Karate for everyone

[malk103]

Does anyone train with people with so called disabilities, in our club we have ADHD, Williams syndrome and Dispraxia, all perform really well in Karate and I will say that in my opinion have benifited greatly from it.
The chap with Williams has acheived his Black belt - it just took him a little longer - and even though he is 5 foot tall he stands 10 feet tall when he tells people about his Shodan.

Anyway - back to the point - my new Sunday lessons are located in a Community Centre in Bath UK and they deal with lots of groups with similar issues and some behaviour problems, they have encouraged me to do a few presentations to their groups in the hope of taking on new students.
I'm happy to train anyone but what should I be careful of or look out for?

[jimlukelkc]

We have a mix of various conditions a disabilities too Mal . My job is working with autism and learning difficulties so I have an advantage I guess but if I was asked to give a presentation I suppose I would be wanting reassure my audience that I was not presenting myself as an expert in any of those conditions. I would emphasise that all sessions are risk assessed and all instructors have CRB checks, first-aid certificates and access to an accident book. That all insurances are in place and fire-drills etc are practised. In short all checks and balances are in place before you start.
Find out as much as you can about each condition and if necessary get a medical certificate confirming they are fit to train.
For ADHD it is important not to spend too much time on any one task. If anything is guaranteed to cause a "behaviour" it is boredom.
Autism is such an individual condition that it is always a good idea to liaise with parents/carers to find any isssues, what may cause anxiety or stress for example.
Enforce dojo rules as normal but be prepared to adjust those rules for individuals.
Most of all detail your successes. Nothing says more about the benefits of training than parents or individuals saying how much it has helped.

[malk103]

Thanks for the info, most of the things are in place except 1st Aid which i plan to do, I suspect the safest thing all round is to ask the parents to be nearby or in the Dojo until they get used to Karate and we get used to any adjustments to the norm.
I am prepared to take the challenge even if only one person sees a benifit from training with us.

[jimlukelkc]

It is very rewarding Mal but can be frustrating at times. Do not expect the same rate of progression either. We introduced a mon grade system for very young students and any that would appear to benefit. That way we can break down the grade into bite size pieces and manage their expectations. Grading in class can be another solution to those who experience great anxiety over being the centre of attention.

[kensei]

I have taught kids with ADD AD/HD and FAS as well as a wide variety of disability and behavior issues, and being the parent of a disabled child I can tell you that while I like working with these kids, I am not very good at it. I Totally respect those that are and see them as hero's of sorts.

one of my juniors is fantastic with kids and kids with special needs, she is a real fantastic person as well and has the patience of a saint! I say find people who are good at it and mirror them, show your heart and do relax the Dojo rules a tad for kids like this, they dont always need the drill sgt, often they need a hug and a shoulder to lean on!

Keep up the good work!

[jimlukelkc]

" Show your heart ". That says it all James.

[malk103]

I have just spammed a load of schools/colleges/orgs in the area to offer free taster lessons and maybe a permanent slot if there's enough interest, first reply was from an org in the Bath area that promotes sports to disabled children and those with ADHD, Asperger, hearing loss and everything else.
We are going to spend a day with them so they can try out Karate and everything else on offer.
We will have to think carefully on how to adapt the lessons but are really looking forwards to the opportunity, my Sensei was telling me the look on the face of one of our Black belts when he passed Shodan, it took him a bit longer as he has Williams syndrome.

[kensei]

again, Heros!

[jimlukelkc]

We have just taken a young lad with autism into the fold. I think if you are considering specifically teaching kids with challenging conditions, you need to do your homework on each individual disability. Then I speak to the parents , especially in the case of ASD as it is such an individual thing. Our young chap does not like to be touched especially around the head. Some of us might consider that to be something that could be worked on but in fact some sensations can cause real pain to people on the autistic spectrum and that has to be respected, That in itself will present us with challenges in his training but that shouldn't exclude him,
It can be difficult and many of these young people are vulnerable and require and should expect their needs to be assessed and catered for. That aside, I work with autistic young adults in mainstream education and it is simply the most rewarding thing I have ever done. They deserve and are worth the effort.

[malk103]

Thanks Jim, I think an interview is a great idea and take everything you said onboard.