Kick Out PD (Karate for Parkinson’s Disease)

Kick Out PD is a program, in partnership with researchers at Rush University Hospital, that studies the effects of karate on people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The first study was met with so much enthusiasm that we have incorporated it into our regular curriculum.  Recent studies have indicated that martial arts can be beneficial for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease by increasing mobility, balance, coordination, and overall well-being. Students with PD will work with the instructors and use karate’s movements and mindfulness practices to work on all four of those areas. We will be working closely with the staff at Rush University’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program to continually learn best practices for patients and new developments in Parkinson’s research as it relates to karate.