The Willow Glen Resident Photograph by Skye Dunlap Beginner's Luck: Six-year-old JoJo Lou, a white belt, practices her punches with instructor Ron Lynds. Karate school teaches children with Attention Deficit Disorder K-O Kung-Fu Karate focuses on individual student's special needs By Mary Spicuzza One by one, the children bow sharply as they flood into Willow Glen's K-O Kung-Fu Karate. Hands salute other hands, and the children bend respectfully before master instructor John Ozuna, placing a fist firmly in the palm to show friendship. Within minutes, a spectrum of colors floods out on the studio floor as the young martial artists begin their warm-ups. A visitor would never know it, but a third of these kids have been diagnosed with some degree of Attention Deficit Disorder. For some children with ADD/ADHD, it's just a coincidence they found the studio, which moved into the Foxworthy Shopping Center in Willow Glen four years ago. But word has spread quickly, and parents with ADD kids are flocking to the martial arts center, which has extensive experience working with kids affected by the disorder. According to Iris Lou, whose son Ryan was diagnosed with borderline ADD two-and-a-half years ago, the results have been stupendous. "We first came to the studio before he was diagnosed," Lou says. "We just wanted to help him calm down. Then a year later we found out he has ADD. He's allergic to the medication normally prescribed for it, so the doctors recommended that we get him involved in lots of structured physical activities." Ten-year-old Ryan is one of more than 4 million children nationwide who have been diagnosed with some form of ADD, which is also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. According to studies conducted by the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association, 4 to 6 percent of the population have ADHD. Common symptoms for this disorder, which affects both children and adults, include distractibility, impulsiveness, hyperactivity, excessive energy, physical restlessness and difficulty listening or following instructions. Some cases--like Ryan's--are very mild. However, about half of the cases are more severe, and many are treated with stimulant medication such as Ritalin. The studio doesn't offer specific classes for children with ADD. Instead its approach of emphasis on each individual student has worked perfectly for children with varying degrees of the disorder. "I didn't want any students to get lost in the crowd," Ozuna says. As he surveys the roomful of kids practicing kicks, blocks and punches, three instructors mill around the floor working with each child. "We start out with individual lessons--it helps us learn each child's potential and obstacles." After a series of one-on-one classes, each child enters the group classes, where students are encouraged to work at their own level. "Students with ADD are often hyperactive, and have trouble focusing, organizing their thoughts. They tend to expend a lot of energy in different directions," Ozuna says. "The moment we put a target in front of them, students have an amazing ability to focus on an achievable goal." Instructors also emphasize learning by example, showing kids that even a difficult move can be achieved with concentration. This type of specialized work with attention issues has been applauded by groups like New York's ADD Action Group. "Because there is not one cause for these conditions, there is not one solution. ... Each person is unique in their particular needs," the action group states. "I came to this school because I heard they do special work with ADD," Willow Glen resident Mary Edghill says. Edghill's 8-year-old grandson Tommy has ADD. "The teachers maintain discipline in a really caring way." K-O Kung-Fu Karate uses the system of bok-fu, an eclectic blend of several different styles of martial arts. Here instructors blend Japanese karate with Korean tae kwon do, and heavy influences of Chinese systems--creating a versatile learning environment. "Our students are not taught to think in just one way," Ozuna says. Instructors acknowledge the varying degrees of ADD, focusing on working with each child on their specific issues. "We encourage students to confront their obstacles," Ozuna says. "That could be a target, an attacker or a math problem." Rather than using the rigid discipline often associated with martial arts, instructors try to keep it lighthearted and fun while encouraging respect and focus. And students like Ryan seem to be thriving with K-O's individualized approach. Ryan is a member of the junior level training program. He works with other kids in the class to teach them about developing their skills. "This studio has really helped him build his self-esteem and confidence," Lou says. "He has accomplished so much. Here he's not just told what he can't do ... but what he can." [ Back to Contents Page | Willow Glen Resident Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Willow Glen Resident, November 18, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.