Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often have trouble with paying attention and controlling impulsive behavior. These issues can make learning in a traditional classroom a daunting challenge. Students at Draper Academy, most of whom struggle with the disorder, are learning how to better focus their attention and energy through a new martial arts program taught by Derek Galanis, program director at Premier Martial Arts in Draper.

Both Galanis and Christine Kremer, founder of Draper Academy, have dedicated themselves to helping children with ADHD realize their potential. It was Galanis who initially approached the school about bringing martial arts instruction to the students. "I talked to Chris the principal and our goals aligned,” he said.

“The recurring theme of the martial arts class is self-control and self-discipline,” Kremer noted. “It does seem like it makes a difference.” She explained that Draper Academy is a school where the curriculum—reading, writing and math skills—is tailored to the needs and abilities of each student. The martial arts program fits right in because of its focus on the individual.

“Little by little you bring them out of their shell and build their confidence,” Galanis noted. “Over time you get things done.”

He teaches a form of martial art known as Krav Maga, which was developed in Israel. It is derived from a combination of techniques used in aikido, judo, karate, boxing and wrestling.

Martial arts is well-suited to learners with ADHD. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace to master different stances and movements which helps build their confidence. Learning the movements slowly and repetitively helps the students build muscle memory and improves their coordination. Much of the program’s benefit for the students also comes from putting them in a highly structured environment where respect for the teacher and others is key.

“We give people boundaries that they have to adhere to,” Galanis said. “It’s a strict environment that we provide, but an enjoyable environment. We throw in a little fun on top of it.” The students refer to him as “sensei” which means “teacher” in Japanese.

Galanis credits learning martial arts with his own personal success story. “I was a classic ADHD child. I was undiagnosed. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t concentrate. I healed myself through martial arts,” he said.

Kremer listed the skills that she believes the students are absorbing through their weekly lessons with Galanis such as following directions, staying on task, respecting others and learning how to resolve conflict. “It’s about mind over body,” she added.

“It’s about building respect for yourself and your opponent,” Galanis said. “We help them accomplish things and give them life skills that apply to whatever that child will do.”

Kremer founded Draper Academy with the same goal of helping children succeed through individualized education and personal attention. “I have a child who struggled in a traditional school setting,” she said. “After she graduated, I started my own school.”

Draper Academy is situated in a home in historic Draper. “I kind of want it to feel like an old farmhouse school,” Kremer said. She founded the academy in time for the 2019-20 school year. Having started with only two students, 15 now attend classes there.

“We are currently taking new students,” she said. Scholarships are available for students with IEPs. Draper Academy has four teachers and one aide which allows one teacher to work with five students.

“It’s very personal which is what the kids need,” Galanis said. “I go over to Draper Academy every other Tuesday and train all the kids for 45 minutes.”

He stated in an email, “Both [Premier Martial Arts and Draper Academy] are about youth development in the city of Draper. Youth development is a difficult but rewarding task under the best of circumstances. With additional challenges it is more difficult but even more rewarding.”

For more information about Draper Academy, visit draperacademy.com. Premier Martial Arts is always accepting new students. Visit premiermartialarts.com/utah-draper to learn more.λ