“Do not fear people with Autism, embrace them, Do not spite people with Autism unite them, Do not deny people with Autism accept them for then their abilities will shine”

― Paul Isaacs

Overview

The Jujitsu Buddies program is an adaptive Jujitsu program designed for children that benefit from more individualized and self-paced instruction.  All classes are open to the general public.

Some of the benefits your children will experience from participation in this program are as follows:

Focus
Relaxation breathing techniques, practice of multiple step directions (chaining) to improve auditory processing skills.

Awareness
Personal space training and activities, movement skills (for group settings)

Social Skills
Understanding social cues (taking turns, waiting in line at attention), support and guidance with verbal and non-verbal communication

Strength
Individual and group exercise, completing curriculum tasks (mitt holding, striking, stance work), promotion of positive “never give up attitude”

Coordination
Gross and fine motor skills (striking, movement drills, core specific exercises)

Confidence
Promotion of the concept “let’s try something new”, building skills such as “making eye contact” and “formal introductions”

Safety
Good touch/ Bad touch discussion; presentations from uniformed officers (fire, police), and  knowledge and repetition of basic skills (Name, Address, phone, parents names)

Teamwork
Large and small group activities; learning each role in a given drill and understanding the importance of each task.

Program Information

When:
*(dates may be subject to change):

Spring Session (9 classes):
March 2 - May 4

No Class 3/30

Registration is done through Irondequoit Recreation by phone (336-6070) or email (recreation@irondequoit.gov)

Note: Level 1 minimum class size is 4 and maximum is 8

Where:  Irondequoit Community Center - 450 Skyview Centre Drive, Rochester, NY 14622

Time:   10:15am - 11:00am (Level 1)
            11:15am - 12:00pm (Level 2*)
            12:15pm - 1:00pm (Level 1)

Cost:  $180

Ages: 4-12

Students should wear gym class type clothing – shorts / sweatpants, t-shirt, and sneakers
* Level 2 registration by instructor recommendation.

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Parent Testimonial

Since my son Jake began Jujitsu lessons under the instruction of Mike Palmer in 2011, he has made noticeable gains in regards to his confidence, motivation, and gross motor skills. Over the years Jake has tried various other organized activities and he has never experienced this type of success. Jake has Autism PDD-NOS, so it has been extremely difficult to find activities, especially physical activities that would hold his interest for any length of time. Jujitsu has allowed Jake to discover that physical activity can not only be fun but also be good for both his body and mind!

His concentration and muscle strength/tone have greatly improved, affording him a routine form of physical activity that is extremely difficult to accomplish for children on the spectrum. It has also given him the opportunity to have something in common with his normally developed twin brother who has been taking Karate for over eight years. There were many times where Jake would watch his brother and express an interest (in Martial Arts) but due to his disability, the appropriate support was virtually nonexistent in the traditional class setting.  This program has been able to meet Jake’s needs by providing more individualized instruction in an environment that makes him feel secure.  Mike’s instructional style also grants opportunities for higher repetitions than a traditional class would offer.  The additional repetitions have had a great effect on Jake’s ability to grasp the techniques being taught.

Kristine

Kristine Barrett, BA, RRT
Clinical Supervisor of Respiratory Care
Unity Health System