The Benefits Of Martial Arts For Boys With ADHD

By Sifu Cathal Walsh

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have seen significant rise in diagnosis since the mid 1980s.  The disorders have been estimated to affect up to five percent of all North American children ages 5-18. Perhaps more alarming is that estimates range from one to four million children are being prescribed Ritalin, a mood altering drug, to "correct" the problems associated with the disorders.

Like many behaviour disorders, ADD and ADHD have a spectrum of severity.  Children diagnosed can experience mild to serious challenges at school and at home, both academically and socially.  Having taught in elementary schools for many years, I have had the opportunity to work with children and families who were dealing with these challenges.  Medication, considered by many families as a last resort, certainly has its proponents and detractors.  Most would agree that if a child's attention and hyperactive behaviour can be positively shaped by means other than medication then that is most certainly a preferred course of action.  

In 2004, Matthew Morand at Hofstra University in New York conducted a research study to examine whether exercise and/or structured martial arts training could have a positive effect on boys aged 8 to 11 who had been diagnosed with ADHD.  His study was conducted over a twelve week period and participants were non-medicated boys who had been properly diagnosed.  The participants were arranged into three groups.  Group one received martial arts lessons at a professionally operated martial arts school which had a structured reward system and a varied curriculum.  Group two engaged in traditional exercise two days per week.  Group three was a control group that had no intervention.  To monitor changes in behaviour, the participants' school teachers tracked behaviour during the twelve weeks in areas such as number of call outs in class, homework completion rates, number of times leaving their seat, and general preparedness for lessons.

The results of the study supported what those of us involved in martial arts have witnessed first hand for many years... Martial arts can have a positive impact on children with behaviour challenges. Indeed, five of the study's seven hypotheses were supported. The areas of noticeable impact were  homework completion, academic performance, classroom preparation,  number of classroom rules broken and number of times inappropriately leaving their seat. 

As with any study, more research is needed to fully know and understand ways to help children diagnosed with ADHD.  A further caution to parents, one can not assume that every martial arts program will have the same effect.  In reviewing Mr. Morand's study, to be effective, the program needs to needs to... 1) have structured lessons (organized curriculum, professional teachers, disciplined environment), 2) implement a consistent and authentic reward system for shaping student behaviour (stripe progress awards, regular belt rewards, take home lessons), and 3) teach a varied curriculum (high energy classes, working with pads, ground skills, working with traditional weapons (short and long sticks).

To read the study in its entirety please click here

Sifu Cathal Walsh is a former school teacher and principal. He is also a former Education Standards Coordinator for the BC Ministry of Education. He conducts workshops for parents and educators on topics of school safety and bullying prevention. He is the founder of SHAKU Family Martial Arts, with locations in Duncan and Langford, British Columbia.. Got A Question? You can contact Sifu Cathal at 1-888-742-5810 or by email at asksifu@shakumartialarts.com 

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