Judo for ADHD child?

[Worriedmotheroftwo]

My 5 year old boy has an ADHD diagnosis. He is impulsive, emotional, and does not stop moving! He has also had issues with hitting at school (though that's not happened for months). I've read that martial arts can be good for kids with ADHD. Is there any research on this, or is just anecdotal - I can't find anything research-informed?

Anecdotally, have any of you found martial arts have helped your ADHD child with emotions, aggression, impulsiveness etc? If so, what martial art is best... there's a judo class near us that I thought about? Alternatively, is there any evidence that martial arts make things worse - I REALLY don't want him to go back to hitting again!!!

Many thanks for any advice!

There's an 8yr old girl with ADHD in my son's karate class who is doing so well. It's not easy for her but she's really trying to focus, and Sensei overlooks her fidgeting as he knows how hard she's working to keep still. There's also a 10year old boy with inattentive type ADHD who's thriving in the class (I've spoken with both sets of parents).

However, my littlest (4) has ADHD and we'd love him to join but he's just not ready yet. The two older children are both medicated, I don't know if that's making a difference (I know it does for their school work).It's worth going along to the judo group and speaking with the leaders, they may be happy to do a trial or they may say come back when he's older, nothing ti lose either way.

Thanks - that's really helpful.

Hmmm I took my 9 year old to one she is waiting for adhd testing but struggles significantly with emotional dysregulation and violence to others. I found when I took her she became more violent to others.

See this is exactly what I'm worried about. Anyone know of any research into this? Thanks!

I have an 11 year old boy with autism/adhd and judo has been transformative for him

We started him at 6. He had a natural talent for it which helped.

There was a time I was really worried about him as he was really struggling with friendships and impulse control but not anymore. He is now so confident and I thank the judo for that and I was so worried about him being bullied (he has tics) but at least I know he can handle himself. Just learning to follow instructions and stop when told to stop is huge for him. He is a junior coach on the under 8's class which has helped with his communication skills and how to be gentle to smaller ones.

He now competes regularly in the uk and is on the county squad. Has been to Sweden, Belgium, Bosnia with the team for competitions and training camps and has built a firm group of friends in the sport who just accept him and they support each other at competitions.

Taking him to judo has changed his life and I would thoroughly endorse this sport. It isn't violent (judo means the gentle way) and isn't teaching kicking and punching so less transferable to the playground than striking martial arts.

So yes definitely give it a try

Wow that's amazing! Thanks so much for that. How wonderful for your son (excellent haul of medals too!)