Meet the Most Enthuastic Karate Kids in the World!
Let me tell you a story...
About 20 years ago a Black Belt student of mine who was also President of the Torrey Pines Kiwanis came to me with a challenge. Jerry Dressel's Kiwanis club had pioneered a ski program for Physically Challenged folks up at Durango, CO. His challenge was "If ski instructors can modify technique, equipment, and training to teach these special students how to ski, why can't you do the same at Family Karate?" In response, my brother and I borrowed wheel-chairs, failed, succeeded, failed, and slowly figured it out.
Two decades later hundreds of folks have been intrigued, then challenged, and finally motivated by these classes, including two who have made Black Belt! The first ever was Trevor Myrus, who says:
Family Karate taught me to remain constant to a purpose or task in spite of obstacles. I enjoyed going through all the levels to become a Black Belt and am proud of my accomplishments. Family Karate helped me to focus on trying other sports from wheelchair racing to snow skiing.
Trevor's parents, Ted and Eleanor, add:
We feel Family Karate has helped make Trevor the kind, determined young man he is today. We are proud of him for always trying something new and being as independent as he is. Trevor drives his own car, has his own apartment, and enjoys being employed. Family Karate has helped make him the person he is today.
Reading about Trevor's accomplishments in the San Diego Union motivated a polio survivor to call us. Within 10 years after his first class Marty Katz became the dedicated and beloved Instructor of the program. Mr. Katz says:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to succeed. There is no doubt that without this program, I would have returned to wheelchair long ago.
(Once) I discovered the Physically Challenged program fifteen years ago, I began a journey that has allowed me to attain goals that I previously could only dream about.
I am dedicated to helping keep that door unlocked so others can travel the Martial Arts path.
Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation
For over a quarter century Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation has been opening up the world of sports, fun, and confidence to physically challenged people. With classes, sports camps, and even funding the development of new ski equipment, the Foundation has been a national leader in helping thousands of folks to have more enabled, richer lives. To learn more about these incredibly dedicated folks and their La Jolla Festival of the Arts please visit www.LaJollaArtFestival.org.
The Torrey Pines Kiwanis not only helped found our program, but today also help us to teach at several San Diego City Schools, including Balboa:
We would like to express our appreciation for Mrs. Green's efforts at the Balboa City School. Our son Jacob has really taken to the Taekwondo class and is building both confidence in himself and discipline at a level that we have not seen before. His best days at school are Taekwondo days. In short, this class is really making a difference. Sincerely - Pat and Mona Sullivan
My son attends Balboa City School, and I want to let you know how much I appreciate your involvement there.The integration of movement and control is just the type of activity the children need. Mrs. Green provides structure, patience and acceptance for the kids.
Thank you for the opportunity you have provided to my son and his classmates. - Lisa Hill