Taekwondo school offers unique course for people with Down syndrome
Hydra Martial Arts partnered with Calgary Ups and Downs society to start special needs class.
Instructors at Hydra Martial Arts teach Taekwondo to students with Down syndrome in Calgary. Anis Heydari CBC
Anis Heydari, CBC News Calgary September 18, 2018
A martial arts club in Calgary has launched a unique class in Taekwondo for people with Down syndrome.
Hydra Martial Arts offers the course to both children and young adults, and say it’s the only Taekwondo course in Calgary that is specifically designed for this group’s needs.
Hydra Martial Arts assistant instructor Shane Chamberlain, left, looks on as head instructor Brad Hutchison demonstrates a kick. Anis Heydari CBC
“Everybody deserves to be able to defend themselves and to learn,” said Hydra assistant instructor Shane Chamberlain.
“So being able to open and change the program to adapt for absolutely everybody is what our goal is.”
The Taekwondo school is offering the course in consultation with Ups and Downs, Calgary’s Down syndrome association.
“We felt this was a great opportunity for us to teach muscle tone and balance and discipline in a fun interactive environment,” said Adam Long, executive director of Ups and Downs.
Adam Long is executive director of Ups and Downs, Calgary’s Down syndrome association. Anis Heydari CBC
The Down syndrome class met for the first time in mid-September, and parents and students alike say they enjoyed the all ages, co-ed environment.
“It’s just a great opportunity for the kids to be active … and to just have the same opportunities as their peers,” said Karen Finley, whose son Teo was in the class partly due to his love of the movie Kung Fu Panda and wrestling.
Rhodri Meredith, left, brought daughter Susie to Taekwondo class in part due to her Power Rangers fandom. Anis Heydari CBC
“He wants to learn to kick and I would love him to learn properly,” said Finley. “It’s exciting.”
“It’s fun to see all the kids and young adults starting quite nervously,” said Rhodri Meredith. As a Power Rangers fan, his daughter Susie wanted to learn how to perform a high kick like her favourite, the Blue Ranger.
“After an hour they’re all quite at ease and starting to do the kicks and so on,” said Meredith.
Karen Finley, left, says son Teo is a good fit for Taekwondo classes as a ‘Kung Fu Panda’ fan. Anis Heydari CBC
Teaching the martial art to students with cognitive impairments isn’t new for Hydra. The school has also offered a Taekwondo course specifically for people on the autism spectrum over the last four years.
Advocates for Calgarians with mental disabilities say programs like the Hydra courses provide valuable opportunities.
“Sometimes our members go… I just get to be a kid and it’s fun. And they have enough challenges. Having fun has a greater value… we take for granted,” said Scott Godfrey, with the Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary.
Susie Meredith tries out a kick at her Taekwondo class as a Hydra Martial Arts instructor looks on. Anis Heydari CBC
According to Shane Chamberlain, Hydra is happy and willing to teach anyone — no matter their needs.
“If you can get up into the classroom we can find a way to train you,” said Chamberlain.
| Anis Robert Heydari has worked in jobs ranging from cleaning up oil spills to fixing phone lines, but all those roads eventually led to being a jack-of-all-trades and CBC News reporter. Reach him at anis@cbc.ca. Follow Anis on Twitter |
Source CBC News Calgary
