When I was a young boy, I was hyper active and unfocused, sitting still for me was difficult. I could barely get through one episode of Casper the Friendly Ghost without fidgeting. Teachers were constantly phoning from school, reporting my bad behavior. I am positive 30 years ago if the label of ADD or ADHD existed I would have been branded. In fact, most of my teachers would warn future teachers about me. I think if they were lucky enough to have me in their class that they lost the bet.

I was smart, motivated and a good child, I just learned a bit differently. I was an action learner. Someone who thrived on movement to keep my attention, some might even say I needed to be entertained or drawn in to the lesson. The reality was I wanted to see how it was going to benefit me and why it was relevant.

Some may ask the question “what does this article have to do with my child?” In school the education system focuses on lessons. Teachers do their very best to transfer the knowledge to the student. I very rarely see or hear of a school system teaching a course on how to learn rather then what to learn. As a teacher of life-skills for the last 20 + years I teach the “how to learn method” before the “what to learn method.” As a teacher today we use the method of teaching called Edu-tainment. Mixing education and entertainment together. Making each lesson interesting exciting and fulfilling while teaching each student the methods they need in order to learn properly and how it will benefit them. This is the very edge that most educators need and most students with ADD or ADHD thrive on.

If your child is struggling with issues in school, a martial arts school may be your answer. The learning methods taught in most martial arts schools are perfect to help your child refocus their energy while relieving stress, getting exercise and learning methods of “how to, rather than what to.” We teach the horse before the cart method and the results are unbelievable. Give your child the edge and help them be better students. Help them get what they need and increase their chances of success. Don’t accept the label without addressing the issues at the very core. Sometimes parents want their children to learn discipline but what they are truly looking for is self-discipline. This is the tool that will change their lives. A quality martial arts school can help you achieve this.

Allie Alberigo is a 6th Degree Black Belt in the art of Ninpo/Ninjutsu and Jujutsu and has been training in the martial arts for over 39 years, as well as being a martial arts school owner, self-defense expert, public speaker and business owner. Allie is the owner of the L.I. Ninjutsu Centers, which has locations in East Islip, West Islip, Port Jefferson, Lindenhurst, and Bermuda. In 2000 Allie his first book “The Beginners Guide to Ninpo” and has also released his first video “The Warrior Spirit” (39 minutes). If you have any questions do not hesitate to call 631-321-5432, email him at renshilininja@aol.com, or check them out online at Lininja.com. He loves to hear from you.