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Martial arts and autism: How taekwondo classes helped 12-year-old Sean get back on his feet

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Key Point
  • Sean Kim, who lives with autism, says Taekwondo has helped him in many ways.
  • Australia has one of the highest estimated autism prevalence rates in the world.
  • According to experts in child psychiatry and education, taekwondo can help children with socialization and physical balance.
Twelve-year-old Sean Kim is a black belt in Taekwondo and teaches martial arts to his peers.
Obtaining a black belt typically requires years of training multiple times a week and signifies that the student has mastered the fundamentals of the art.
According to his father, Sean's leadership skills grew as his confidence grew.

“He often stumbled while walking on the street and wouldn't accept things even if they were handed to him,” Mark Kim told SBS Korean.

But learning Taekwondo made a noticeable difference.

mark kim

Sean was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when he was five years old.
According to experts in child psychiatry and special education, taekwondo can play a positive role in helping children with ASD with socialization and physical balance.

Sean said, “Since learning Taekwondo, I've been able to do a lot of things that I couldn't do before, so I'm very happy.''

Seam Kim and Mark Kim, Sean's father.Credit: SBS Korean

Sean Kim and his father Mark Kim. credit: SBS Korean

autism spectrum disorder in australia

ASD has seen a marked increase in prevalence worldwide over the past decade.
Australia has one of the highest rates of autism in the world and is increasing faster than the global average, according to a paper by Dr Marthumai Ranjan from the Australian National University.

As highlighted in this paper, the Disability, Aging and Carers Survey with national data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated the prevalence of ASD in 2018 to be 83 in 10,000 people; is nearly triple the 2009 estimate of 30 in 10,000.

But Australia's leading disability sector organization says the actual prevalence is even higher, at 143 in 10,000 (1 in 70), based on the latest research from countries with similar economic and health conditions. ).
Estimates of childhood ASD prevalence are rising more rapidly in Australia than in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Child psychiatrist Park Sung-yeol said the increase in ASD patients is a common phenomenon in most countries.
“Thirty years ago, only one or two in 10,000 people had ASD, but that number has increased significantly in recent years,” Dr. Park explained.

“There are many reasons why the number of people with ASD is increasing, but increased diagnosis is also playing a big role,” he said, adding that environmental hormones and rising age at marriage are other factors.

From left to right: Child psychiatrist Dr. Jeong Young-kyung, Professor Kim Ji-tae, and Dr. Park Sung-yeol.Credit: SBS Korean

From left to right: Dr. Jung Young-kyung, Professor Kim Ji-tae, and Dr. Park Sung-yeol. credit: Supplied

taekwondo and balance

ASD is a condition related to brain development that affects a person's physical coordination and body balance. This can cause them to trip easily and drop things frequently, which in turn can affect their social trust.

According to child psychiatrist Dr. Young-kyung Jeong, taekwondo is a great way to help with this.

Taekwondo is an exercise that involves many balance movements that require supporting the weight of the entire body on one leg.This helps people with ASD regain a sense of balance and body control

Dr. Young-kyung Chung

Additionally, “poomsae” (defined patterns of defense and attack forms used to teach Taekwondo) provides a psychological positive effect on people, as it provides a sense of emotional stability through planned movements and drills. It turned out to have an impact, she said.

Junno's Taekwondo 2.jpg

Taekwondo is an exercise that requires many balance movements. credit: Junho's Taekwondo

Kim Ji-tae, a physical education expert and professor of physical education at Dankuk University, also emphasized the “safety'' that comes from following instructions.

“Taekwondo helps improve self-control through regular and repetitive movements,” he said.
“Taekwondo movements allow people with ASD to feel safe in a predictable environment, which can improve their concentration and coping skills,” he said.

“Emotional regulation is essential for the development of society, and Taekwondo has a positive impact on emotional regulation because it teaches etiquette,” he added.

Taekwondo Instructor Bianca Gina No. Credit: SBS Korea

Taekwondo instructor Bianca Gina Noh says taekwondo “fosters inclusivity and a sense of belonging.” credit: SBS Korean

“Sports that fosters inclusion”

Sean, who has ASD, found it difficult to enjoy ball games such as baseball and soccer due to dynamic vision and balance issues.

According to his father, not being able to actively participate in sports with other children his age also affected Sean's personality.

Junno's Taekwondo 1.jpg

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that involves punching and kicking. credit: Junho's Taekwondo

Mark Kim said his son was “transformed” after discovering taekwondo when he was 10 years old.

“Before he learned taekwondo, Sean couldn't understand instructions and often wouldn't answer when called,” he said.

However, after learning taekwondo, he underwent an amazing transformation, to the point where he said, “I'll try'' when asked to help with housework.

mark kim

Bianca Gina No, a long-time teacher at Melbourne's Junno's Taekwondo, believes the classes have the potential to have a far-reaching positive impact.
“Taekwondo is a sport that fosters inclusivity and a sense of belonging,” she said.

“Learning the values ​​of respect, acceptance, understanding and learning to work together are important lessons.”



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