Martial arts for special needs?

Question

I have a 13 year old son who has Down's syndrome. He isn't able to participate in TKD with us because he has poor balance when on one foot. He doesn't have a severe case, so we are considering enrolling him in the Special Olympic's Judo program. Has anyone had any experience teaching special needs kids? Are there any styles that would be preferred over another?
Any advice or helpful comments would be appreciated.

"Us" is two of my other children, and myself. We have tried to work him into classes. We have "Buddy Night", which allows people to bring a relative or friend to class for one night. He has the determination, but his inability to have good balance on one foot almost took another students head off. And he is rather strong for his size.
As for being ostracized, he seems to like doing his own thing. Some of the instructors will grapple with him in the back of the school when there are not a lot of students on the mat.
He doesn't seems to care too much about ranks either. When one of us advances, he'll cheer us on, but for the most part doesn't seem all that interested in the hoopla. To him, a belt is just there to hold your pants up. Which is good in a way because it removes some of the pressure.

Answer 1

YES TKD! tell your instructor to modify it for him... its so easy!
if not then the next thing would be to go somewhere where learning is priority and not making $$ ... check the YMCA
and speak to the instructors there. they are all volenteers & dont get a cent. last resort you can start up your own class and just get a video on tai chi even.

Answer 2

Well, there are two basic options:

1.) Find a different art for him where both feet stay on the ground more. Judo, Aikido, Sumo, Kendo, Jodo......

2.) Keep him in TKD or another kicking style to help him DEVELOP better balance.

However, all martial arts require balance - that's something that's a natural part of training.

Also, not casting judgement or anything as I don't know the entire situation but when you say 'us' I'm assuming you mean the rest of the family. If I'm wrong, please correct me but if I'm right, wouldn't the family doing one thing while he is doing something different make him feel a bit ostracized?

When you say 'isn't able' does that mean there is a medical reason where its dangerous or does that mean he just frustrated and upset as he realizes a personal challenge?

If its a medical issue, we have a gentleman in our dojo that had an entire hip replacement. He still trains but just takes it really easy on the backfalls. Everyone is happy to accommodate him and its really not that big of an adjustment - just another body type to work with.

I'm occasionally the primary and otherwise assist with the kids class all the time as my dojo. There are no special needs kids per say currently at my dojo, but like your son, they are all unique and they are all special in some way.

Some can't concentrate very well, others are troublemakers sometimes, some haven't learned the importance of attention to detail and yet others are too serious sometimes and being athletically inclined get upset with the other kids for cutting into their training time, etc.,... Then again, that's why there parents enrolled them in class - a fun way to improve on those skills and polish out those rough spots.

Again related to your son, we have a pair of kids - step siblings. They are both very intelligent but one is just not as gifted athletically. For his own safety, if the class is separated into groups he goes with the newer students to work on the rolls he just hasn't conquered yet.

Meanwhile, his sister goes with the more advanced students and works on more challenging techniques that require rolls. Its frustrating for him and he does feel left out, but he's learning and he'll get there. I just try to remind him to take it one step at a time and keep coaching him along. It may be difficult now, but once he gets it, the eureka moment will be that much sweeter than it was for her.

Keep in mind that rolling in Aikido is as common as kicking in TKD. In the meantime, there is plenty that he can do without any problems. He can certainly participate in all those other things where rolling isn't so much an issue.

Sometimes the harder a goal is to reach, the bigger the reward once you achieve it.

Edit: Thanks for the clarifications. My thoughts still stand, but I'll add that his attitude says quite alot - he's pretty far along the path already. The path being the real purpose for which training is just a physical metaphor.

Answer 3

I would suggest Tai Chi as a possible alternative to Judo.

It is executed slowly.

Most of the moves used in Tai Chi are executed in an erect stance with both feet planted firmly beneath you.

There is no ranking system so there will be no feeling of being "left behind."

If you choose a different martial art, depending on how good his capacity for learning a form is, you might want to find a martial art that is not dependent on mastering a FORM in order to advance.


MOST IMPORTANT:
My suggestion would be to take him to various dojos and see which sensei he is most comfortable with and (if he is going to be taking a public class) where he feels most welcomed by his peers.

EDIT:
Since Judo is already incorporated into the Special Olympics, they probably have the best organized martial arts program for people with special needs.

Here are some sites that might point you in the right direction:

JUDO FOR THE DISABLED
http://www.judo-for-the-disabled.freeservers.com/index.html

SPECAL OLYMPICS - JUDO
http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Compete/Sports_Offered/Judo.htm

INTERNATIONAL JUDO FEDERATION (has a message board)
http://www.ijf.org

Answer 4

Try San Soo. It is an art based in techniques that are so varying that anyone can not only participate, but excell and develop alot of hidden talents. It will also give the two of you a way to develop skills together in a fun way. Look into it with a real master such as Bill Lassiter or contact International Kung Fu San Soo association. You will be happy as will your son. He will develop as a person more than anything in San Soo, the masters are real and sincere. You just won't find better people for you to become aligned with.

Answer 5

Judo is a great option. I worked out with a kid who had DS. He didn't work the standup throws, but he had a mean choke on the ground. There are probably people that can answer your question over at http://www.judoforum.com Good luck. I can't think of anything that would be more rewarding or build more pride.