Serious Situation... NO JOKE Need Advice

[Brandon Mccaghren]

Ok, I talked to his dad and he is mildly autistic and very bright. He has no history of any violence or anything like that. According to his dad what he was doing last night is just what he does when he gets excited. I'm going to switch him to private lessons and slowly bring him into the group class. Thank you all for the advice, in the end I'm glad I contacted his parents and I hope martial arts will help him.

Good call.

Talk to his parents should have been the first move.

[Eddie Bravo]

This is an important thread for all 10p heads to remember :-)

[DanConway]

I just want to add, if 10th Planet kicked out people because they had mental issues, our moon(and probably most fight gyms) would be empty... But nobody is in any way a danger or problem for each other, or dis conductive to the training environment, and that's the important factor.

More than anything though, especially in martial arts, a person should not ignore intuition -- if something tells you something is off or wrong about a situation, it is, even if you can't point out what. If you were to ask someone to leave, it would be best to confront them directly on the issue, but with a rhetoric they can understand why or not be offended which can be quite the difficult task especially if they have a large ego/defense complex.

It sounds like you made the right move calling his parents, and you were right to be concerned in the first place. Chances are now the situation will workout for everything, and you'll be able to provide him with extra comfort in understanding of his situation. I think jitsu is therapy for ALOT of us, and has done alot of good for our minds being balance the distresses and conflicts we come across in life.

[Wade Hamilton]

He may become more social as time goes on. It can be intimidating joining a new gym then having a group party where you don't really know anyone, on top of that with autism. Privates are good but if you get any at all weird vibes or your team isn't comfortable when he tries the group class then call his parents and say your gym can't take him. Tricky situation though. But what's best for your gym is more important than an awkward conversation

[happyjourney]

I just want to add, if 10th Planet kicked out people because they had mental issues, our moon(and probably most fight gyms) would be empty...

So your saying 10p dudes are the craziest? lol

[Nathan Simcox]

My gf (also 10th Planet!) Has been a special ed teacher for many years. She agrees is sounds like he probably has high functioning Autism or maybe Asperger's Syndrome. This does make him socially awkward. When he us pacing and mumbling you should try to get him involved in something or focused on something. She would also try explaining social norms to him. Shed usually do this by having a "think aloud". It would be like saying to him "hey I'm having a party are you coming? Parties make me nervous. When I'm at a party and get nervous I usually try to watch tv or ask my host if there is a guest account on their computer I can borrow or I bring my gameboy. Its ok to be nervous. Everyone gets nervous." Something along those lines. And she would ABSOLUTELY contact the parents and tell them what is going on. He may have meds he is supposed to be on and has stopped taking and they need to know this. She would be more than happy to talk with you about it if you'd like. Just let me know and ill hook it up.

[Nathan Simcox]

Guess I should have read the rest of the thread before posting! Good job talking to his dad. I think you did the right thing bro. This has the potential to be a very rewarding experience for you.

[DanConway]

So your saying 10p dudes are the craziest? lol

Im sayin everyone is nuts ;]

[Seymour Green]

The best way to deal with this is to have quiet word in his shell and say ' listen mate ur not welcome here, u got at an attitude problem now fuck off '

[Chris Herzog]

The best way to deal with this is to have quiet word in his shell and say ' listen mate ur not welcome here, u got at an attitude problem now fuck off '