Mindfulness Based Martial Arts Program

Method

Mindfulness Based Martial Arts (MMA) is a treatment modality that is inclusive of the whole person. It is a therapy that focuses on the mind - cognition, affect, attitudes, behavior and self-instruction and the body - wellness, nutrition, breathing, self-control, body language, body flexibility, body recognition, both under the rubric of Martial Arts Training. Both psycho-educational and experiential, Mindfulness Based Martial Arts is an interactive pedagogy that helps participants "live" what they are learning. Moreover, it is a therapy in which the client's primary motivation is to learn and practice this Martial Arts ideal.

Outcomes

This ideal includes a discipline to practice, self-regulation, problem solving and action. It alleviates boredom and takes the focus off therapy for those that feel stigmatized by attending a mental health center.

Mindfulness Based Martial Arts transcends the typical sport martial arts found in our community centres and private businesses that have failed these youngsters because of their emphasis on achievement. Mindfulness Based Martial Art's holistic nature and its emphasis on acceptance of each participant's abilities make it a fertile ground for personal development in all areas of one's life. It makes the connection that body and mind are interdependent in health. This is significant in a population of youth (especially clients with nonverbal learning disabilities) who are often estranged from their bodies because of their disability and previous failures in sport or other areas in which co-ordination is required. Integra is a safe place for our client group to explore the connection between the body and the mind.

Mindfulness Based Martial Arts offers Integra clients the opportunity to gain what Blair Wheaton of the University of Toronto's Institute for Human Development suggests are the hallmarks of mental health: Mastery, Trust and Flexibility. Each participant will gain a sense of mastery in self-control, self-defense and social skills. Each participant will gain a sense of trust in himself and his abilities and will be more willing to have a sensible trust in his environment. Last but certainly not least, each participant will gain some ability to be flexible both physically and mentally by developing coping resources.

Yoga style stretches and concentrated martial art techniques take time and patience. All the techniques are difficult. The participant manages to work though the ups and downs of learning these skills via the desire to be a martial arts person. Certainly, all of our clients need strengthening in at least one of these areas, if not all three. Mindfulness Based Martial Arts assists in bringing a repertoire of coping resources to these young people.

Mindfulness Based Martial Arts is offered to Integra clients. Please see Admissions for more information on becoming an Integra client.

Integra gratefully acknowledges the financial support of The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO to conduct program evaluation for the Mindfulness Based Martial Arts Program. To view the final program report submitted to The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health for MMA please click here.