One of the primary reasons I, Sensei Mark Roscoe, started Karate Academy Online was to provide an opportunity for ALL persons to experience the thrill of martial arts and aspire to Black Belt Excellence. This includes of course persons with physical disabilities.

That is why I am so inspired by the Adaptive Martial Arts Association (AMAA) and their commitment to helping  break down the barriers that prevent people from experiencing the martial arts.

Unfortunately there are still very few places where people with special needs can experience martial arts. From inadequate facilities to instructor ignorance (not being derogatory, just saying most martial arts instructors are ill equipped in this area) to it just not being a priority (let’s face it, martial arts as a business model focuses on a different demographic), the martial arts community is not an easy one for persons with disabilities.

And while we don’t have a specific course for special needs persons (Yet! – we’re working to adapt our courses so that we will!), our online martial arts courses provide the opportunity for people with physical disabilities to adapt the learning to meet their strengths. In other words, we specifically guide our students to adapt their curriculum so that they are taking advantage of their personal strengths (the ‘arts’ in martial arts means to ‘make it your own’ by adapting it to your personal abilities). And since our courses are taught virtually, person’s with special needs can participate from their own adequate space (no inappropriate facilities), and at their own time, as schedules can be more demanding.

I applaud Jason ‘JD’ Davis and his continued desire to learn martial arts, but even more so because of his dedication to help others, like him, to experience the journey to Black Belt.

I am also thankful for his friend who was willing to alter her school’s curriculum so that he could train, along with all the others who’ve helped JD expand his dream to others along the way.

That’s what martial arts is all about – NOT about punching, kicking, blocking, who’s been in the style the longest, who has the most degrees of black belt, or any of the other over the top macho trash – but rather the martial arts is all about bringing out the best in yourself and others.

The AMAA is doing exactly that! And we’re proud to not only be a sponsor, but also a partner as we seek to continue to modify our online martial arts courses so that persons with disabilities can experience Black Belt Excellence in their own training environment and on their own schedule.

I invite you to take a look at how the AMAA is making a difference in the martial arts world and beyond by visiting their website Adaptive Martial Arts Association.

Tell them Sensei Mark Roscoe sent you – they won’t know what you’re talking about, but they’ll be glad you came anyway! 😉

It’s to your success!
Sensei Mark Roscoe