Shay-Ki-Do

Dr. Merav Chen, occupational therapist, psychologist and head of the education department at the Tel-Hai Academy.

Roy Faiga, Senior Coach, Chief Executive and Founder of the school for Martial Arts.

Shay-Ki-Do  is therapeutic approach which incorporates the martial arts with psychlogic and educational aspects. It is helpful for children and adults who suffer from difficulties in self regulation, caused by emotional or physiological problems. It is directed to enhancing self esteem, physical control and behavioral adjusment. The participants are givin an opportunity to act in a structured framework, clear and constant, where the emphasis is on empowering the individual in his every day routine. The approach is taught individually and in groups, and is directed in strengthening one's defense mechanisms.

Shay-Ki-Do  is based on the self theroy which states that a person's behavior is defined by the need from birth to self appreciation, and all his behavioral patterns are directed in reviving this feeling (Kohote, 1977). A normal feeling of self esteem includes positive evaluation and recognition of the self, enables achieving new goals (Noy, 1995).
 This feeling develops from interacting with the self, and with the surroundings, while the empathetic ability of the surroundings to the individuals needs is critical to the experience of the self.(Kolka, 1995).
The surroundings grants the self functions of "other-than-self", developmental functions which a child needs but can't yet provide for himself (Kolka, 1995). He receives them from his surroundings. Internalizes them and transforms them to become part of his self. (Noy, 1998).
Admiration and transparence are part of the  "other-than-self" functions and give the child the recognition, space, value and legitimacy to experience feelings and hopes.
In this process the child develops the mechanisms to regulate his feelings and needs, the ability to calm down, to self control and the ability to choose and devote himself (Kohote, 1984).
Children and adults that have not developed the normal feeling of self esteem, will invest much energy in trying to defend and organize their self esteem, and will not be able to focus on achievements and initiatives. (Noy 1988).
The behavioral expression of these situations will be seen as extream, non-integrative behavior in one or all areas of life (Austerville, 1995).