Martial arts often put as much emphasis on training the mind as they do training the body. Taekwondo is no exception to this, and it focuses on control and discipline just as much as it does on punches and kicks.
It’s well-known that exercise can be beneficial for helping with symptoms of ADHD, so it’s no surprise that Taekwondo can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the ways Taekwondo training can be beneficial for people with ADHD.
We’ll go over what it is that makes Taekwondo helpful for dealing with ADHD, as well as some of the benefits of Taekwondo training when it comes to mental health.
So let’s get started, shall we?
How Does Taekwondo Help With ADHD?
So we’ve already established that Taekwondo training can help people with ADHD, but what exactly is it about the martial art that makes it effective at dealing with the symptoms of ADHD?
Well, it actually comes down to two main factors.
First of all, exercise is a great way to disperse built-up energy and works as an outlet. Taekwondo is especially good at this because it combines learning forms and techniques with practical training like sparring.
Learning techniques and drills help to keep the mind focused and engaged. Additionally, the structure of training builds an established routine that makes it easier to keep track of classes if you start to lose focus.
Sparring and other physical training like practicing punches and kicks help to stimulate the brain, and is a great outlet when you’re hyperactive.
Sparring can be just as good for the brain as it is for the body, however, and training your hand-eye coordination is a great way to help with focus and concentration.
Taekwondo isn’t all about fighting, however, and the exercise side of this martial art isn’t the only aspect that can help with ADHD. Taekwondo, like many other martial arts, is built on a set of principles that are just as significant as the techniques it uses.
One of the core tenets of Taekwondo is practicing self-control, and this principle is a key focus during classes and training.
Taekwondo’s emphasis on self-control and discipline plays a big part in how it helps with ADHD, and helps you to develop ways to manage the symptoms of ADHD.
It’s important to remember that Taekwondo isn’t a cure-all for ADHD, and you shouldn’t use Taekwondo training as the only way to try and treat ADHD symptoms.
With that said, however, Taekwondo can be a great way to manage some of the symptoms of ADHD and can be beneficial in many ways.
Benefits Of Taekwondo For People With ADHD
Speaking of which, let’s take a look at some of the ways that Taekwondo can be helpful to people with ADHD.
1. It Helps To Release Energy
As we’ve already mentioned, Taekwondo is a great outlet for pent-up energy.
Taekwondo training offers a great balance of general exercises and focused technique practice, which helps it stay engaging even if you’re hyperactive and struggling to focus.
However, Taekwondo training isn’t intensive to the point that you’ll burn yourself out, and the balance of physical training with drills and forms means that it helps to stimulate your mind as well as your body.
2. It’s An Individual Sport But Still Social
Team sports can be a struggle if you have ADHD, and this can be even worse if it’s a contact sport. Taekwondo avoids these issues because training is a solo activity.
This lets you focus on your own training without having to worry about what other people are doing, and it means that you can get the most out of your instructor’s assistance.
However, just because it’s an individual sport doesn’t mean that it’s isolating. Taekwondo is also a great social sport and most classes will have other people there.
This means that you get to focus on your own training without having to forgo the social aspect of sports!
3. It Engages The Mind As Much As The Body
Because Taekwondo puts as much emphasis on self-control and discipline, it is just as effective at stimulating the mind as it is at exercising the body.
Practicing forms and techniques helps to keep the brain engaged during classes, while also building ways to manage and control ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, activities like sparring and shadow boxing help to develop hand-eye coordination and improve your focus, both of which are incredibly beneficial for helping with ADHD.
Can Taekwondo Help Children With ADHD?
Taekwondo can be a great way to help children with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms.
In addition to helping hyperactive children release energy, martial arts like Taekwondo have been shown to strengthen neural pathways and improve focus in children, which can be a great benefit to children with ADHD.
Taekwondo training can also help improve the behavior and attitude of children with ADHD.
The focus on self-control and discipline helps in several ways – practicing stances and forms can reduce fidgeting, while improved focus and concentration helps children to stay engaged both in and out of training.
Another way the exercise side of Taekwondo is good for children is that it helps them get a better feel for their body in space. It can be hard for children with ADHD to have full control of their body, so Taekwondo is a great way for them to learn this.
The structure of Taekwondo classes is also beneficial for helping children manage their ADHD symptoms.
Rituals are a great way for children with ADHD to develop good behaviors and habits, so the structured nature of Taekwondo classes helps children to stay engaged and keep track of class.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Taekwondo holds many benefits for people with ADHD. From acting as an outlet for excess energy to helping improve self-control, there are many ways that Taekwondo can be used to manage the symptoms of ADHD.
So if you have ADHD and are looking for something to help you deal with it, Taekwondo might just be the sport for you!
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