Case Study Details: Nabil
Age: 7
Diagnosis: Combined type ADHD (hyperactive and inattentive)
Support Ratio: 1:3 (Karate Foundations)
Current Level: White Belt Yellow Tip (with additional visual supports and adjusted grading criteria)
Student Profile:
Nabil is full of energy and loves running, racing, and being first. He struggles to wait his turn and may call out or interrupt frequently. He needs movement breaks often but responds well to structure when it feels “fun.” Nabil is highly responsive to praise and humour. He enjoys pretending to be a ninja and will happily copy movements when part of a “spy mission.” He becomes frustrated quickly when he thinks he’s not doing something right.
Nabil works well when:
• He's kept moving
• There are playful challenges
• Instructors stay upbeat and clear
• Mistakes are reframed as “practice moves”
Reflections - Engagement & Predictability:
• What are some ways you could turn a routine into a game?
• How can you give Nabil a sense of what's next without overwhelming him?
Reflections - Behaviour & Redirection:
• What’s a way to redirect Nabil if he’s distracting others during the lesson?
• How would you manage fairness if Nabil always wants to go first?
Reflections - Instruction, Adaptation & Communication:
• How might you give Nabil instructions so he doesn’t interrupt you?
• What visuals or short phrases might help Nabil stay on task?
Reflections - Motor Skills & Karate Techniques:
• How can you harness Nabil’s fast movement while teaching controlled techniques?
• What drills let him "go fast" but still practise balance and stances?
Reflections - Personal Support & Growth:
• How do you notice when you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, and what can you do to reset yourself?
• How do you stay calm and supportive if Nabil isn’t listening?
