What do you think about a 5 year old boy with autism doing martial arts? I'm wondering if it would be a good outlet for built-up energy or if it would encourage punching and kicking. Of course for a typical child I would say it's a great activity, but not so sure about a child with autism. Any thoughts?
Here is my long answer (I’m passionate about this topic)...
Martial Arts is a wonderful way for kids to learn self respect, self discipline, and how to defend oneself. I myself was diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder 15 years ago and know my life would have been IMMENSELY improved hadn’t parents enrolled me in a martial art. Instead I played team sports, did everything I could to win classmate’s approval and then due to lack of self-esteem and self-worth (team sports were all politics in high school) I made very poor choices leading to a very difficult past 20 or so years.
At age 38 I began Muay Thai Kickboxing while my daughter (age 16- diagnosed Autism 1 w/out intellectual impairment) was taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lessons. The first thing we are taught to do if someone approaches us to fight is walk away if not run. My daughter is the LAST person to hurt another person, but at 5’4 130lbs I would rather worry about her safety in this crazy world she is about to live in when she leaves the house!
I fell in love with the sport if Muay Thai due to the skill, precision, and dedication involved. I have always been an athlete but know God has gifted me specifically with this ability. Yes, it is an Eastern Spiritual martial art (national sport of Thailand), but there are plenty of Christian practitioner/instructors, some who even substitute Christianity for say Buddhism. When I was learning from a traditional style instructor (a Buddhist) the most spiritual we got was paying our respects to each other, a before each training exercise. Sparring was never very forceful.
In fact, my husband and I are hosting Christian missionaries from Thailand who operate a mission where they reach the people of Thailand through the sport of Muay Thai (Muslim women and children come to their Christmas parties every year). Instead of bowing to the ground and paying respect to their gods during WAI Kru the native Thai fighters pray upwards with their pastors! What a witness to the thousands of fans that watch every month. While my missionary friends are here we are putting on a Muay Thai cultural seminar at our church, and linking up with other martial arts places in the area.
Martial arts is not violent, it is a skill. The last thing either of my kids wanted to do after lessons is show it or use it on others! And by the way, my nephew started Tai Kwondo at age 5 and credits it in large part to his success in self-discipline. He graduated last week from the Air Force Academy, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and is starting fighter pilot training in two months.