Please Help Karate and Down Syndrome?

Question

There is a girl in one of my classes she is one of the greatest people I know, but she has down syndrome. When she found out I take karate she was very interested and wants to take it aswell. I am just worried about her because she becomes very depressed when she can not succed at something ( there is not much that she can't do but participating in gym is real hard for her), almost suicidal. I don't want to make her unhappy. I have heard about people with special needs suceeding in karate. I just don't want to hurt her. Should I encourage her to take it or suggest she find another activity she is interested in?

She is 14
Karate, or my style, is not a violent sport
though it might be hard cause a lot of emphasis is put on memorization.

her parents, don't care as long as she is happy, maybe I could bring this up with oner of her paras

I f she did take it she would be in my class

There is no seperate classes we group everyone together we have 5 year olds to 16 year olds in my class.

Answer 1

Some karate schools would be good for her, some not so good. You want a school that is caring and helpful, not competitive and militaristic. I take Karate and there are some people with disabilities in the class. We work with them. There are some things that a disabled person won't be able to do, while the able person next to them can do it. Everyone varies in ability and talent. Its difficult to say whether she would get frustrated or depressed. Karate is like life, there are challenges. Not everyone can successfully execute every move. It may be a good life lesson, and good exercise if you find the right school. It can teach discipline, the value of practice, the value of exercise, and the value of hard work.

Answer 2

i be conscious of one guy who has down syndrome. I first presented him to Karate, he have been given beat up actual undesirable and he replaced into scared quite than depressed. He replaced into crushed up so somewhat and so rapid that he had no time to experience depressed throughout sparring. So in any case, I heard his down syndrome is getting extra suited and he's thanking Karate. it works for some human beings yet i'm not too advantageous approximately your pal. yet howdy, you may propose her all you desire yet because of the fact she's nevertheless 15, her mothers and fathers might come to a decision what's ideal for her.

Answer 3

Karate is a wonderful sport for kids and young adults with Down syndrome as it helps them become more agile and have means of self-defense. Most teachers can tailor a class to meet the needs of individual students. Have you thought about offering to take a class with her as her support?

Sparrows - you must live in the dark ages!
Misty - Down syndrome is not a disorder - it is a disability. Disorder is offensive.
Kakashi - Karate when taught to children is not violent.
Lane - any child who has attended school physical education classes has been cleared for the specific cervical spine issues - so at 14 her family will know and have taught her to take precautions if needed as very serious injuries can occur in kids with it for much less active reasons than karate

Answer 4

I have Down syndrome and I took lessons for karate. I only took a few cause it was hard work. But I like it OK. It help me. I might take again someday. I didn't like it cause i didn't know any of the kids. I would take it again with a friend. Not alone.

Answer 5

First of all let me commend you. You are a good human being and friend.

I would not discourage her from taking Karate, but you may want to seek the advice from someone who is use to working with people with Down Syndrome for guidance on how to approach this matter and to find out if she is able to physically and emotionally handle karate lessons.

If she actually does take karate with you, then encourage all of her efforts, and remind her that everyone who takes karate will have some difficulties whether they have Down Syndrome or not. She is use to challenges so appeal to her sense of courage for facing her challenges in karate as she has in other aspects of her life.

Again, if you are able to speak with someone who is very familiar with the physical and emotional challenges of people with Down Syndrome, they might be able to tell you how to approach this situation. You may want to discuss this with your parents also to get some advice.

Answer 6

From what I hear, DS folks are very limber and yoga and/or tumbling in gymnastics usually work out very well for them. - You are very sweet to consider all outcomes.

Answer 7

I have worked with Downs people in the past and I was told that a lot of them have fragile spinal columns, particularly in the neck.
Her Dr should be consulted.


sparrows..."those people" are still apart of society.

Answer 8

maybe.....that subject can be quite sore for some individuals.

I would suggest talking with her and asking why she wants to join. She may only want to take karate because YOU like it. Maybe you and her can take a calm class together like art or dance.

karate is a violent sport and her being down syndrome, it could effect her adversley.

Answer 9

Ugh I know I'm gonna get a low rating but don't they have special schools for those people? If she gets so upset she should be put in a place where people can be overly nice to her and treat her like she's special. Those places would have almost any kind of class for people like her.

Answer 10

im not sure hmm...i sympathises with her. why dont you ask her mum or dad for some advice. They know her better whetehr she is daring or i dunno. hope things turn out well.