I have found a school that is reccomended by mental health officials in
my area.  They also teach with full contact.  I know many people may
disagree with this and would like some opinions.  My Jeremy rarely starts
a fight, but I live in a Mini-Detroit area where the bigger kids are
really picking on him.  Although he can fight back, he doesn't do it
much outside the home (meaning only with his brothers and sisters).  He
is intimidated by their age and size (I don't really blame him).  We have
gangs in the area and going to the parents DOES NOT work.  I want him to
learn the discipline Karate takes, but I do want him to have confidence to
fight back.  I am not avocating violence as I would like him to learn to
walk away too and first most, but I feel in the area I live he must learn
to defend himself.  Am I wrong for such an attitude?  This teacher says
he can work with any problem I have at home too.  I know someone who has
trained under him for about 13 years, he is an adult now.  Supposedly he
had an extremely bad temper and attitude.  He seems quite passive now
(as passive as someone like that can be).  I do see some of it now and then
but it is hardly what I would call a temper.  Would full contact be wrong?
I don't like tournament Karate as I have seen people who can not defend
themselves with it.
For those who may not know of Jeremy I will give a brief summary.  He is
aggressive (very much) and defiant.  ADHD/ODD.  We are talking probable
deliquent type.  The kind that has no problem with saying NO and walking
away from you if you call him.  He can not handle teasing and has a lot
of trouble with his emotions.  Disappointment, anger, sadness all represent
anger or aggressive outcomes.  He is not affectionate, although it will
come out once in a while and mainly with his cat.  He can at times control
his behavior, such as taking deep breaths during an aggressive episode and
calming himself down, but this is few and far between.  He is not on Meds.
He behaves fairly well (most of time) at other peoples houses, until he
feels comfortable (more on the shy side) and then nothing holds him back.
I feel I have taken him as far as I can.  Being 9 his defiant behavior is
really becoming a problem.  I will say this he loves making me tea and
cooking for me.  But this alone will not fill all his unconstructed time
nor does this change his true problems. May I also add Jeremy's mind is
constantly going and does not fall asleep until 3 or later in the morning.
Now because he is so aggressive is full contact too much?  I am going
down to talk to the instructor again in person.  Any opinions are welcomed.
Regina
... ARRRRRGGGHHH!!!! ... Tension breaker, had to be done.
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