Can Aspies Learn Self-Defense and Martial Arts?

By Gail Garsia

Why learning self-defense is important for aspies
Aspies tend to be bullied often and sometimes suffer from lack of self-confidence. Learning self-defense is an excellent way to teach an aspie self-confidence and ward off bullies.

Neurotypicals have other ways to defend themselves. They know when someone wants to hurt them, and they might be able to play mind tricks to avoid bullying or attacks.

Why learning Martial arts can be difficult for aspies
There's the problem with sensory issues, such as loud noises and bright fluorescent lights. Some aspies suffer from social phobia, and some have problems understanding instructions. Also, many aspies have poor motor skills.

My personal experience as an aspie learning Martial arts
I've wanted to learn self-defense since I was little, but my mother was against it because she thought girls shouldn't learn Martial arts. She told me I wouldn't be able to learn anything and I'd just get hurt. I was afraid I wouldn't understand the instructions, and I was painfully aware of my poor motor skills. My sensory issues are rather mild for an aspie, but I was afraid to walk into a room full of people.

As a grownup, I thought bullying was over. I thought it was something that only happened in school. So I just let go of my dream to learn Martial arts.

And then I grew up and found a job in a fast food restaurant. I was bullied constantly and had to quit. I found another job just to get bullied there too.

I finally realized I had no choice and went to a place that taught mixed kickboxing, Thai boxing, and a bit of Karate, sort of a mixed self-defense training.

My first lesson was a total disaster. I was the only girl in class, and the instructor obviously believed girls shouldn't learn Martial arts. He was showing fighting tactics with a baseball bat too fast for me to catch on, got mad at me for not being able to follow, and simply ignored me for about an hour. I didn't understand any of the moves he demonstrated, and he didn't offer an explanation or slow demonstration.

When class was over, and I went to the bathroom to change my clothes, the guys walked in, and the instructor told me he told them they can use the girls' room because he forgot I was there.

I switched instructors and got to a mixed class with guys and women. The new instructor was nicer, but he told us to pair up to practice a technique, and I was left alone. I was embarrassed at first, but then the instructor paired up with me.

It took me longer than the neurotypicals to learn self-defense moves, but when I finally did, I was the best student, much better than anyone else. It boosted my self-confidence and helped me get over my rage attacks.

Unfortunately, I had to drop out after a year due to stomach aches and lack of money.

I think people on the spectrum can benefit greatly from Martial arts or any kind of self-defense classes. Sending you little aspie to Martial arts classes is something I recommend hotly.

How to teach an aspie Martial arts
Teaching Martial arts in a one-on-one setting is probably better for autistic people than learning in a group, if you can afford it.

I'd suggest telling the instructor the child have Asperger syndrome or autism beforehand.

Self-defense classes at home are probably better for aspies, in a familiar setting.

Conducting classes in rooms with muffled lighting and trying not to make too much noise is probably a good idea.

Teaching a person on the spectrum self-defense can be a bit challenging, so I'd suggest getting a patient instructor who's willing to put an effort.

Aspies may learn self-defense moves slowly, but in the end they'd probably end up being the best students ever. Our strength, the fact that we're often hyper, our ability to repeat the same move over and over again for practice, and our tendency to be perfectionists make us excellent candidates for Martial arts, from my own personal experience.

More posts about my experience as an aspie girl in my blog   https://aspiegirlblog900040703.wordpress.com

Visit my blog for more information about Asperger and work, bullying, childhood and more.   https://aspiegirlblog900040703.wordpress.com