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 Martial
Arts Class Focuses on Pupils With Challenges
by Linda Theil, Lansing State Journal, January 21, 2005
For more articles like this
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https://www.bridges4kids.org.
HAMBURG TWP. -
Tiny Samantha White, 4, smacked her knee against a cushion her
mom held in place. Then, Samantha ran to the back of a line of
kids.
"Knee kick. End of line," Dave Reicher repeated as each
youngster took his turn while their parents cheered each smack.
Samantha and her fellow students were learning the knee kick,
but they also were learning how to form a line and follow
directions. Their martial arts teacher, Reicher, is an exercise
specialist who holds a master's degree in exercise science.
Reicher is a teacher from Martial Arts Therapy, a group of
professional therapists that teaches martial arts to people of
all ages who have neurological difficulties, including learning
disabilities, Down syndrome, autism and attention disorders. He
wears a black belt with a green stripe signifying the medical
use of his martial arts practice.
Reicher's company teaches classes in 18 sites across
southeastern Michigan. In Livingston County, Reicher's Monday
evening class is held at Jump-In Professional Services, a
therapy clinic for children and adults with attention disorders,
anxiety disorders, coordination disorders, loss of function or
body pain.
The clinic's owner is Jackie Kilburn, an occupational therapist
with a master's degree in early-childhood education.
"A lot of our clients are boys, and they are really interested
in the martial arts," Kilburn said. "The class provides
structure, discipline, respect, balance and coordination. ... It
helps them improve focus and decrease impulsive activity because
it's so structured and also has the aspect of respect for one
another."
Reicher's class was developed for students who have difficulty
learning in a traditional martial arts school.
"Working with these students to make a successful experience is
our specialty," Reicher said. "A lot of them are not able to go
to a martial arts studio because of fear of pain and ridicule."
The exercise model for therapeutic rehabilitation is successful
because it is fun, he said.
Reicher employs specially made foam bats that students use to
learn martial arts movements. The group also uses X-ray film,
which is flexible but provides a satisfying noise when hit.
Nathan Koski, 10, has taken Reicher's class for two years and
soon will test for his yellow belt.
"Dave!" Nathan exclaimed about his teacher. "He punches and
kicks. I like the class."
Martial arts
• What: Martial arts classes for students with autism, Down
syndrome, attention deficit disorders and other neurological
health issues are taught by exercise therapist Dave Reicher of
Martial Arts Therapy.
• When: Classes are held on six consecutive Mondays from 5:30
p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• The next six-week session begins Feb. 14. The cost is $120 and
includes parent or caregiver participation in the class with the
student.
• Where: Jump-in Professional Services, 10400 Hamburg Road,
Hamburg Township.
• Information: Call Reicher at (517) 223-7449 or professional
services at (810) 231-9042.
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