Please Help Karate and Down Syndrome?

Question

There is a girl in one of my classes she is one of the greatest people I know, but she has down syndrome. When she found out I take karate she was very interested and wants to take it aswell. I am just worried about her because she becomes very depressed when she can not succed at something ( there is not much that she can't do but participating in gym is real hard for her), almost suicidal. I don't want to make her unhappy. I have heard about people with special needs suceeding in karate. I just don't want to hurt her. Should I encourage her to take it or suggest she find another activity she is interested in?

Answer 1

Some karate schools would be good for her, some not so good. You want a school that is caring and helpful, not competitive and militaristic. I take Karate and there are some people with disabilities in the class. We work with them. There are some things that a disabled person won't be able to do, while the able person next to them can do it. Everyone varies in ability and talent. Its difficult to say whether she would get frustrated or depressed. Karate is like life, there are challenges. Not everyone can successfully execute every move. It may be a good life lesson, and good exercise if you find the right school. It can teach discipline, the value of practice, the value of exercise, and the value of hard work.

Answer 2

maybe.....that subject can be quite sore for some individuals.

I would suggest talking with her and asking why she wants to join. She may only want to take karate because YOU like it. Maybe you and her can take a calm class together like art or dance.

karate is a violent sport and her being down syndrome, it could effect her adversley.

Answer 3

I have Down syndrome and I took lessons for karate. I only took a few cause it was hard work. But I like it OK. It help me. I might take again someday. I didn't like it cause i didn't know any of the kids. I would take it again with a friend. Not alone.

Answer 4

Have you tried finding out if there is a center that specializes in classes such as these specifically for people with disorders? I don't see why she couldn't try. How old is she? I dunno, I think she could probably do really well with it and really like it.

Answer 5

Karate is a wonderful sport for kids and young adults with Down syndrome as it helps them become more agile and have means of self-defense. Most teachers can tailor a class to meet the needs of individual students. Have you thought about offering to take a class with her as her support?

Sparrows - you must live in the dark ages!

Misty - Down syndrome is not a disorder - it is a disability. Disorder is offensive.

Kakashi - Karate when taught to children is not violent.

Lane - any child who has attended school physical education classes has been cleared for the specific cervical spine issues - so at 14 her family will know and have taught her to take precautions if needed as very serious injuries can occur in kids with it for much less active reasons than karate

Answer 6

From what I hear, DS folks are very limber and yoga and/or tumbling in gymnastics usually work out very well for them. - You are very sweet to consider all outcomes.

Answer 7

Ugh I know I'm gonna get a low rating but don't they have special schools for those people? If she gets so upset she should be put in a place where people can be overly nice to her and treat her like she's special. Those places would have almost any kind of class for people like her.

Answer 8

First of all let me commend you.  You are a good human being and friend.

I would not discourage her from taking Karate, but you may want to seek the advice from someone who is use to working with people with Down Syndrome for guidance on how to approach this matter and to find out if she is able to physically and emotionally handle karate lessons.

If she actually does take karate with you, then encourage all of her efforts, and remind her that everyone who takes karate will have some difficulties whether they have Down Syndrome or not.  She is use to challenges so appeal to her sense of courage for facing her challenges in karate as she has in other aspects of her life.

Again, if you are able to speak with someone who is very familiar with the physical and emotional challenges of people with Down Syndrome, they might be able to tell you how to approach this situation.  You may want to discuss this with your parents also to get some advice.

Answer 9

A martial art may be what she needs to succeed as it teaches discipline. That may be a great help to her.

Answer 10

im not sure hmm...i sympathises with her. why dont you ask her mum or dad for some advice. They know her better whetehr she is daring or i dunno. hope things turn out well.

Answer 11

I have worked with Downs people in the past and I was told that a lot of them have fragile spinal columns, particularly in the neck.

Her Dr should be consulted.

sparrows..."those people" are still apart of society.

Answer 12

Maybe look in to special olympics karate?

Answer 13

Perhaps her parents and doctor should be part of this decision.  If she has specific health issues karate may or may not be a good choice.

You sound like a wonderful person to care about her.  Encourage her to be her best whatever she decides to try.

Happy New Year.

edit:  to those who are suggesting "special" places, that extra support is sometimes great.  However, quite often people with differences can succeed along with the rest of us, often with minor or no accommodations.  In most cases this is a better option when it is appropriate for the person.  Please don't forget that these are people too, whether they have a bit extra or a bit missing genetic material.

Answer 14

Are  you sure she has to be in your class? It might be possible to put her with younger children who will learn at the same pace that she learns. Then she probably won't need any further accomodations at all.

Answer 15

There are also heart defects that go with Down's Syndrome.  Tell her, if she asks again, to talk to her family.