[lucyjoy]

Some of the attitude is teen, some of it's learned and some is quite possibly PTSD related.(Hard to tell from one post but from the description, having him evaluated for bi-polar might not be a bad option)

Regardless of the cause, the behaviors need to be dealt with. Be sure the therapist he is working with is familiar with trauma/attachment and foster care.

If you choose karate, ask for references. Talk to other parents. There are great martial arts places that push the self discipline and respect as a huge part of the training. These can be wonderful for building self esteem and they also stress that the art not be used outside the walls. There are other places that are all about the competition-stay far away from those. Competing is fine, but with martial arts, competition starts with mastering one's own self control.

You might want to read the special need board as well. Most of the teen parents post there.