Martial Arts Therapy (MAT) is a unique program that blends the ancient wisdom of the martial arts with the mind-body approach of modern integrative medicine. Working with children in hospitals and clinics, NCLF therapists train children to see themselves as ninja fighters rather than cancer victims. Martial arts therapy teaches children how to manage pain and fear, building self-confidence and self-esteem in a positive, affirmative and upbeat atmosphere. Our therapists work with children who are in physical pain and children who are in psychological distress, with children in active treatment and children in remission, with children who are becoming stronger and children who are gradually weakening. For all these children, martial arts therapy creates a sense of power, inner control and purpose.
Martial arts therapy offers a powerful message of hope, opportunities for success and achievement, concrete techniques to manage pain, fear and anxiety, the opportunity to connect with peers without feeling “different”, and the opportunity to feel “normal” and in control. The child who is torn down physically and psychologically by disease, rebounds with martial arts therapy, gaining control of negative emotions and rebuilding self-confidence and self-esteem.
Martial arts therapists are highly trained (black belt) martial artists who have specialized training in the medical and psychological aspects of pediatric illness, palliative care and pain management.
The National Children’s Leukemia Foundation (NCLF) offers weekly martial arts therapy classes for children and adolescents in clinics and hospitals. Children are give real martial arts uniforms and attend one-hour group classes where they learn karate moves, plus meditation, guided imagery and breathing techniques. Through meditation, children develop their own Internal Energies (“Chi Kung”), becoming empowered and focused on positive outcomes. Learning karate improves self-confidence and self-esteem, and children quickly develop their “Indomitable Spirit”. Breathing techniques and guided imagery help children manage pain, fear and nausea, while active karate moves empower children psychologically and improve balance and coordination. Martial arts therapy does not involve body-to-body contact or sparring.
For very young cancer patients (ages 2-5 years), the NCLF provides a specialized group that includes the parent or caregiver. Developed by a Stanford and Harvard-trained public health specialist, our “Little Ninjas” program focuses on developmentally appropriate and safe martial arts activities that promote normal physical, emotional and social development. Through group games and other fun activities, toddlers and their parents are taught gentle karate moves, breathing, meditation and pain management techniques.
The NCLF provides individualized programs for children and adolescents (ages 2-19 years of age) in hospitals and clinics who are undergoing difficult medical procedures. Using guided imagery, power breathing and other martial arts techniques, NCLF therapists empower children and assist them in managing acute pain, fear, anxiety and nausea. As the child’s experience of pain, fear and anxiety is reduced, the physical and psychological trauma experienced by the entire family is also reduced.
The National Children’s Leukemia Foundation continues to work with children and families when a child is no longer responding to medical treatment. Our martial arts therapists are trained in end-of-life care and are able to provide a unique support to patients and families during this difficult period of time.
