How Can Martial Arts Benefit the Disabled?

The disabled population in the United States seems not only to have to struggle with the hurdles set by their own disabilities, but also to the pressures and difficulties society imposes as well. Many national and federal organizations realize that these societal difficulties, or "gaps," exist and try to create awareness and foster positive change. The National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.) has a mission to, "expand the participation and contribution of 54 million men, women, and children with disabilities in all aspects of life" (http://www.nod.org). By raising awareness through various programs and educating the nation a goal can be set toward closing the participation gap. A "gap" can be defined as the difference in the level of participation between people with and without disabilities as measured in the N.O.D./Harris surveys. These "gap areas" include employment and income, education, community participation and socializing, transportation, political participation, health care, religious participation, and the use of technology (http://www.nod.org). We must address these gaps because the disability population is only increasing as the baby boom generation grows older. In the 2000 N.O.D./Harris Survey on Community Participation, "35 percent of Americans with disabilities say they are completely uninvolved in their communities, compared to 21 percent of those without disabilities" (http://www.nod.org). The health care gap is even more significant as people with disabilities find it more difficult to obtain a decent plan.

Other organizations such as the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and Disability Statistics Center provide programs to help assist those with disabilities. OSERS is comprised of three components: The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). NIDRR, "conducts comprehensive and coordinated programs of research and related activities to assist in the achievement of full inclusion, social integration, employment, and independent living of people with disabilities" (http://www.ed.gov).

Defining what is or what is not considered a disability can be confusing at times because the definition may vary depending on the purpose for which it is being used. For the purpose of nondiscrimination laws, the federal government generally defines a person with a disability as someone who "has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more 'major life activities,' has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment" (http://www.consumer-guides.info/Disabilities). Other definitions can apply for purposes such as social security benefits and can be further defined by state vocational rehabilitation (VR) offices for eligibility of VR services.

The United States Census Bureau conducts a comprehensive national census poll every ten years to determine our progression as a developing nation in a myriad of categories. Census 2000 was without exception as it highlighted the disability status of the nation. In 2000, census counted 49.7 million people with some type of long lasting condition or disability. It represented 19.3 percent of the 257.2 million people who were aged 5 and older in the civilian non-institutionalized population (http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/disable/disabstat2k/disabstat2ktxt.html). There are many disabilities that plague our population. The following is a breakdown of the disabled population and the conditions they have from Census 2000: 9.3 million (3.6 percent) have a sensory disability involving sight or hearing; 21.2 million (8.2 percent) have a condition limiting basic physical activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying; 12.4 million (4.8 percent) are considered to have a physical, mental, or emotional condition causing difficulty in learning, remembering, or concentrating; 6.8 million (2.6 percent) have a physical, mental, or emotional condition causing difficulty in dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home; 18.2 million of those aged 16 and older have a condition that made it difficult to go outside the home to shops or visit a doctor (8.6 percent of the 212 million people this age); and 21.3 million of those aged 16 to 64 have a condition that affected their ability to work at a job or business (11.9 percent of the 178.7 million people this age) (http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/disable/disabstat2k/disabstat2ktxt.html). The current disabled population in America is about 54 million individuals. The myriad of disabilities can range from blindness, deafness, and spinal cord injury to an overall lack of strength from old age.

The psychological effects that are present in individuals as a result of being disabled are a cause for concern. People with disabilities gain an emotional burden and sometimes encounter psychological effects. "The psychological 'experience' of physical disability and deformity encompasses myriad emotional reactions, a 'call to arms' of one's coping repertoire and defenses, and a journey of personal challenge through the caveats of despair and loss to the ultimate reclaiming of oneself" (Scott). Psychological effects of a physical or mental disability can include, but are not limited to depression, anxiety, decreased concentration, lower self-confidence and self-esteem. "New onset physical disability engenders countless losses-loss of body parts, loss of functionality, loss of self-image, loss of personal integrity" (Scott). Interestingly, there are ways to try to mitigate and remedy some of the psychological problems that result from disabilities.

A growing field in medicine understood as complementary and alternative medicine or CAM, is considered a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine (http://nccam.nih.gov). This field focuses on a salutogenesis approach (ways to create health) rather than a pathogenesis approach (ways to fight disease) using various practices. The term "holistic" is sometimes used to describe CAM practices especially as it connotes treatment of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit). Some practices include mind-body therapies, manual healing methods, herbal medicine, and energy medicine. Consumer demand for CAM has risen over the years. A possible increase for this demand may be due to the congruence of values, beliefs, and philosophical orientation to life in which people can relate. These services are being used as complements to conventional medicine rather than alternative by the vast majority of consumers. People with disabilities are turning more and more to alternative medicine to try to help the rehabilitation process as well as encourage positive emotional stability.

While alternative medicine is being embraced by many there are those that are skeptical. One article written in The Houston Chronicle called alternative medicine, "an institutionalized social cult movement that perpetuates itself using governmental agencies for funding and promoting products and therapies that are worthless. Most scientists recognize it is baloney" (Cohen). In 2002, roughly $32 billion was spent in the United States alone on alternative medicines and treatments according to Patrick Rea of the Nutrition Business Journal, a publishing and market research firm (Cohen). Critics complain the research and practices are wasting tax dollars, promoting false hopes, and giving an aura of legitimacy to implausible and even quack theories and therapies (Cohen). However, there is hope for the disabled population. Alternative therapies are becoming accepted by society, one individual at a time.

Martial Arts as Therapy

One practice that is not viewed upon by mainstream society as a legitimate form of therapy for the disabled population is martial arts. Its popularity is known around the world for its various styles of fighting and self-defense tactics. There are, however, applications of martial arts that many may not consider. There are numerous medical and therapeutic benefits from martial arts. Only those that are involved and part-take in martial arts can offer insight as to the deeper value that martial arts can bring to the public and especially to the disabled. "Martial arts provides a vehicle to enable a person to become the best individual they were ever destined to be. It is incumbent, therefore, on every dojo to open its doors to everybody that is sincere in wishing to learn the martial way and enjoy its benefits" (Mitchell). In this day and age this statement cannot be any more relevant. Countless foundations are spurring up each year to offer disabled individuals the chance to utilize martial arts any way they see fit in a positive way. This may be to better their lives by learning a form of self-defense or by helping themselves in the rehabilitation process if needed.

One reason martial arts may now be used for the disabled is because its popularity is rising and many are becoming aware of its benefits. Martial arts participants know its benefits: discipline and control, faster thought processes, self-development, fitness, confidence, relief from stress, self-defense, and fun (Miller). Bill Back, a fourth-degree black-belt instructor and owner of Back's Karate for Kids in Jeffersonville, IN states, "I'm not sure why martial arts is so popular now. In the past it could have been movieinspired...But that's not the case now. I think it's coming into its own" (Miller).

One society that was founded by Master Instructor Jurgen Schmidt in 1996 was called The International Disabled Self-Defense Association (IDSA). It was formed in response to an alarming increase in crimes perpetuated against individuals with disabilities who may be considered easy targets (IDSA). This is a non-profit organization that created a training program called "Defense-Ability" which is based on the martial arts style of combat hapkido (IDSA). On the IDSA website it states, "Around the world more and more psychologists, doctors, counselors and therapists recommend Martial Arts training for disabled children and adults who want to achieve and maintain optimum physical and mental health" (IDSA). Combat hapkido sets itself apart from "traditional" styles of Hapkido. "Combat Hapkido is an extremely realistic and versatile discipline of self protection that includes an extensive variety of joint locks, pressure points, grappling and disarming techniques" (IDSA). Combat hapkido's concepts are based on scientific principles of anatomy and biokinetics as well as psychology and strategy that allow it to be modified for the disabled. This is just one organization devoted to helping and creating awareness for the disabled population.

As mentioned earlier there can be many forms of disabilities including blindness, deafness, and spinal cord injury to an overall lack of strength from old age. Many martial arts today that can also be helpful in promoting a positive rehabilitation experience or a self-defense program for the disabled include taekwondo, taiji, judo, aikido, and karate to name a few. An interesting example of martial arts used for rehabilitation is a case study of a healthy 28-year-old female who had an 8-year history of chronic, midthoracic back pain (Massey). After a motor vehicle accident in 1986 she was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and sufficient rest. She was pain-free again until she reinjured her thoracic back in 1987 while working as a nurse (Massey). Over the next twelve months she was evaluated by three orthopedic physicians and a pain specialist. No conventional procedures resulted in any significant relief. The patient described her back pain as a deep ache between spinal nerves T8 and T10 (Massey). "The patient described her overall quality of life as 'poor' and felt that she was chronically depressed" (Massey). She was told by all her healthcare providers that she would most likely live with the pain the rest of her life. She eventually found solace when attending the ALTMED Clinic in Elk Grove, Illinois. She initially was taught four adapted martial arts movements that were designed to help reduce muscle spasm and increase flexibility and functional range of the thoracic and cervical area (Massey). "Two of her initial movements were done standing and 2 were done lying on a firm surface. The two movements done standing were kinetic and involved a coordinated range of motion with the arm and twisting of the hips. The 2 movements done on the firm surface involved maintaining a relaxed, static position and twisting the hips with respect to the shoulders for short periods of time (15-20 seconds), again with many repetitions" (Massey). At the six-week follow up visit after going through this alternative form of rehabilitation the pain had significantly decreased. After three years she remained pain-free. "In this study we demonstrated that the use of specific martial arts movements in a physical therapy application can have a positive effect on chronic thoracic back pain" (Massey). Other chronic back pains have also responded favorably to the use of modified and adapted martial arts movements. The movements used in this program were a synthesis of several martial arts disciplines including, but not limited to taiji, kung fu (Wushu), taekwondo, bagwa, moo doe, qigong, and aikido. At this clinic each patient receives an exercise program that is unique to that individual (Massey). "The practice of these specific movements may have there initial effect through an increase in circulation and a resultant reduction in chronic inflammation. Once the pain has diminished, flexibility and strength issues are addressed" (Massey). "In Asia, the relationship between medicine and martial arts spans more than 5000 years. In the U.S. medical community, the efficacy of various applications of martial arts therapy is increasingly demonstrated. The use of specific martial arts movements as physical therapy has been shown to be especially effective in the therapy-resistant chronic pain patient, and should be considered in the course of medical treatment" (Massey).

Tai Chi Chuan and Rehabilitation

Many cases like this woman's exist all over the United States. Each martial art previously mentioned has a unique and helpful contribution to numerous disabilities. One of the best martial arts that can be used for rehabilitation is Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) [taiji]. Tai Chi [taiji] is an ancient Chinese martial art and health promotion exercise. It was originally considered a form of self-defense, but this dance-like movement has helped arthritics and those at risk for falling, as well as, multiple sclerosis and the rehabilitation of severe head trauma patients. "The emphasis of tai chi [taiji] is on the exercise of mind and consciousness. TCC [taiji] movements are continuous from beginning to end, and from one posture to the next, in a completely integrated circle" (Li). "The first scientific description of the effect of TCC on health has been traced by Yu to Xu Zhi-Yi's 1927 book, Preliminary explosion of Tai Chi Chuan" (Li). The literal translation of tai chi chuan [taiji] is "the grand ultimate fist" (Cerrato). One tai chi dance routine that has become popular in the U.S. consists of 20 "sets" of gentle repetitive exercises that keep the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, hips, and ankles in continuous motion (Cerrato). This is accompanied by very deep diaphragmatic breathing improving flexibility, range of motion, muscle strength, and balance. It's a low impact routine that is easy and gentle enough for the elderly (Cerrato). "Investigators at Emory University, for example, have found that teaching older adults tai chi [taiji]- 10 sets per session for 15 weeks-reduced their blood pressure and cut the risk of falling nearly in half" (Cerrato). At the University of California at San Diego, researchers have shown that tai chi can help younger adults with low back pain. "In their report, about 50 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 65 with daily back pain were split in half. Those in the tai chi [taiji] group were taught 11 movements over a six-week period and asked to practice the technique at home at least once a week. They saw a significant reduction in their pain and a slight improvement in their mood" (Cerrato). Another positive aspect to this therapeutic martial art is that there do not seem to be any adverse effects.

A chronic joint disease that plagues the U.S. population and is the leading cause of disability among persons aged 65 years and older is Osteoarthritis. The consequences of this condition are complex as the decline in physical function may impact the psychosocial components of health (Hartman). An individual's lifestyle can be characterized by immobility, dependency, and compromised well-being (Hartman). "The physical act of performing T'ai Chi [taiji] might be equivalent to walking at a speed of 6 km/h, while the cognitive aspect equates to quiet meditation" (Hartman). "T'ai Chi [taiji] involves cognitive, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal responses that evoke physiological and psychological changes" (Hartman). Catherine Hartman's study on the effects of tai chi on older adults with osteoarthritis showed that moderate tai chi [taiji] intervention can enhance arthritis self-efficacy, quality of life, and functional mobility (Hartman). This study had 33 participants diagnosed with lower extremity osteoarthritis. The tai chi [taiji] training included two, 1-hour tai chi [taiji] classes per week for 12 weeks (Hartman). "In studies of patients with osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, investigators discovered that, unlike certain other types of exercise, tai chi did not make joints more tender and increase the number of swollen or damaged joints. Nor did it cause further bone deterioration" (Cerrato).

A study conducted in June 2001 assessed "the characteristic effects of TCC [taiji] exercise on metabolism and cardiorespiratory response, and to measure its effect on cardiorespiratory function, mental control, immune capacity, and the prevention of falls in elderly people" (Li). A large sample of participants was used in this study which was a total of 2216 men and women. The conclusions drawn from this study stated, "TCC [taiji] is a moderate intensity exercise that is beneficial to cardiorespiratory function, immune capacity, mental control, flexibility, and balance control; it improves muscle strength and reduces the risk of falls in the elderly" (Li). It can be classified as a moderate exercise because its intensity does not exceed 55 percent of maximal oxygen intake (Li).

In a study published in 2001, three people recorded with severe head trauma utilized tai chi [taiji] in helping them rehabilitate. The researchers noted their beliefs and hypothesis as to why tai chi chuan is useful in the rehabilitation of brain injury. "First, its slow and gradual practice promotes the development of muscle tone, control, and muscular strength, thus reducing abnormal hyper-tonicity and improving muscle weakness. The slowness of practice prevents damage because the patient and trainer can foresee a wrong posture and correct it. Second, falls may be prevented by TCC's [taiji] promotion of kinesthetic sense, balance, and coordination. These attributes also improve performance of daily tasks, and expand the patient's abilities. Third, the patient takes an active part in the rehabilitation process within a holistic framework that approaches the patient as a whole, physical, and mental being...Fourth, TCC [taiji] is performed in a relaxed, quiet, and concentrated atmosphere with an emphasis on awareness of the inside and outside world" (Shapira). There hypothesis was clearly supported by their results. The individuals that underwent the rehabilitation using TCC [taiji] were a 24-year-old man, a 54-year-old man, and a 25 year-old- man who all experienced a form of traumatic head injury in the course of their lives. "After 2 to 4 years of TC [taiji] therapy, all 3 patients walk without assistance, rarely fall, and feel more secure while walking. They feel they have greatly improved control of themselves and their surroundings, that their memory and concentration are better, and they have a decrease in hypertonicity" (Shapira). This is a very relevant example of martial arts being used to help rehabilitate the disabled.

A final example if tai chi's [taiji] rehabilitative properties are present in a study conducted in 1999 on those with multiple sclerosis. With 19 patients in total, an eightweek tai chi [taiji] program was conducted to explore its psychosocial and physical benefits (Husted). "Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system" (Husted). After the eight-week program notable positive trends were discovered among the participants both in the motor tests and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-itemShort-form Health Survey (SF-36) (Husted). Like most studies it had its limitations. "Additional studies with a larger sample size, controls, and physician evaluation of expanded disability status scales are needed to confirm these initial findings" (Husted).

Disabilities and Self-Defense

Martial arts are not only being used by the disabled population to help in rehabilitation, but to help promote self-defense. One might think that self-defense and the disabled are to unrelated concepts that could never form a marriage. The following martial arts are being utilized today to help offer an outlet for the disabled population to protect themselves. "As physically challenged individuals have grown in health, longevity, and self-confidence, many have chosen to exchange the role of spectator for that of active participant in society" (Madorsky). There are those physically challenged individuals that seek high-risk activities and enjoy a challenge, but there are many that do not want put themselves in harms way. "As disabled people move out of supervised, highly protected living, working, education, and recreation environments, they become more vulnerable. They are seen by the criminal element in society as easy targets for violent crime" (Madorsky).

A case report illustrates the effective means of developing the self-confidence and the physical skills needed to deal with life's hazards while confined to a wheelchair. The article reports a case study of a man who suffers from paraplegia of the T10 vertebrae (Madorsky). During his rehabilitation experience doctors encouraged him to become involved with sports that were adapted for people with handicaps. He did not want a part in activities or sports where there was no way one could lose. As he progressed throughout his life he was teased and humiliated which sometimes led to violence (Madorsky). Because of his dependency on a wheelchair and physical therapy over the years, he was much stronger in the upper body than most other students. When he wrestled the boys who made fun of him he had felt equal to them (Madorsky). At age 17, he began examining martial arts and chose a Kung-Fu San Soo school, which did not give him any preferential treatment. He practiced three hours per day, four days per week learning defensive tactics. At age 31, he held an eighth-degree black belt in the art of Kung-Fu San Soo. Because of his disability his techniques were based on the principles of physics and kinesiology. He now teaches able-bodied and disabled people together. As director of the Self-Defense Program at Casa Colina Hospital for Rehabilitative Medicine, he integrates self-defense training into the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury, polio, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, stroke, head injury, back injuries, upper and lower extremity amputation, multiple sclerosis, and blindness (Madorsky).

Martial arts wheelchair techniques can be further explained by Ronald Van Sandt. "Ron van de Sandt has been involved in martial arts since 1972 and has studied American Kempo, Shorin Kempo and Sholin Karate - a blend of Shorinji Ryu and Shorin Ryu Karate. Mr. van de Sandt currently holds a Dan rank in Sholin Karate, and runs the Sholin Karate Club, at the Fairborn YMCA, Fairborn, Ohio" (Van De Sandt). He was confined in a wheelchair for a short period in his left, but this experience left him with a valuable impression of how martial arts can be approached. "...what I learned from the experience changed my martial arts life forever by opening up a deeper understanding of the ancient martial arts, as well as an appreciation for those who are handicapped" (Van De Sandt). He noticed unique attacks that are applicable to someone in a wheelchair such as a sneak attack or someone pushing the chair very fast (Van De Sandt). He also noticed many common attacks that an able person sitting on a park bench would have with someone wheelchair bound. He noticed some movements and techniques in aikido are useful and others that came from the karate kata he had practiced (Van De Sandt). This article assumes the wheelchair to have standard hospital issue type parts as well as the person having normal use of their upper body (Van De Sandt). One common attack on a wheelchair is that of being pushed very fast. One way to combat this is by pulling on the brake to lock the wheelchair so that the opponent gets jabbed and a strike or jab can be permitted. One does not want to do this so quickly that you fall out of the wheelchair. "Another technique may be to twist in your seat with a right back-fist to the assailant's face" (Van De Sandt). After you execute the back-fist you can immediately slip your right arm underneath the attacker's right armpit and lever him forward and to the right, which should throw him on the floor (Van De Sandt).

"The dynamics of the wheelchair dictate that a person trying to grab you from the front has to bend and get close in order to reach you. The same applies if you are sitting in a chair or on a bench. The taller they are, the more they bend, and the less balance they have" (Van De Sandt). There are many other techniques discussed in the article, Kurumaisu Jutsu: Wheelchair Techniques, at fightingarts.com.

Karate Instruction for the Disabled

Another martial art now modified for the disabled is karate. Karate was originally developed on an island called Okinawa which means "rope in the offing" (Draeger). "Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Japanese overlords still did not permit martial arts activities on Okinawa" (Draeger). "From 1890 to 1940 Okinawa underwent complete assimilation by Japan..." (Draeger). "As Okinawan skills increased, competitions were conducted with teams from Japan. The underlying purpose was to improve the physical condition of the Okinawan conscripts. An alert Japanese military doctor one day noticed that certain Okinawan conscripts had splendid physiques. These were ascribed to the practice of te. Impressed, the Japanese government authorized the inclusion of te as physical education in Okinawan Schools (1903)" (Draeger). "The Okinawans chose the name karate-jutsu to replace the word te" (Draeger). "By 1932 all Japanese universities had dojos for the practice of karate-jutsu. About this time, for convenience the term karate-jutsu was shortened to simply karate..." (Draeger).

A dojo affiliated with the Y.K.K.F. teaches karate to the disabled. Y.K.K.F. stands for Yudansha Kobujitsu Karate-Doh Federation (Black belt ancient martial arts empty handed ways) (Mitchell). "Y.K.K.F. is a fraternal organization of many arts and styles recognizing the intrinsic worth and value of every system. Martial arts are founded upon universal principles of MOVEMENT, MORALITY and ETIQUETTE" (Mitchell). Y.K.K.F. was founded in 1978 by Ron Yamanaka. In 1991, Barry Mitchell, a karate instructor, moved his Dojo to a facility named the ASPIRE National Training Centre (Association for Spinal Injuries Research and Rehabilitation) (Mitchell). The center was opened by Princess Diana and is located on the grounds of the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital in Stanmore, London (Mitchell). In 1992, Mitchell read a book about karate training for the disabled. It angered him so much because of its poor quality that he decided to start teaching it at his Dojo. He used three ground rules when teaching the disabled: "do not change anything that does not need to be changed;" "make the karate work for the individual;" and "if changes or variations need to be introduced, try to keep to the spirit and the rhythm of the original" (Mitchell). Mitchell is open to teach any disabled individual who wants to learn self-defense. Unlike other instructors Mitchell states, "I am always amazed at the amount of so called instructors who have such blinkered visions. If you can kick and punch and block like this you're in. If you can't kick like this, maybe because you're in a wheelchair or you can't punch with full power because you only have one arm, you'll never be in. What nonsense!" (Mitchell). He proceeds to mention how he incorporates practice bouts with disabled and able individuals fighting each other. "I am proud to say that we are educating a generation of children who have no fear of the disabled, who know no embarrassment about talking to the disabled or training with the disabled and see it all as being very ordinary" (Mitchell). Mitchell mentions the benefits as well stating, "And, of course, they experience all the benefits that everybody experience in terms of improved confidence, fitness, co-ordination and, last but not least, how to defend themselves" (Mitchell). In order to further his cause Mitchell and a colleague of his, Terry Taylor, started The National Martial Arts Disability Road Show. Instructors from around 10 different styles give their time to give taster sessions to disabled people near the local community (Mitchell).

Taekwondo and ADHD/ADD

Taekwondo is a marital art originating from Korea that has been adapted to allow the disabled to practice its techniques. "Korean empty-handed fighting methods are known by various names such as t'ang-su, subak, tae kwon, kwonpup, tae kwonpup, and tae kwon do" (Draeger). "The Yi Kingdom policy of 'favoring arts and despising arms,' however, brought about the rapid decline of kwonpup. The center of its technical development was changed and relocated in central Korea. There it assumed the new name of tae kwon, although the term tae kwonpup was also used. Tae kwon continued as an empty-hand fighting method, but it was not until the independence of Korea in 1945 that, restyled as tae kwon do, it reached its present level of development. Tae kwon do, is an empty-hand combat form that entails the use of the whole body" (Draeger). The martial art is studied in over 140 countries and practiced by those of all ages (Melhim).

In an article published in 2001, taekwondo was studied to understand its beneficial effects on cardiovascular fitness as well as general physical ability. In the study, 19 taekwondo practitioners with an average age of 13.8 years and 10.4 months of training experience participated (Melhim). The measurements included resting heart rate, aerobic power, anaerobic power, and anaerobic capacity. The results showed that there was no difference in resting heart rate of aerobic power (Melhim). There was, however, an improvement in anaerobic power and capacity (Melhim). This study helps form a foundation for the many benefits disabled individuals can obtain.

Another disability taekwondo has found to be helpful is children diagnosed with ADHD or ADD. There has been much research over the past decade regarding ADD (Dunlap). Children stricken with this disorder may appear unorganized, and may have difficulty following instructions or directions (Dunlap). This disease disables an individual from functioning normally in a stable environment. "Increasingly, more and more professionals engaged in the treatment of children diagnosed with ADD or ADHD are recommending that these children become involved in a martial arts program. For many children with Attention Deficit Disorder, the dojang provides the ideal place to increase attention span, decrease distraction, develop motor and behavioral control, improve self-esteem, and build positive peer relationships" (Dunlap). Dr. Dunlap is a Certified School Psychologist and as a taekwondo instructor, she frequently recommends the martial art for children with ADD. She tells parents some ways to enhance the positive benefits that taekwondo can bring. First, do not punish the child by withholding taekwondo class. Second, be consistent in making sure the child attends every class on a regular schedule. Third, have a consistent place for gear storage. "At its highest and best, taekwondo not only improves the physical skills of the practitioner but, also, elevates both the mind and the spirit" (Dunlap).

Aikido and Deafness

Aikido is a martial art that was developed from Zen philosophy emphasizing complete control of the mind. "Some Japanese historians regard the Takenouchi ryu, founded by Takenouchi Hisamori, as the core jujutsu ryu from which all jujutsu sprang" (Draeger). "Jujutsu is a generic term applied to numerous systems of combat which are not all similar in appearance or technique" (Draeger). "Jujutsu's second eclectic system is aikido, a form developed by M. Ueshiba." (Draeger). "Aikido is neither simply an exercise, a sport, a combat form, nor purely physical education. But it is in some sense all of these things, though it aspires to higher ideals. It can be thought of as mind and body unified harmoniously in a system of mechanics based on force applied along lines of continuity" (Draeger). "Its physical techniques include throwing and grappling, the latter largely confined to joint-locking techniques" (Draeger).

Roughly 9.3 million individuals in this country had contained some sort of hearing loss in the Census 2000 (U.S. Census Bureau). One unique organization dedicated to encourage the practice of aikido to the deaf is the Deaf Aikidoists Society (DAS). This organization presents a way for the modern Japanese martial art to be beneficial for the deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf). The society uses philosophies and principles of aikido, but applying them more to everyday use. One of the solid foundations the organization relies on is the Deaf Empowerment in Aikido Foundation System. The author of this system is Mike McConnell. Mike is a deaf martial artist who practices aikido. "He has visited Aikido dojos in such places as Tucson, Arizona; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Asheville, North Carolina to give talks to help break down barriers about the misconception of deaf people and how Aikido can help overcome conflicts between deaf and hearing people, and at the same time offer deaf people the tools of empowerment using the philosophy and principles of Aikido" (Deaf). Mike is a world renowned speaker on the subject of integrating the deaf population with the martial art aikido and all of its benefits. "More deaf people are beginning to rethink about Aikido and are increasingly joining Aikido dojos. Aikido is a very visual martial art whose concept of non-resistance self defense makes it a very appealing martial art" (Deaf). Mike emphasizes the non-resistance approach Aikido has and how it can effectively help the deaf. Another organization for the deaf is called the International Martial Arts Federation of the Deaf (I.M.A.F.D.). Some martial arts that are involved in the federation are judo, tae-kwon-do, and karate.

Due to the nature of fighting for a deaf participant the rules for combating vary. This information can be obtained on the I.M.A.F.D. website. Every four years the Deaf World Championships take place for seven days. "Only full members of the CISS are eligible to bid for the Deaf World Championships in sports that are officially recognized in the Deaflympic Games" (Deaf). The CISS is the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. An additional martial arts organization dedicated to the deaf population is the American Martial Arts Association of the Deaf (AMAAD). AMAAD was originally part of the IMAFD until Dr. Lala and Daniel Briones decided to form an organization dedicated to deaf martial artists in the U.S. (AMAAD). The non-profit organization was founded in 2000. In July 2001, AMAAD represented the U.S. karate teams in the 19th World Games for the Deaf, now called Deaflympics, in Rome, Italy (AMAAD). The organization's goals are: "to provide our memberships with eligibility to participate in national tournaments, IMAFD's bi-annual world tournaments and future Deaflympics; to assist martial artists in developing physical fitness, sportsmanship and self-esteem; to provide deaf/hard of hearing individuals with the opportunity to compete with their peers as well as the larger society of martial artists worldwide" (AMAAD).

Judo and the Blind and Mentally Disabled

Judo is another martial art with Olympic status. "Judo, a synthetic form developed by J. Kano, began to be popularized in 1882 just as jujutsu plunged into decay. As a synthesis judo is a mature form of jujutsu or a budo form. Judo tuned itself toward physical education and culture. Although originally a means of training, modern judo has over emphasized contests, a sportive interpretation" (Draeger). "Kano had studied combat sumo and a great variety of jujutsu ryu; he actually gained proficiency in the Kito and Tenshinshinyo ryu. From these ryu he built most of his judo system, which includes techniques of throwing, grappling, atemi and resuscitation, all systematically arranged for study" (Draeger).

Judo, like the many other martial arts previously mentioned, can help the disabled. More specifically, judo has been linked with helping the blind and mentally disabled by obtaining self-defense judo techniques. Nearly 1.1 million people are legally blind in the United States as of January 1, 2004 (Statistics). The world population totals to 42 million (Statistics). A pilot study conducted in 1992 investigated the modified use of judo practice with children whom are blind and mentally retarded (Gleser). Seven multiply handicapped children, ages 6 to 12 years old and residents of the Jewish Institute for the Blind (Jerusalem), participated in a 90 minute Judo class. The classes were held twice a week for six months. Three evaluations were assessed before and after the six months and the final assessment was conducted five months after the classes were held (Gleser). A valid control group was difficult to obtain because each child had a variety of different handicaps such as epilepsy, generalized anxiety disorder, asthma, and cerebral palsy (Gleser).

Judo was chosen for this study because of the strict set of rules and honorable behavior it could instill on the children. Judo does not usually require vision as a contact sport (Gleser). Experts often practice blindfolded to increase their reflexes. The martial art provides new problems to be solved and free-fighting helps build strength and endurance (Gleser). Judo training produced positive changes and was explained by a combination of the following: psychological effects of regular physical activities, an increase in motivation, effects of group activity, acquisition of a sense of mastery, and biochemical mechanisms. A general decline in most functions was observed when assessed five months after training, but they did not regress to the levels where they began (Gleser). This study is an example of how judo can bring benefits to a severely disabled population such as the blind.

Karate is another martial art that can teach self-defense to the blind. Barry Mitchell whom was mentioned earlier regarding his extensive teaching of karate to the disabled, mentions a remarkable moment for an individual who was blind. "In 1997, I was privileged to be present at the World Kobudo Championships, in Okinawa and saw one of our Canadian members being placed in the Kata competition. I think he won a silver medal. He is totally blind" (Mitchell).

Martial arts are clearly no longer for only the able-bodied man. Its benefits can help an individual psychotherapeutically as well as physically. Martial arts can be considered an alternative form of therapy similar to dance therapy, art therapy, psychodrama, and meditation (Weiser). The mutual benefits from these therapies are self-esteem, self-confidence, a decrease in sleep disturbances, and depression (Weiser). Physical exercise itself does have huge benefits such as increased energy level, mental performance, concentration, decreased depression and stress, etc. (Weiser). The difference with martial arts is the rigor of mastering and learning the techniques takes time (Weiser). It can take longer to see the immediate benefits in marital arts that would normally be found quickly in other activities such as walking, running, or swimming. Martial arts, however, emphasizes group experience, the positive role model of an instructor, and central values such as respect and humility (Weiser). Martial arts students and psychotherapy clients try to understand resistance, manage evasion and confrontation, and cope with both aggression and vulnerability (Weiser). Psychological literature has evidence that Martial arts can produce positive therapeutic effects on patients (Weiser). One parallel between martial arts and psychotherapy is the "dojo," a place where martial arts are taught (Weiser). It can be a school, gym, home, outdoor area, or any place one can practice, but it is separate from the outside world by wearing a white "gi" (the traditional uniform). As in psychotherapeutic settings, the problems that arise in the dojo are struggles against one's self and others which are similar to problems in the real world (Weiser). Repetitive, fixed exercises can be very beneficial for mentally ill patients as well because it is a form of organization. Martial arts instructors are increasingly becoming more aware of psychological difficulties of disabled students (Weiser).

The disabled population is increasing every year and the only way to positively help these individuals is to allow alternative therapies and fighting styles to allow them to feel more able-bodied. The two major benefits of martial arts for the disabled population are its rehabilitative properties and its ability to help teach self-defense to unlikely candidates. It also facilitates positive thinking and can ultimately form constructive psychological thoughts in those that are disabled.

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