Karate is a Martial Art originating from Okinawa, Japan, that has spread rapidly in the West through popular culture. Movies like the Karate Kid (1984) and its sequels really encouraged the growth of the striking art in the United States.
Anything’s Possible Martial Arts in Braintree, Massachusetts focuses on Karate training for men, women and children with special needs…
…I [Traci, Director of the Center] been working with special needs children and over the years have found students who participate in a karate program exhibit increased mobility, memorization and self-esteem. These programs can help improve:
strength, physical and motor skills
awareness
patience and determination
sensory and speech
Specific exercises can be created to fit each student’s particular developmental needs. These can help those who may experience difficulties with walking, flexibility, overall range of motion or other concerns.
…Karate can also function as a form of therapy. It provides: 1) physical exercise - practicing karate is demanding and requires a lot of energy, and students can process information better and more quickly; 2) discipline - the rules and code of conduct which precede and finish any karate class; i.e. standing in a straight line, bowing in and out of class; 3) consistency - repeated movements and practice help organize and focus a student’s learning; 4) social skills - setting forth the boundaries of acceptable behavior and reinforcing achievable goals, i.e., the belt system.
Most importantly, karate is “fun.” It gives students with special needs a boost of self-esteem. The rewards of completing a technique, a kick, a strike or a punch, enables confidence and pride. Students are willing and excited to demonstrate something they have learned in class.
(source: Karate helps kids with special needs )