"The School of Hope is a martial arts academy that is dedicated to training children and adults with or without disabilities," Marquez states.
Ten years ago Marquez started the school. He also founded Possibilities Unlimited International in 2003, a nonprofit organization for special needs martial artists. And between April 9-12, a special dream for he and 40 of his students was realized. Namely, they competed in the first ever specially challenged division at the 2009 Ozawa Cup International Karate Championship. It was clearly a great experience for many of the children he works with.
Perhaps the best part is that the School of Hope isn't just a feel good story with no teeth. Marquez is teaching his students valuable real life lessons in martial arts. Though he is flexible, knowing that he has to be in dealing with disabilities, he still expects the children he works with to push themselves with each move they learn. It's about more than just the physical moves.
"Part of my training is not only to teach them the physical art, but also let that physical art empower and facilitate them in other areas," Marquez says.
There's no question about that. A great story for sure.
Source: Pasadena Star
Comments
Now I really like to see stories like this where all people can learn martial arts. Children, women, disabled, and arguably special needs persons all should have some self-defense training at a minimum.
Great post.
Two family members, one with special needs and one just a “regular kid” attend this dojo. It’s a unique and wonderful program. I’ve worked with adults with special needs for over 30 years, rewarding but definitely not easy, sometimes one sees progress and sometimes not. I’ve seen Mr. Marquez and great staf work wonders even with children and adults who have very difficult issues: autism, down’s syndrome, cerebal palsy, spina bifida, blindness, even these coupled with psychological/emotional problems. Someone might come in not wanting to be touched or spoken to or to do anything, and with behavior probolems and it’s amazing the difference you will see in even a few months, more so for those practicing their karate for years. These improvements carry over to other areas of life, and mean a better quality of life for the person and his/her family. Although it functions as physical, behavioral, and psychological therapy for so many people, this one-of-a-kind program is now threatened by budget cuts. Do what you can to support it!