UCF Judo Program:
Inspiring Confidence Through Movement
Help sustain and grow the UCF Judo Program:
Overview
The UCF Judo for Autism Program was started in 2018 by former UCF Associate Professor Jeanette Garcia (Department of Health Sciences). As the name implies, the program began with a cohort of children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Research from this program demonstrated positive physical and psychosocial health outcomes post-intervention.
![78-3 graphical icon for 78 percent](https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/01/78-3.png)
78% of parents reported a noticeable increase in their child’s confidence.
![238 graphical icon for 238](https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/01/238.png)
The average minutes of sleep increase by 238 per night.
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Daily percentage of time spent in sedentary behavior decreased by 8%
![56 graphical icon for 56 percent](https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/01/56.png)
56% of parents reported that their child became more open to trying new experiences.
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The percentage of participants who met daily physical activity recommendations (60+ minutes per day) increased 29%
![78-3 graphical icon for 78 percent](https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/01/78-3.png)
78% of parents reported improvements in their child’s social skills
Testimonials
“During the 8-week program we noticed improved balance, coordination, calmness and sleep patterns.”
“We’ve seen such benefits for our students in not only physical skills, but the self-confidence they’re building and the discipline.”
“Our study shows that judo not only promotes social skills, but is well accepted by this population and is a great program for reducing sedentary behavior and increasing confidence.”
Research Publications
Researchers
Student Researchers
![Michelle-Murray Michelle Murray headshot](https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/Michelle-Murray-150x150.jpg)
Michelle Murray
Judo Program Staff Leader
![defaultStudent default graphic of knight's helmet](https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/01/defaultStudent-150x150.png)
Hayden Runnels
Judo Program Staff
![Hannah-VanHoozier Hannah VanHoozier headshot](https://healthprofessions.ucf.edu/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/Hannah-anHoozier-150x150.jpg)
Hannah Vanhoozier
Judo Program Staff