Taekwondo school offers unique course for people with Down syndrome

A martial arts club in Calgary has launched a unique classintaekwondo for people with Down syndrome.

Hydra Martial Arts offersthe course to both children and young adults,and sayit'sthe only taekwondo course in Calgary that is specifically designed for this group'sneeds.

"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."

Taekwondo school offers unique course for people with Down syndrome

6 years ago

Duration 0:45

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.

Thetaekwondoschoolis offering the coursein 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.

The Down syndrome class met for the first time in mid-September, and parents and students alike say they enjoyed the all ages, co-edenvironment.

"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 Teowas in the class partly due tohis love of the movie Kung Fu Panda and wrestling.

"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.

Teaching the martial art to students with cognitive impairmentsisn't new for Hydra.The schoolhas 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 [it] for granted," said ScottGodfrey, with the AutismAspergersFriendship Society of Calgary.

According to Shane Chamberlain, Hydra is happy and willing to teach anyone no matter their needs.

"If you can get up into the classroomwe can find a way to train you," saidChamberlain.

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