Children who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, have a special set of problems to deal with; parents as well.
You want to find activities that lessen their ADHD symptoms, all the while giving your child other benefits as well.
For instance, regularly organized and structured physical exercise can benefit your child in many ways, regardless of if they suffer from ADHD or not. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, and increases flexibility.
Martial arts, like Brazilian jiu jitsu, muay thai, and taekwondo classes in Raleigh can also lessen impulsive and hyperactive behaviors. At Gracie Raleigh, we have years of experience working with kids from all backgrounds. We strive to be positive role models for your children and our martial arts classes provide them with opportunities for positive peer interaction.
Engagement and Immersion
Kids suffering from ADHD often fixate on the present. They also tend to lack a clear picture of the past and the future. So when you’re searching for activities, know that an ADHD child does not do well in situations where lots of waiting around is required. They also do poorly when complicated instructions are involved as these can cause them to lose focus and interest in completing the activity.
At Gracie, our martial arts classes for kids in Raleigh require intense mental and physical involvement. The level of participation that is required during our classes allows your children to fully immerse themselves in each activity. This can help them keep their focus and interest to complete each task. This helps to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
More Self-Control
Brazilian jiu jitsu, muay thai, and other taekwondo classes in Raleigh help all students learn better self-control over their emotions and actions. We help your child with self-discipline and teach them better ways to respect themselves and their peers.
At Gracie, our typical martial arts class for kids usually begins and ends with a bow to the instructor. Your child will also learn how to stand quietly and wait for their teacher’s next command. In most ADHD kids, self-control is often underdeveloped. The increased emphasis on these skills in martial arts often carries over into their home and school life, as well. These newly learned skills can lead to better grades and behavior.
More Focus and Better Concentration
John Ratey, M.D, is the author of “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.” In an interview with ADDitude magazine, he said that regular exercises, like those found in martial arts, can jumpstart a child’s attention system.
According to Ratey, these types of exercises increase the brain’s dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine levels. These vital brain chemicals positively affect a person’s attention system’s ability to stay consistent. Consistent brain chemical levels increase alertness and concentration abilities in ADHD kids.
Conclusion
Although martial arts classes for kids in Raleigh have great benefits for kids with ADHD, these exercises should only be used to complement, and not replace, their medically advised treatment plans.
In general, regular exercise plans are great for all kids, especially those suffering from ADHD. Martial arts, especially Brazilian jiu jitsu and muay thai, offer more benefits than other sports, like soccer or baseball as well because we also help your child defend themselves against bullying.
Instead of Taekwondo Classes in Raleigh – Try Muay Thai Instead!
At Gracie Raleigh, our Junior Muay Thai Program was created so that your son or daughter will be armed with values and a personal character to help them navigate life’s tough choices. We’ll teach your child how to persevere and push through with determination to reach their goals. This program is specifically for girls and boys ages 6-12, and there is no contract required.
Parents, know that we provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child so they can experience what real cooperation and respect is like. They’ll also learn other positive core values such as focus, discipline, persistence, and dedication. Please give us a call today to learn more about our specific martial arts classes.