Special Needs Martial Arts?

KittieK8te

Hi there

I was wondering if anyone knows of any special needs martial art classes in Kilkenny? I have a 9 year old son with cerebral palsy who would love to do martial arts. He is very active and loves sports and challenging himself, but I don't know how if he would get left behind in the ordinary martial arts classes. If anyone knows of any, or if anyone has some qualified advice, i would be really grateful.
Thank you

yomchi

From my experience it depends on the severity of the CP but there should be no problem with him taking part in a normal steady MA class. The stretching will do him the world of good and any instructor who is good with kids will allow each student progress at their own rate.

Pop in to some classes for a look yourself and see if you like it yourself, you would know best whether your son could participate. Also speak to the instructor and suss out whether they're worth your few quid.

Good luck!

hellooperator

hi kittie,
im afraid i cant offer advice on classes in kilkenny. but as a martial arts teacher myself i had not given thought to kids with special needs, so thank you for bringing this to my attention. especially considering the benefits outlined by others ma might have for kids. i will endevour to make my class more accesible to kids of all abilities. if he enjoys ma i would definately sign him up 2 a class i dont think he will have any problems he cant overcome.
kind regards
mark

KittieK8te

Yes hellooperator, there are many mid-range disabled children who would benefit greatly from the discipline and confidence martial arts have to offer, so good luck with your new endeavour! Thanks for the good advice guys...

cowzerp

Judo is part of the special olympics, maybe look into that..

Kila

These guys do lots of different classes, including various kids classes, in Kilkenny. Larry's a great guy, and I'm sure he'd be able to fill you in on what they do and if there's a place there for your son.

http://www.dragonslair.ie/

beGood

It's possible to do Judo. It's discussed on Judo Forum and you can get an idea of what's possible here: Special Needs Judo Europe.

There is a Judo club in Kilkenny, I don't know anything about it but you could start by talking to the Judo teacher and finding out what is possible. Kilkenny Judo Club.

Good luck!

KittieK8te

Thanks for all the advice, it's very much appreciated. We are sorted for now... thanks to the dragonslair in Kilkenny who have been very helpful and supportive. He had his first full session this evening and loved it, so buzzed up in fact I couldn't get him to bed lol. He's counting down the hours till the next class, roll on Thursday!
Thanks again
K

yomchi

Another happy customer!

Glad you found a good place. Enjoy!

arybvtcw0eolkf

KittieK8te wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice, it's very much appreciated. We are sorted for now... thanks to the dragonslair in Kilkenny who have been very helpful and supportive. He had his first full session this evening and loved it, so buzzed up in fact I couldn't get him to bed lol. He's counting down the hours till the next class, roll on Thursday!
Thanks again
K

Now thats fantastic news, and I'm sure everyone here will wish you both all the very best and please stay in touch with the forum.

corkma

while we're on the topic, anyone know of any training for instructors in this area.

yomchi

The national coaching development programme covers special needs training.