Approach to Teaching
Assessment
Each student receives a FREE PERSONAL ASSESSMENT to determine the student’s individual training needs. Program evaluators will immediately recommend a course of action, which may include: ½ or full hour private instruction, group classes, supported mainstreaming, mainstreaming, or a combination of these.
Successful Building Blocks
Though our program is personalized, our curriculum is built on basic martial arts instruction formatted to benefit the specialized needs of each student. We employ a wide variety of advanced teaching techniques and equipment to stimulate the senses while promoting student engagement and focus.
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Pushing through Limits
The specific goal of A Million Ways Adaptive Martial Arts is to build student physical and emotional confidence and ability. Instructors and assistants will try any appropriate approach to assist student’s growth and development; we do not teach every student exactly the same way.
For example:
Matthew, a student with leg muscles weakened by Cerebral Palsy, will find a predominance of increasingly more challenging leg strengthening exercises focusing more profoundly on the weaker leg.
Jonathan, who is high functioning Autistic with Asperger Syndrome, will receive sensory-based instruction with consistent reminders to focus, improve eye contact, use appropriate facial expression, and constant positive reinforcement for physical achievement and positive social interaction.
Sam, a student with significant ADHD, receives a combination of individual training and supported mainstreaming focusing most profoundly on social interaction. Instructors specifically and directly address all inappropriate behavior, helping the student to create and achieve a positive behavior plan.
Suzie has been diagnosed as low to mid-functioning on the autism spectrum. Her ½ hour sessions are very occupational therapy focused; improving eye contact, responding to basic commands, completing basic physical tasks (jumping, hopping, counting, balancing, stopping and starting, etc.
Mainstreaming
We believe in supported mainstreaming to build confidence and skill. However, mainstreaming is not for every student. A Million Ways instructors and administrators partner with parents to determine the best course of action for each special needs student. This is a feeling consideration that takes into account the many sounds, equipment, student-to-student and student-to-instructor interactions associated with a traditional martial arts environment. Students that transition from private instruction to mainstreaming (or some combination) will be supported by A Million Ways personnel to best ensure a positive training experience for all.
Competition
American Taekwondo Association (ATA), one of the largest international martial arts organizations, regional, national and international competition opportunity for ATA students with special needs. A Million Ways students are eligible to compete once registered with ATA headquarters as a special needs student. Ask your instructor for more information.
