Can Taekwondo improve symptoms of ADHD?

Please note: not all dojangs are equal. Please do your homework and choose your school carefully

One of my favorite things to watch in our dojang is the way very young children are taught to have self-control. It’s a process that comes with a sort of tension. Anytime a young, wiggly martial artist is told to control his/her body, there is always a moment where my breath catches. Maybe I’m being dramatic, but it’s a little like time freezes. I wait—watching to see what the child will do; or I might look around to survey the reaction of the parent. I’ve been there, after all, and I understand the instinct to jump in and defend my child.

Then, the moment passes. Inevitably, the child straightens his/her posture and carries on as someone twice his age might do. I’ve decided over time that those young people appreciate this correction. They appreciate that there are expectations, but even more, they thrive because they experience success in living up to those expectations. Perhaps I am wrong, but it seems that all too often our expectations of young children are far lower than what they are truly capable of doing. I’m certainly guilty of that.

With that in mind, I came across a question asking whether Taekwondo is beneficial for children with ADHD. I was curious about that as well.

“[Taekwondo] practice increased selective attention in adolescents with ADHD”

…So concluded a 2018 randomized-controlled study of young people around 15 years old. There were two groups in the study: one group that was taught Taekwondo and another group that participated in other types of athletic activities (such as handball and gymnastics). The kids participated twice per week for a year and a half. At the end of the study, researchers concluded that the kids who were taught Taekwondo fared better on all tests measuring markers of ADHD.

Taekwondo increases children’s ability to “self-regulate”

One possible explanation for the positive benefits of Taekwondo in kids with symptoms of ADHD is an increase in the ability to self-regulate. Self-regulation can be defined as "control [of oneself] by oneself" and is improved by training in the martial arts. It is an important aspect of positive character development and increases a person’s likelihood of success while decreasing self-destructive behaviors. It's not surprise, then, that it is generally a goal of parents. Yet, the “how” to teach self-regulation can often feel subtle.

Martial arts, in general, place a great deal of emphasis on the importance of self-regulation. In Taekwondo, this is taught by implementing the 5 tenets (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit). Unlike many other activities, martial arts has both a physical and psychological component, making it especially effective for children with ADHD.

What does this mean for parents?

Martial arts are not for everyone; however, children who participate through an effective school can see a wide range of benefits. These can include an increase in the ability to self-regulate and overall character development. Kids who experience symptoms associated with ADHD may especially benefit from the structure and ethics of martial arts.