Martial Arts: A Tool for Autistic Students
Enhancing Skills and Building Confidence
At Crabapple Martial Arts Academy, we believe in the power of martial arts to transform lives—not just for some, but for all students, including those with autism. Through years of experience, we’ve seen firsthand how martial arts can serve as an exceptional tool for enhancing skills and building confidence in autistic students. Martial arts offers a structured yet adaptable environment that caters to their unique needs.
Tailored Instruction for Sensory Integration
Martial arts provide a sensory-rich environment that is both stimulating and manageable. Students with autism often face challenges with sensory integration, and the controlled setting of a dojo allows them to engage their senses at a comfortable pace. The repetitive nature of drills and forms creates a sense of predictability. Which is often comforting and necessary for autistic students, while also allowing for sensory processing in a supportive environment. It is also possible and encouraged at our dojo to find ways to help these neurodivergent students figure out the best way to handle the stimulus in a safe environment. One such example is for those who struggle with sound being overstimulating. In this case, we have encouraged and introduced the idea of loops—a specialized type of ear plug—to help mitigate the sound to a manageable level for them.
Developing Motor Skills and Coordination
Many autistic students struggle with motor skills and coordination. Martial arts training is beneficial in this area as it focuses on developing balance, coordination, and fine motor skills through targeted exercises. We take the time to help each student individually and meet them at their level. We break down our classes into smaller groups. This results in all students getting the attention that they need to succeed. Taking the time to explain movements in ways each individual will best comprehend. Due to this strategy, students of all ages and neurotypes get the information and skills. These improvements in motor skills often translate to increased independence and confidence in daily activities outside the dojo.
Focus and Concentration
One of the core benefits of martial arts training is the emphasis on focus and concentration. Clear, consistent commands and a structured class format help enhance attention span and reduce distractions. For many autistic people, there is a high likelihood of having ADHD as a barrier as well. We find a counter to this with novel teaching methods to keep kids with ADHD engaged. This results in balancing the neurodivergent brain’s desire for consistency and novelty. This improvement in focus can lead to better performance in academic settings and other areas of life.
Social Skills and Interaction
Martial arts classes provide a social setting that encourages interaction in a non-threatening way. Autistic students often find it easier to form connections with peers in the dojo, where shared activities and goals foster a sense of community. The respect and discipline inherent in martial arts also teach valuable social skills, such as taking turns, following directions, and respecting others’ personal space. With this respect to personal space found in the dojo, autistic students end up less on edge. The knowledge of these boundaries is a comfort. As such they become familiar with physical interaction with peers—something many autistic people struggle with—in a less stressful setting.
Building Confidence Through Achievement
Perhaps most importantly, martial arts offer a pathway to build confidence. Autistic students experience the thrill of achievement just as our other students do, through belt promotions and the mastery of new techniques. This equitability can help kids who feel separated from their peers due to their differences. The sense of accomplishment boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to face new challenges both in and out of the dojo.
The testimonials from parents of autistic students at Crabapple Martial Arts Academy speak volumes about the benefits of martial arts training. Time and again, we hear stories of remarkable improvements in confidence, discipline, and social skills. For parents considering martial arts for their autistic children, Crabapple Martial Arts Academy stands as a beacon of inclusivity and support, promoting personal growth and development in a nurturing environment. Here are some of the reviews we have received from parents of autistic or other special needs children!
The staff has been amazing in working with him
My Son Ends Every Session with a “Sensei hug”
We LOVE Crabapple Martial Arts Academy!
In martial arts, every student has the potential to excel, proving that this ancient practice is more than just physical training—it’s a tool for life transformation.
Crabapplemartialarts.com and Crabapple Martial Arts Academy has been selected the nation’s #1 martial arts schools for SIX YEARS IN A ROW by the American Budokai International!
Founded in 2013 by Mr. C. Matthew White is a 5th-degree Black Belt in Karate and 6th-degree Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu, and Master Instructor. Crabapple Martial Arts Academy has Karate lessons for pre-school children to elementary kids ages 4 and up. These classes are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need – specialized for each age group – for school excellence and later success in life.
Crabapple Martial Arts Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program. This is for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at office@crabapplemartialarts.com or call directly at 770-645-0930. You can also visit our website at CrabappleMartialArts.com.
About C. Matthew White, Renshi: Matt is a fifth-degree black belt in a traditional Japanese and Okinawan Martial Arts – Shuri Ryu Karatedo. He is also a sixth-degree black belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu – Shintoyoshin Kai Jiu Jitsu. He is a master instructor with the title of Renshi, which means Scholar in Japanese. Matt has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Physiology. He has been training and teaching martial arts for over 27 years. He has owned Crabapple Martial Arts Academy since 2013. Renshi White is a motivational speaker and educator, and teaches seminars in bullying, business, and martial arts training.
Crabapple Martial Arts Academy Headquarters is in Alpharetta, Georgia at 12315 Crabapple Road., Suite 124, Alpharetta GA 30004. You can locate the Chief Instructor, Sensei Robert Reed there or directly at (770) 645-0930.