From the Dojo to the Bedside: How Martial Arts is Revolutionizing Dementia Care with Ben Couch - Jan 17, 2026 - #39

From the Dojo to the Bedside: How Martial Arts is Revolutionizing Dementia Care with Ben Couch - Episode #39Guest: Ben Couch, Founder of ElumenEd and Eastern ErgonomicsHost: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British ColumbiaEpisode Length: ~1 hourEpisode SummaryIn this fascinating conversation, martial artist and healthcare educator Ben Couch shares how 40+ years of martial arts training is transforming dementia care and caregiver safety. Ben discusses his innovative Eastern Ergonomics program, which applies ancient martial arts principles—balance, efficiency, breath, and mindful presence—to patient transfers and caregiving. He also opens up about his personal journey after his mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and how it deepened his understanding of care.Key Topics DiscussedBen's Background40+ years in martial arts (black belts in 8 disciplines, 7th degree in karate)20+ years as National Director of Training at Watermark Retirement CommunitiesFounded ElumenEd to bring Eastern Ergonomics to healthcare facilities nationwidePersonal experience with mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2022The Problem with Traditional Ergonomics TrainingPatient transfers have been the #1 cause of healthcare worker injuries for decadesTraditional training focuses on "dots" without connecting the transitional movementsAnnual compliance training often fails to create meaningful changeInjuries cost $40,000-$120,000 per nurse to replaceMartial Arts Principles Applied to CaregivingMental Preparation:Posture and breathing as foundation for presence and safetyTaking a pause before each transfer to be fully present"New heart every day" mindset to avoid autopilot modeConnection between body posture and mental statePhysical Techniques:Moving from center of gravity rather than arm strength"Hands always push" principle (using triceps/lats instead of biceps/deltoids)Triangulation of balance—avoiding weak points in stanceSoftness, flow, and minimal effort from Tai Chi and Japanese JujitsuPrinciple-based rather than position-based trainingCommunication and DignityShifting from doing something "to" someone → "for" someone → "with" someoneThe person receiving care is the teacher, guiding the caregiverMaintaining presence and listening, even with advanced dementiaTreating every transfer as a mutual, collaborative experiencePersonal InsightsBen's mother's musical awakening after moving to exceptional memory careThe importance of not accepting that "life is over" after an Alzheimer's diagnosisHow martial arts practice helped Ben manage depressionThe parallel between martial arts training and caregiving excellenceVision for the FutureGoal: Remove transfer injuries from the #1 spot for the first time everReduce turnover and burnout among caregiversFree up budget resources for meaningful resident programsChallenge healthcare assumptions about what's possibleBring more presence and continuous improvement to all aspects of careKey Quotes"Everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face." — Mike Tyson (referenced by Ben about his mother's diagnosis)"In the beginner's mind, there are endless possibilities. In the expert's mind, there are very few." — Shunryu Suzuki"You're not ever gonna be good, but you're gonna be better." — Ben on continuous improvement"The person who we are assisting...is the one who should be teaching us. They teach us their movement and then we respond to that.""It's not over when you get this diagnosis...do we act that way?"Resources MentionedElumenEd — Ben's company offering Eastern Ergonomics trainingEastern Ergonomics — Ben's innovative caregiver training programBook: I Heard There Was a Secret Chord by Daniel Levitin (on music and brain health)Who Should ListenNurses, CNAs, and direct care staffHealthcare administrators and risk managersDementia care professionalsPhysical therapists and occupational therapistsFamily caregiversAnyone interested in innovative approaches to healthcare and injury preventionConnect with Ben Couchhttps://easternergonomics.com/https://www.youtube.com/@elumenEdGet Ben's free eBook that covers some fundamentals of the Eastern Ergonomics program. You can also book a time to talk about the benefits of bringing Eastern Ergonomics to your facility.Subscribe & ShareIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Neurostimulation Podcast and share it with colleagues in healthcare, caregiving, or anyone interested in innovative approaches to dementia care.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical guidance.