Teaching BJJ/judo to a kid with Down syndrome?

[Russky]

Anyone has that experience? Help needed.

A kid with Down syndrome joined our club this week. I showed him side and top mount, transitions between them. Verbal instructions do not work, but when I just take him and move his limbs around he gets everything. I trained an autistic girl before, but he is totally different.

Any recommendations?

 

[Primitivo]

Wouldn't that be dangerous?

 

[trustdoesntrust]

Anyone has that experience? Help needed.

A kid with Down syndrome joined our club this week. I showed him side and top mount, transitions between them. Verbal instructions do not work, but when I just take him and move his limbs around he gets everything. I trained an autistic girl before, but he is totally different.

Any recommendations?

Down Syndrome kids often crave 'rough' physical play, so focus less on the intricacies of the moves and more on big movements and transitions, such as having him jump on your back and get his seatbelt and then you swing him all around while he tries to hang on. DS kids also tend to respond when things are very BIG and theatrical, so you might benefit from putting your teaching in those terms as well (ex. "oh no he's on the mount! oh no he's gonna choke me! oh no... gurgle slpiterihekrker..."). Also, break up your teaching into quick 30 second bursts with 30 second break intervals.