During class I focus primarily on creating an environment that promotes:

• Safety and Self-Control
• Respect and Kindness
• Attention span
• Perseverance
• Readiness
• Technique

Typically, improving these areas over time influences their character and self-motivation to build these skills:

• Engagement and Social skills
• Self-esteem
• Leadership
• Self-discipline

These skills can’t be forced into students.  For children with Autism and ADHD I have learn that disciplining them does not work in the long term. My goal is to instill the behaviors and skills listed above in their everyday life. Listening in my class but not at home or at school doesn’t provide much benefit so I attach a lot of importance about hearing how my students are doing outside of the mat.