My son has started martial arts about a month ago. He is nine and also adhd. And so far it seems to be working out great. And the best part is he loves it.

I have a 15 year old with add/adhd and sports has really helped him to have a healthy release for his energy, and added some structure and accountability to his life. I think any sport would be a really positive thing.

I alsoo have been thinking about placing my son in some sort of sport or martial arts classes. But the thing that gets to my husband and I are that.
1. his grades aren't even recognizable. (He is failing because he isn't turning in his work or doing it)
2. He is still making wrong choices.
We are starting a new support group in our community with the help of the co-directors of the after school program who are also pastors. That starts this Saturday and because of the Family Movie night at the center that will be right after the group session.
3. School has placed him in a different type of special ed class. He is going to a different school. This is his first week. So we will see.
4. We also have 3 girls that are all just 1 year older then he is. 2 of which are ADD the other has no mental health issues. So with that in mind and raising our children as normal as possible and telling them in order to have special priveleges they have to getting thier work done (school and chores) but if they don't do it then they can't even start special privleges.
4. I also have someone like a Big Brother to my son hoping this will help him out as well. They so far have done wooden modles together. When the roads clear up and I have alittle more money they can go to the movies and I will pick them up. So it isn't like I don't have enough support going on. LOL
Any other suggestions would be great. Oh yes I forgot to mention my son was recently diagnoised with ODD with ADHD tendonces.

I have ADHD really bad, and I also teach a martial arts kids class. There are a lot of kids with ADHD, and the change in behavior of these kids is amazing. It's the difference between night and day. Martial arts teaches kids not only to defend themselves, but it also teaches them skills they will take with them for the rest of their lives. I recomend it to anyone. It is awesome!

We put my son in tae kwon do when he was 5 and not yet on meds. It didn't work out. They suggested we wait until he was 7. He was on meds at 6 and even then I don't think he could have focused enough. At 7, maybe, but we didn't go back for other reasons.

I suppose there are a lot of other variables, such as level of adhd, w/ or w/o meds. The place we went required a years membership, but we only last 7 or 8 months. Some places will give you a free day to try it out. I would ask for more trial days or if they would consider a month to month plan because of your situation so if you find he is not ready you don't waste as much money.

I do know others who say it has worked great for their kids (all at least 7 or 8).

A lot depends on the instructors....please visit the school before you even bring him with...5 is young, but many schools in our area have curriculums for that age group..My son is a success story..started when he was 8 and just started on meds...he is a 2nd degree black belt world champ, and an honor student this year, at 14. I truly believe it made a huge difference in his life...i am partial to tae kwon do because it is less violent than karate, and more discipline...as a matter of fact, if i wanted to teach my child self defense, i would go karate, but for what we are looking for as parents of adhd and ld students, TKD is a better choice..good luck..

my 9 yo has been in martial arts for 3+ years - just recently Diagnosed with ADHD. I like that in Martial Arts - EVERYONE at certain belt levels are 'equal' ---no matter age etc. Also - my son does better on individual sports vs. team sports....and the people there seem more tolerant