Vickie Simos describes how regular martial arts changed three students’ lives for the better.
When I took up boxing and martial arts, I was looking for a way to fit in and cope with self-doubt. What I discovered became a powerful set of therapeutic tools for working with individuals with learning differences and other challenges.
Martial Arts and Emotional Regulation
Traditional approaches to learning differences and emotional regulation have often focused on improving aspects of each child’s academic performance, and the physical aspects of their development have often been under-recognised. There is a growing interest internationally in the role of physical activity in relation to learning and learning differences, and an understanding that some students who can be difficult to connect with, are more able to achieve this through the medium of martial arts. Working one-to-one or in small group martial arts sessions, that are specifically targeted to the needs of the child, can lead to significant improvements that translate into greater focus in the classroom and increased levels of concentration and emotional regulation.
Martial arts, mindfulness and trust
Apart from the warm up and cool down, which can also vary: for example, just stretching and or breathing exercises, the main content of the session will be dependent on what the client is presenting with when they come to see their instructor. A session will differ for someone who has ASD as opposed to developmental delays or difficulties with self-regulation, anger issues or communication. Given the more complex nature of these students, the instructor will require more detailed background information from the parents/ carers and this forms the basis of the programme’s development and content. While some people might have an image of martial arts as a purely physical practice, there is also a significant element of mindfulness that occurs through the use of repetitive moves. This is an outcome that is identified by some of the young people themselves, during the sessions.
Instructors will often ask the client what they want out of the sessions, especially if they are a young person, as this may differ from the narrative of the parents. The relationship between the instructor and the student needs to be based on trust and the development of a positive relationship.
Throughout the session, the YP are typically given physical challenges, such as, 10×10 push ups, sit ups, squats and on the 10th session, the YP are asked to do 10 rounds of sparring (no hits to the head: body shots only). This not only challenges them physically, but most importantly, mentally.
In some of my own sessions, I will also share some insights into my own stories around resilience and self-confidence. There is also a thirty minute counselling component at the end of the physical session.
Abide by the rules
The discipline that is inherent in martial arts is dependent on the development of respect and a clearly and consistently defined model of acceptable behaviour. These four rules form the foundation of the relationship and can assist in the development of self-control.
- No disrespectful behaviour (not always the case for some).
- Be present both physically and mentally.
- Share a positive for the week: Something that has gone well, for example.
- Never give up: Keep turning up.
Small successes and positive results
Student A found that the training Improved his executive functioning, enabled him to make better decisions, become more focused, confident, and resilient, and now he doesn’t give up. He also managed to get a part-time job in a fast food place and the repetitive moves from the martial arts training have helped him cope with his workload.
Student B – Has ASD and since we first began training, he has become more focused and confident, especially with the environment and with me as instructor. He is also now able to concentrate long enough to complete a 30 minute session. He is also a lot more vocal about what he wants to do during the session.
Student C presented with anger issues, arguing persistently with sister and parents. However, he very quickly made progress, with his mother reporting that he was becoming more respectful on the drive home. He also helped in the kitchen when they got home, and spoke positively about the training session.
Martial arts training as an effective mental health intervention for improving wellbeing and reducing symptoms associated with internalising mental health. Combined with psychotherapy in terms of positive impact on young males in terms of how they feel about themselves, providing them with a space to develop self-esteem and belonging.
‘In short, they offer a way of being, a journey of self-discovery to cultivate our human potential—a means to relate better to oneself, others and the wider world. As Lao Tzu remarked, “by changing ourselves we change the world”.
Martial arts can teach a young person many other life skills. It can help combat mental issues that are not always apparent in other physical activities.
‘It was like he was a different kid’, one parent remarked.
Author: Vickie Simos
Vickie Simos
Vickie Simos is the author of The Boxer Within and the founder of Thelo Active Therapy, which uses Martial Arts as an alternative approach, or in combination with mainstream therapy. She predominantly works with young people who have developmental, social or anger issues and also with ASD.
Website: www.theloactivetherapy.com
Facebook: Vickie Simos
Instagram: @theboxerwithin1
LinkedIn: Vickie Simos
Twitter @simosVickie
