardest metal possible on a mental standpoint so the better we know the basics the better off we'll be as martial artists my daughter who is 20 is also autistic but high functioning and I will be teaching her in a few weeks so we'll see how that goes my actual birth son is also autistic but he's got the attention span of a nat
You're one of the very few people with a video with this much information on this topic. Thank you.
We will be revisiting this topic soon, possibly as a live stream discussion.
Recently learned that a friend of mine is on the spectrum. Always believed that martial arts training could help with all kinds of things
Thanks for the video! I've been a martial artist for 35 years. I am also on the Spectrum, though in my youth the condition wasn't understood. While I could not make friends or socialize very well, I found that training and classes were one area where I was able to develop some sense of value. It is a large part of my identity.
My son is also autistic, and got into the martial arts recently. At first I tried to teach him myself, but while we totally get each other in all other aspects of life, this is one area gets too frustrating and I feel I get too rigid with him. To me it's a sacred thing, and to him it's just fun.
Luckily, we found a couple of schools nearby that have children's classes and while I still get frustrated watching sometimes, the instructors are very patient with him and I see him really benefit from the attention he gets from them. Approval-seeking is a hallmark of the disorder, and he is starting to develop his potential now, while getting constant approval from his current sensei, and myself. It's also creating another bond between us, which is great.
I’m higher functioning, so it hasn’t really affected me in any detrimental way in 25 years (I do struggle with processing things and eye contact from time to time). I couldn’t have really gotten through it without the support of my family ESPECIALLY my mum. Starting Shotokan in 2018 has been the icing on the cake 👍. It’s given me confidence I’ve never dreamed of! Great video and thanks for covering this topic!
I am an autistic and was diagnosed as an adult. A lot of issues I had as child has improved such as making friends, working as a team and my concentration, but I am going to be starting karate to improve my codanation. I am going to be starting martail arts as a adult and I wish I started as a child.
I’m a late diagnosed autistic person and I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I definitely have some insight and thoughts about this. Yes, it can be helpful and I think it helped me. I also think there are some other things to consider, particular how to discuss autistic traits.
On one hand, martial arts helped me with my self esteem, helped me find what I describe as my calling.
On the other, I now can focus on barley anything else and just focus on hitting things.
I would like to add. Some the noise of loud yells scares them. Putting on earmuffs and helmets do help. Very good information. I have been “OJT” and LAIG. But most of all I try to connect with the smile of encouragement and LOVE. Again Art Of One great program!
i do not have autism but i do have a medical condition and was bullied my entire childhood unntil i started martial arts it gave me confidence and dicipline i was laking and my sensei also really became a parental figure i needed and i cannot thank her enough for everything i am cosidering studying sports science and one day starting my own dojo
so to all senseis sifus, sahbonims and instructors out there give people a chance just becouse the cant do everything emediatly does not mean they cannot learn it 🥋😀
nice
I fall under the autism spectrum but I hate how it’s often categorized as disorder because some individuals like myself are fully functioning and capable of living regular lives. I have to give martial arts a hand in making me more of the man i ham today. I have a purple belt in Jhoon Rhee Taekwondo, brown belt in Kyokushin Karate, and currently a white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu though I’m not used to BJJ surfer lifestyle personality but I love learning from a challenge.
Excellent video and subject Mr.
Dan. We have a bunch of autism martial arts organizations in my town. Its really encouraging to know about that there is a place for ASD clientele. :)
Wonderful video! Back when I was teaching, we had a couple of students on the spectrum. Proof that martial arts can really help and give these kids a sense of accomplishment. True, it isn't always a good fit, but understanding a student's needs really helps the instructor communicate with the student better.
I have a form of autism known as asperger syndrome. I'm 15 and currently a second degree orange belt in shotokan. In the past I have had anger issues but I never hit anyone. In class there is always this one kid who just has a way of making me angry. As I've said before I've never hit someone. When I get angry I usually clench my fist close my eyes and try to concentrate and I've also started hyperventilating . Thought the issue is that my classmates don't understand me and my struggles and when I try to explain they're always rude to me. One time (last year actually, in 2020 before lockdown) the one kid made me angry and I was sitting in class so I again, closed my eyes and clenched my fists. I told him to leave me alone and him being the annoying person that he was wouldn't. At a point some of the other kids in my class, not many but still, came to my table and started to make fun at the fact that my face was so red. I told them to stop but they wouldn't. I had to sit there while they taunted me all the while trying to calm myself, my hands were trembling. For the most part I have no way to get rid of my anger, in a way martial arts has helped me but not much. And the kids are still testing my patience. The last time the kid got me THAT angry I was hyperventilating so much (we weren't in class we were walking to the hall) that I starred to see spots in my vision. But live goes on and even when it was reported, nothing happened. Because in south Africa Justice doesn't exist.
I have minor symptoms of autism and the martial arts help me a lot ever since I got back into it in 2016. Too me? Having savant syndrome is a gift..... despite having minor symptoms, I can pick up on techniques faster than they are shown too me. I was 3 certifications away of becoming a instructor until covid hit (less than 4 years). I plan on finishing up when it tones down. My best inspiration movie is The Accountant (besides Rain Man and The Beautiful Mind) with Been Affleck. Despite becoming a black ops assassin, he manage to face his autism no matter what, and rise above his limitations. I like to think of myself as that character while facing life itself.
We ourselves have had students with autism or other special needs. Many as you mentioned Sensei Dan, have exhibited high levels of amazing memory, as well as phenomenal techniques, as they are as highly intelligent as most regular people.
The martial arts are definitely a good way, to teach them how to be highly confident, also how to mingle and interact with others, as opposed to be shy and withdrawn from people. Unlike sports such as soccer ⚽️, football 🏈, athletics and so forth which usually cater for elite individuals with physical prowess, martial arts are for everyone, regardless of their personal, physical attributes, gender, age and so forth.
It is definitely the responsibility of a parent to let the martial arts school owner, know that their child, have a condition with special needs, so that they along with other instructors, can keep an eye on them. Thus ensuring that their individual needs are met and catered for, while ensuring that there is harmony between them and the other regular, average person at the dojo, without any special needs.
I have mild autism and I've been doing muay thai for about 4 months and I love it
II began in the Martial arts when I was six years old, back in 1973. At that point in time I didn't know anything about being autism or the spectrum or any of that, nor did my family or the instructors. Most people's understanding of autism was kids with severe behavioral issues, and some sort of disorder that affected their personalities. To be honest I don't even know if, at the time, the idea of being high functioning autistic was even a concept or of kids like me were diagnosed with other things or just written off as inattentive, troublemakers or lazy. I was, and still am considered high functioning. Other than a need for ritual (remind me someday to tell you about my weekend, or even my weekday things that I HAVE to do) the only real issue I had was an inability to interact with other kids. Some might say that was because I was, at the time an only child, all of my cousins were older and there weren't really any other kids in the neighborhood for me to play with, but even after time at school I was still always on my own. The story of how I became involved in the martial arts isn't really relevant to this but one thing that I got out of it was having to learn how to interact with the other students. There was no going off an practicing alone during class time, oh no, there was always someone you were working with and even though my conversation in the those first months never strayed away from the training I was still interacting. The training at the school was...to call it intense would be to damn with faint praise, if you take my meaning, but that intensity forced me to learn to interact with the other students, even beyond just what was going on in class. If it had not been for that experience I would probably still have difficulty in carrying on even the simplest of conversations with people beyond a few sentences. Now I can talk for hours about music, martial arts, mysticism, movies, comic books and a host of other things, an ability I truly credit that early training for. Martial arts is a really good way for people on the spectrum to learn to interact. I will admit that, as I have gotten older I have let my discipline lapse and haven't trained seriously in a very long time, and am finding it hard to get back into the routine (which is odd considering my need for routine).
As an addendum I will say that I wish these diagnosis had been around sooner, it would not only have explained a lot, but saved me a lot as well. So for people who think they, or one or more of their children might be one the spectrum, get that checked out and if they are...think about martial arts as a way to help them learn to cope with the world to gain the discipline, confidence and strength to be able to interact with people, even in difficult situations without being too overwhelmed.
Thank you so much for sharing this. This is a very valuable insight from someone who had a positive impact. I do agree and wish they had been able to diagnose this earlier as so many people may have benefited from him, but at least going forward the more study and research they do can only help find positive solutions!
as a person on the spectrum myself it good to know people are talking about this. my experience with martial arts was a good one i trained in kickboxing for 6 years and enjoyed m,y time will i trained
Knowing you can defend yourself
Very insightful
I'm a bit of autistic. And I have started to learn martial art is called Pencak Silat.
How are you liking it so far?
So far, so good.
I'm a instructor assistant (3rd dan), and I think we have 2 kids in the spectrum currectly training with us. some times I'm left in charge of the whole class, from 1 class a week up to 1 whole month. the biggest obstacles that these kids present often is lack of attention, not remembering patterns, struggle to understand basic safety rules, lack of communication, even when talked in a slow and calmed manner; and luckily not outburst of rage.
my biggest struggle with them is how much I have to slow down the class between explaining and re-explaining them the instructions, or getting them to do the drills without going off to walk around the room, while leaving their parteners alone. at the end, for a class that I had planned with 5 or 6 exercecises, we end up doing only 3. this is very frustrating cuz I feel that it slows down the development of all the other children, since I have to pay extra attention to these 2 kids and cant watch and asses the others with their techniques.
I know it's how you said, customizing/personalising can help them with most of the work, but I feel like that takes out the martial part in martial art, since we have to treat them with so much care. like, it's not really different from a PE class, or even lighter than that. and when they simply dont want to talk or do anything, the only thing we can do is aks them to sit aside and not participate in the class.
I have autism and I’ve got to say martial arts really helps me with my physical and mental needs.
I'm an adult, currently undergoing assessment for ASD. It's interesting that Martial arts training may be/is beneficial to executive functioning, as that's something I definitely struggle with, regardless of ASD diagnosis or not.
The past year or so with worldwide disruptions to everyone's schedules etc, has definitely impacted my training consistency and mental health negatively.
I'm beginning to wonder if my more consistent martial arts training was counteracting my executive dysfunction issues. Something to consider I guess.
I am a person with autism spectrum disorder I study martial arts but my commitment with the school was lost because of classmates and new instructors don't understand or listen to want my interests in martial arts even as a 2nd degree black belt.
Honestly then that's not type of school you want to be at. Any school that doesn't respect your goals or boundaries isn't a school worth training at.
Martial arts are good for EVERYONE!
As for people who are concidered autistic, they deserve a chance to show off what they CAN do instead of what they can't!
The art work on those kids is epic,by the way XD!
I can't take all the credit, it was clipart that I modified :P
I have what you are talking about in this video, and it has caused me to have a hyper focus on training to the point that I teach people how to do the candle punch technique.
I've done enough martial arts to where I have shown technique in class to beginners.
My autistic son is 16 and taller than me when he stands straight.
I'm just now starting basics with him and see that even though I know my son very well and I know some teaching, that I have to go a very unconventional route.
I'm returning to martial arts as well and I want to see what his interest would be in gyms we will shop around for.
He has interest and is psyched.
We are just starting by simple exercises and I am really evaluating his motor skills.
His focus. I'm not only teaching him about martial arts but that fitness can be done anywhere. So we are in the park of the neighborhood with busy traffic on top of a hill.
I don't nerve pinch or anything like that but I get his attention that will wonder off mid sentence if I let it.
Interesting place for overstimulation that autistic people tend to have in spades.
He loves it.
He posted on Facebook and now I am jumping on RUclips.
Thank you for good video.
I've seen all those traits in others on the spectrum as well.
I JUST DONT KNOW.... I KNOW KENPO.... AND MY SON HAS ASD..... IM THINKING ON PUTTING HIM IN A SCHOOL WITH OTHER KID THAN TO DO IT MYSELF..... MY SON IS 8..... THIS SOMETHING IM THINK LONG AND HARD ABOUT.... YOU GAVE ME MORE INFO. THANK YOU.
I'm on the spectrum yet you wouldn't be able to tell for the most part. But he on the spectrum and I love my tkd class
Hi! I’m a Taekwondo instructor who has autism, and I work with a lot of kids who are autistic as well! I work with pretty much any child with special needs outside of autism too.
PARENTS - please tell the instructor that your child has autism. Also, don’t just take your child to the first martial arts school; MAKE SURE THE INSTRUCTOR(s) ARE THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR CHILD! It is okay to ask a billion questions, too. Don’t apologize for ensuring the best experience for your child.
Especially if they are on the spectrum!!!!
Thank you 🙏🏽
I am on the spectrum and yes it is really helpful in self control and tolerance to frustration (through the opportunity of doing something a bunch of times, it also helps with my perfectionist and obsesive over nuances because it actually pays off in a martial context).
However despite my love for martial arts I've only been to small clases, the bigger was like 8 people max, and I probably would feel really uncomfortable and unfocused if I went to a massive gym/dojo, also I've been lucky enough to not train on those huge gyms that have changing lights and several rooms because in which case I would have a massive headache every time I trained there (I can't even go to a damn circus for the same reason)
I guess that's my experience for now.
I should add that my case is not a serious thing, I am a functional autist and I can live alone, I just struggle with minor things such as anything that requires my fingers to coordinate (handwritting, tying knots, etc.) and the aforementioned oversensibilty to light and certain sounds, to which I react not with fear as some kids but just sheer rage (which when I was younger was an issue but it isn't nowadays because of the self control I developed to martial arts and I am forever grateful)
Hi mate, thank you for your videos, I am finding them very helpful.
I have a 5 y/o on the spectrum. I practiced martial arts when I was young and I would like to introduce my boy to something that suits him.
I have been looking into non competitive martial arts. There is a Karate-do Shotokan school close to where I live. I have been looking into Shotokan lately and love it. Your video on Karate is very good. Also Aikido could be good.
What is your opinion with your experience?
Thank you.
very good
First. Speed always wins
also art of one dojo i have autism and when i was on a martial arts gyn i did preet much good and my couch was impressed with me and the first comment you saw is what i want to do i know if i have fiat in myself and god i can do anything also who i might add krav maga if i can use some of the moves that work in mma
The hardest thing for ASD peaple is relating to the other students
That is definitely a challenge, and sometimes being in the martials arts can help with the social setting. We have a student in our Judo school on the spectrum and when he started he was very quiet and withdrawn (teenager) but now he's a lot more open and social. He still has some challenges but he's tough and gets through the workouts and he has made a ton of progress.
I had a young man in my class. Who had an angry problem and was beating up his mom. My teacher tried everything with that young man even going and do his house everyday talking to him and going with him to therapy. It would help for three or four days then he will be right back at it again. My teacher told me “he is your student do what your want” so I started working with him and he was doing do for about three weeks. Well my teacher passed away and I took over the school so his mom comes to me and says that her son was beating her and it was worse then before and asked me what I was going to do about it. I told her I would teach him meditation but if he does it again he will be expelled and banned from coming back because I’m not going to teach him how to fight just to beat up on his mom. So they left she didn’t like what I said but I could tell he was getting more and more violent. He was talking disrespectful to other students trying to pick a fight. He even squared up on me one time and I told him “you don’t want to do that”. He did the same thing to my teacher when he was alive and he definitely didn’t want any of him. By the way this young man was 15 around 5 ft 10 inches tall and about 180 lbs and his mom was maybe 5 ft 3 inches.
Sometimes students need to address other issues before being taught martial arts unfortunately. This is a really sad case and I sincerely hope the situation has improved for them.
@@ArtofOneDojo I hope them the best. It broke my heart but I couldn’t risk the safety of my other students plus the safety of the mother. I suggested that they try a Tai Chi school or an other art that focuses on meditation other then sparring and self defense
@@ArtofOneDojo I hope them the best. It broke my heart but I couldn’t risk the safety of my other students plus the safety of the mother. I suggested that they try a Tai Chi school or an other art that focuses on meditation other then sparring and self defense
i am not autistic but martial arts really helped me
Yes
Very interesting video. My son is 8 years old and is autistic, his challenges are, he is a very slow learner, have trouble focusing & communicating with another person. Do you think martial arts can help him with the challenges he has.
I'm a brown belt in Goju-ryu and I have tendencies of Asperger's.
I have several students on the spectrum
Is is the AmricKick a good Campo school
AmricKick? I'm sorry but I am not familiar with this school.
#aspergersyndrome
If I saw this sooner, I would have sent this to the kickboxing coaches at the gym I used to go to. They didn't tailor their teaching styles to the autistic (and likely intellectually disabled) student, seemed like one coach was harder on me (diagnosed autistic two and a half years ago) and the aforementioned autistic student, and that same coach liked to say ret*rded. Glad that gym closed. It made me question if all martial arts studios were like this to autistic people.
There was also the issue that most people at the gym were right-wing, so that made me feel unsafe.