Will letting my son take Karate help him control his temper?

Question

My ten year old son is a very bright kid with ADHD, and occaisionally has anger outbursts. I have been told that a disiplined art such as karate could help. I would like to hear from people that have experience with karate or other martial arts, or parents with children with ADD OR ADHD that this has helped. Thanks!

He has been to a psychologist for over a year. He is not usually a disipline problem, the outbursts are usually provoked by sisters. Physical dicipline? Do you mean spanking? I have tried that on extreem occaisions, but it really doesn't help, only makes him angrier, so I don't like that option. He is a sweet, loving boy most of the time. ADHD was diagnosed after three years of evaluation. He had six months of medication, now being evaluated again and is not on meds at this time.

Answer 1

Martial Arts will help give your son a sense of self-discipline - which in turn should help him control his temper to some degree. If his temper is severely out of hand, consider a child psychiatrist as well. Good Luck!

Answer 2

My husband and I own a Kung Fu school, and I would highly recommend a martial art for your son with ADHD. In our school, we have had many children with ADHD, and if they stick with the program, you can see improved behavior within a few months. A good martial arts program will teach focus, discipline and self-control. Additionally, a good program will teach students the appropriate time to use their self-defense skills. All schools are not created equally, so do your research to get the best fit for your son. Just about any school will offer you a free trial lesson before you have to sign up, so visit several different schools before you decide. Some schools are more focused on self-defence, others are more focused on going to competitions. Some schools have a very laid-back atmosphere, others are more rigid. Do make sure that you pick a program that will challenge your son, and not some school where you pay the money and show up for class and automatically get a belt even if you don't try. Good luck in your search.

Answer 3

Well, I'm not a parent. But I know from over a decade of depression an aggression problems martial arts has helped me control and release my anger in a controlled way.
Definately yes to your question.
There's nothing but posotives from my experience, excersise is so important when dealing with feelings, an the structured environment that martial arts provides is possibly the best thing I've ever found.
I'm 26, had problems with aggression since I was 8, control is what its all about, your not gonna lose these feelings, your son I mean, but you will learn how to cope with them. When to release and where, an when not to.
Go for it. An big ups to you for asking, its not easy.


I'd like to apologise on behalf of all the muppets posting responses to your question. It astounds me that people with no understanding of life let alone the problems your facing can be quite so irresponsive and careless with their words. Go figure, its the world we live in.
Any sensai with half a brain wouldn't teach a child or an adult an art if it was going to be abused.
Why people are so ignorant to the facts?
I started training when I was six, believe me anyone that thinks its "cool" really missed the point of what its about.

Answer 4

My son took karate for quite a while. At the beginning of every session the teacher told the class that karate was an art and to be only used in extreme cases such as someone trying to kidnap them. I thought that was good that they told them that. Children usually don't "abuse" the art unless they have been taught to.

I say give it a try. It helped my son, it probably will help yours too. The difference though, is that my son was overly shy. He built up some confindence in himself. It's a good thing I think.

Answer 5

I am sorry but I am not a parent yet but i do have experience what your ten yr old son has, i had the same problem i do have ADHD i went to Phsycologists for a while but didnt work so i quit, so mom recomending me for Tai Chi, Karate, Ninpo, Meditation, and kung fu. I tried it though it was hard it made me feel better it let my anger out by calming my inner being at the same time disipline is one of the most of martial arts, concentration, value and devotion, after that i did this Metronome thing to it makes you sync to a beep and you must clap, stomp and more it helps you calm yourself down and gives you in control of your anger management, there is more then martial arts like cooking, Art, Excersise, writing down words that express his anger or a drawing like that helps.

Sorry i know i am not big help i am sorry...

But your son and i and others like us have the same situation in our life. Thats i know

Thank you for listening to what i had to say by my own words

Happy Valentines day

Answer 6

I say that it is possible, as long as he commits to it. I also think that ADD and ADHD are often blamed for other issues. As a teacher I see students who do not show any signs of these problems come to me and say that they suddenly are. Sometimes it takes commitment and focus to do things that you don't like to do and that does not make you ADD or ADHD. Anger outbursts are often a sign of frustration and if your son becomes agitated or frustrated with the art of martial arts, he is likely not to respond in a positive way. I would like to add that while I do not know you and I am certainly not trying to call you out, I think that a lot of children are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD because they act out in attempt to get a parents attention. Another response can be anger. I think it is something to consider if you have not already.

Answer 7

Yes, I also was diagnosed w/adhd as a teen. I was put on meds. Which I do not agree with. ( rare cases only) I started Shotokan a very disciplined type of karate as a young teen, and kept with it for 9 years, until I reached 2ND degree black belt. Do not go to one of those (fast food of karate places) it will only make your child more hyper and possibly violent.
It definitely was a huge influence on how I came to be a successfull adult.

Answer 8

Yes. Most martial arts teach restriction and discipline. If he can really get into it, it should help. I recommend that you research the different types of martial arts to figure out which one's philosophy meshes most closely with your own. This will help you feel comfortable with the principles being taught! Good luck, and I applaud your effort to find a drug-free/reduced solution.

Answer 9

Yes, it may help but only if the Karate is taught properly by someone who emphasizes self-discipline and respect. Before your son enrolls in the school please schedule an appointment or perhaps just talk to the main instructor for 30 minutes and go with your gut.

Answer 10

Yes, he will learn self respect and how to take his aggression and use it constructively. Any sport will help this as well. I am starting my son in soccer this year, he is 5 and has ADHD. I wish you all the luck.