Kids get a kick out of Adaptive Martial Arts Program

A dedicated group of martial artists in Sisters is proving that martial arts is for everyone.

Thanks to Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD), the Sisters School District and four caring and giving people, the Adaptive Martial Arts Program has begun in Sisters, serving children in the district's special eduction program.

On Tuesday afternoons, special needs kids, with permission from their parents, are bussed from school to the SPRD Tae Kwon Do center, home of Outlaw Martial Arts. Class starts at 2:15 p.m. with the usual protocol of a martial arts class: bowing to the American and Korean flags and then to the instructor.

"This class is specifically designed for these kids," said Master Marty Kaczmarek.

Known as Master K to his students, Kaczmarek, a longtime Tae Kwon Do black belt, is the founder and instructor of Outlaw Martial Arts, which is a program offered through SPRD.

The class continues with a light warm-up and then on to basic Tae Kwon Do techniques of blocking, kicking, and punching. Assisted at all times by parents and/or special education instructors from the school, the kids follow directions from Master K and from Sherri Hermens, a special education teacher (and a black belt).

Both are volunteering their time.

Their interaction with the kids is positive, patient, supportive and encouraging. As in the regular Tae Kwon Do class, each child has a different ability level and is challenged accordingly. By being challenged, with constant positive reinforcement, they achieve new things and gain confidence and self worth.

Some parents and caregivers may have concerns that their children, some of whom may be prone to physical outbursts, are being taught more effective ways of punching and kicking. Such concerns can be alleviated by attending a class.

While punching and kicking is a part of the class, the tenets of Tae Kwon Do are in the forefront. Those tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit are the foundation of the class. The message that violence isn't a way to solve problems is a frequent reminder.

"This is huge," said Hermens, who has worked with these kids for years as a special education teacher. "I've often thought about the value of a program like this, but until Marty and Jaymie suggested it, there wasn't a way of doing it."

Jaymie is Marty's wife and, according to Marty, the true inspiration behind the program.

"She won't admit it," said Master K, "but Jaymie is the reason this program exists. Over the years she has volunteered much of her time and skills helping children."

She was the main volunteer for the Head Start program, is involved with the Ronald McDonald House and is a CASA, a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children. Jaymie arranged a meeting with the school department heads to make the proposal. They agreed and the logistics were worked out. The school would make the appropriate arrangements with the parents and provide the transportation, SPRD would give access to the Tae Kwon Do center and Marty and Sherri would volunteer their time and skills.

The Adaptive Martial Arts Program was born. There are now six children enrolled in the program, which is nearing the end of its first month.

Each student wears a dobok, the Tae Kwon Do uniform, supplied by Outlaw Martial Arts, and has a white belt.

"The children enjoy wearing their doboks and are getting used to the structure of the class," said Jaymie.

They'll earn the same progression in rank, from white belt to black belt, as students in the regular class. Every child will progress at his or her own level. Every achievement, regardless of how big or small, is rewarded by words of encouragement and is a stepping stone towards the next belt level.

Josh Nordell, a special education teacher at the middle school, is a big part of the process.

"Josh has been instrumental in getting this done," said Master K. "His support has been nothing less than incredible. He's a make-things-happen kind of a guy. He's there helping at every class. I really like his winning attitude when it comes to these children.

"Our goal is for this program to continue to grow," said Master K. "To possibly have competitions with other schools that have similar programs, and ultimately to have Tae Kwon Do become a part of the Special Olympics."