IN Canon-Mac Summer 2016 | Page 18

INDUSTRY INSIGHT KARATE SPONSORED CONTENT Coping with Children’s Needs F or children with attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), karate can be both an enjoyable and beneficial way of coping with the condition. Many doctors and psychologists recommend karate for patients with ADD, ADHD, or ODD. Since karate offers physical, social, and emotional benefits, it is easy to see why karate is ideal for people with these conditions. Perhaps the most obvious bonus to karate is the physical aspect. Karate provides an enjoyable way to stay physically healthy and active. These physical workouts often help children with ADD, ADHD, and ODD to cope with their conditions. Karate also teaches coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength, along with many other positive skills. This skill set is beneficial in karate, and in any other sport or physical activity. Another bonus of taking karate is that anyone can excel in it. While many other sports are geared toward a specific type of stereotypical athlete, karate is for everyone. Many children who struggle in other sports will still find success in karate. As children with ADD, ADHD, and ODD find themselves doing well in karate, they will also find themselves developing higher levels of self-esteem and confidence. Karate helps many people to feel good about themselves, and each achievement is something they can be proud of. Through karate, children can become less shy and learn to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. The social setting karate provides also helps children to learn valuable social skills. It encourages positive behavior within a group. Children are surrounded by other students who can set a positive example of how to interact and behave. The group atmosphere also helps students to form strong friendships. The instructors at the karate school are also good help for parents. Working with the parents of children diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, or ODD, the instructors can help support the goals parents have for their children. Positive interactions with the instructors can be beneficial for parents and children alike. Karate helps students to stay mentally sharp. Emphasizing patience, memory, focus, and concentration, karate heightens mental abilities that are important in every aspect of life. These kinds of mental skills are beneficial not only in karate, but also in school and all other aspects of life. For children with ADD, ADHD, or ODD, karate can also help with controlling emotions. It can be an excellent catharsis. In addition to helping relieve extra energy or emotions, karate can be beneficial for controlling emotions. Children learn to handle their emotions in a positive, constructive way. It is immensely important that children learn to control 16 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Canon-Mac their emotions when they face new challenges, work with new people, or learn new things. Karate is an excellent way to help with that self-control. Karate also focuses on discipline. Structured classes help children with ADD, ADHD, and ODD to learn discipline. As karate teaches children discipline, they will become more disciplined at home and in school. The discipline children gain through karate is necessary for any aspect of life. Through karate, children who have ADD, ADHD, or ODD can improve physical and mental skills. Karate offers a fun way to stay physically active and mentally sharp.