Martial Arts as a Recreation Therapy Intervention ATRA

Martial Arts as a Recreation Therapy Intervention ATRA Annual Conference 2004 – Kansas City Don Rogers, Ph. D. , CTRS Indiana State University Department of Recreation & Sport Management John Shireman, M. S. Indiana State University Department of Physical Education

Overview of Seminar: Part 1 • Introduction to Martial Arts • Variety of styles • Emphasis/strengths of each style • Inclusion potential • Focus on two styles with adaptations: • Hap Ki Do • Kali

Overview of Seminar: Part 1 • Benefits of MA • Physical benefits • Psychological benefits • Social benefits • Suggestions for applications in treatment • Physical rehabilitation • Mental health

Overview of Seminar: Part 2 • Teach beginning level techniques of Hap Ki Do • Teach beginning level techniques of Kali • Participant demonstrations of techniques learned

Introduction to Martial Arts • • • Definition Holistic nature Adaptability Instructors Students

MA Styles, Strengths & Inclusion Potential Judo • Described • Translated means “the gentle way”. • Sport oriented Martial art, in which two practitioners attempt to throw the other to the ground. • This system also uses submission holds once the players hit the ground • Strengths of the style • Great for exercise, and is also nice because of the added sport aspect. • Since there is no striking, students may perform the movements at full speed when they have spent the appropriate amount of time learning the movements. • Due to the twisting nature of the throws Judo may enhance the mobility and range of motion of the lower spine. • Inclusion potential • Judo is studied widely by people with sensory impairments.

MA Styles, Strengths & Inclusion Potential Karate • Described • Translated means “empty hand”. Originated in Okinawa. • This system of martial arts uses the hands, feet, elbow, and knees as striking tools to defeat an opponent. • Strengths of the style • This style uses katas as a means of practicing movements. • This style of martial arts is great for increasing muscular strength and endurance, as well as precision of movement. • This form of martial arts is used primarily for self-defense. • Inclusion potential • Reported among people with spinal cord injuries.

MA Styles, Strengths & Inclusion Potential Kung Fu • Described • Originated from Shaolin temples in China. • Two major divisions: Hard Schools (ex Wing Chun) and Soft Schools (ex Tai Chi) • Strengths of the style • Aside from being a great form of exercise, Kung Fu also challenges a practitioner’s ability to concentrate. • The hard systems of Kung Fu are great for self- defense. • Inclusion potential • Demonstrated effective among people with spinal cord impairments.

MA Styles, Strengths & Inclusion Potential Tai Chi • Described • This form of Kung Fu is often referred to as a “moving mediation”. • This art utilizes soft flowing movements found in Kung Fu. • Strengths of the style • The practice of Tai Chi can be performed solo, and since the student is not being thrown, punched or kicked it is easy on the body. • The practice of this art is known to relieve stress, anxiety, and tension. • Inclusion potential • Reported among people who have multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

Hap Ki Do • Way of Coordinated Power • Self-Defense – punches, kicks, falling, weapons, situations • Concept of Free Part • Five Directions of Response combined with large movements • Joint Locks • Kicks • Body Movement Drills • Adaptations: • • Use of partner’s body Effect of strikes on body position Use of assistive devices Use of distance

Kali • Philippine Stick Fighting Art • Type of sticks & parts of sticks • Striking angles • Footwork – male and female triangles • Pressure zones • Blocks • Disarms • Weaponless applications • Drills – variety • Adaptations: • • Use of grip cuff Foam covered stick Two-handed techniques Upper-body movements to avoid pressure, block, strike

Benefits of Martial Arts • Physical • Increased muscle strength & endurance • Increased cardiovascular fitness • Increased flexibility and ROM • Improved balance – upper and lower body • Improved coordination • Improved kinesthetic awareness • Decreased chronic pain

Benefits of Martial Arts • Psychological/Cognitive • • • Increased confidence Improved self-concept (pride) Increased motivation Enhanced sense of security Increased independence (autonomy) • Reduction of stress • Improved memory • Improved problem solving

Benefits of Martial Arts • Relationships & Social Skills • Opportunity to meet new people • Facilitates the development of friendships • Decreases social isolation • Improves self-awareness • Enhances respect for others • Improves ethical decision making and appropriate behaviors

Suggestions for Application in Recreation Therapy Services • Match assessed needs with appropriate MA activity • Be knowledgeable of mechanics and able to demonstrate • Be fully aware of safety concerns and how to protect clients • Diagnostic contraindications • Equipment used • Implement complimentary fitness program – strength, endurance, flexibility

Suggestions for Application in Recreation Therapy Services • Be prepared to adapt the technique when necessary • Use effective sequential learning approach – discrete skills, specific feedback & reflection • Use video tape to provide additional feedback • Provide as part of sport program • Identify community program – help develop if necessary

Martial Arts as a Recreation Therapy Intervention Seminar: Part 2 Basic Techniques of Hap Ki Do & Kali Welcome Back!

Basics of Hap Ki Do • Beginning level techniques of Hap Ki Do • Safety concerns • Protect joints – tapping • Control of punches, kicks & locks • Use of mats • Wrist escapes (milgi & slaps) • Basic joint locks (1/4 turn, ¾ turn & arm bars) • Punch defenses (inside touch, outside middle, hay-maker) • Situational defense (2 handed choke)

Basics of Kali • Beginning level techniques of Kali • Safety concerns • Control of stick • Body protection if needed • Slow movements • Five angles striking • Five angles blocking • Disarm (inside deflection into snake disarm, outside deflection into quick strip) • Coordination drill (HLH slap, symmetrical drill) • Weaponless coordination drill