Martial arts program needs sponsors

The adaptive martial arts program is growing, and needs some help to continue providing a valuable community service. The program, designed specifically for special needs kids, is run by Master Marty Kaczmarek, founder and head instructor at Outlaw Martial Arts, with the help of his wife, Jaymie, and Sherri Hermens and Josh Nordell, both teachers in the Sisters School District. Classes are held at the Outlaw Martial Arts training studio at the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) building.

"This program has made a major difference for our students physically and emotionally," said Nordell, a life skills teacher at the high school. Nordell has been a part of the program since the beginning. "This program's structure breeds confidence," he said. "The students know what is expected and are confident in their abilities to be successful."

The students enjoy the structure of the Tae Kwon Do class and wearing their doboks, the Tae Kwon Do uniform.

"I haven't seen a kid that hasn't improved while in this program," said Nordell. "It's the bilateral movement. They're using all parts of their brain. Their strength and coordination are improving dramatically. Master Kaczmarek has a special ability to challenge these kids in a very positive and encouraging way."

Students are challenged physically and mentally in a structured environment, with constant encouragement and positive reinforcement and more flexibility than in a traditional martial arts class.

"The growth of the children in this program has been amazing! I would encourage anyone in our community to come watch these great kids," said Hermens, a special-education teacher and a third-degree Tae Kwon Do black belt, who has worked with special needs kids at the school.

"This program started out with about six students and was offered one day a week. Now, one year after starting the program, we have as many as 17 students in a class and it is now offered two days a week," said Hermens. "Master K has donated hundreds of hours and paid for uniforms for most of the students. We are currently looking for some sponsors to continue the growth of this program."

"We now have students in from every school building participating in the program," said Nordell. "We have students traveling here from Bend specifically to take part in this program. This makes the impact go beyond our community."

High school student mentors and advanced-level Tae Kwon Do students help in the class. While these students are helping students who have special needs, they are also building social relationships and bridging social gaps that could occur in a school setting.

"This is a community asset; however, as time goes on this program will need some additional support," said Nordell. "We are looking for individuals who are willing to support the program by sponsoring a special needs student or the whole group. This donation will go right back into the program and will have an impact to continue the positive force in these student's lives."

Adaptive Martial Arts classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 2:15 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact Outlaw Martial Arts at 541-719-8531 or Sisters Park & Recreation District at 541-549-2091.