Kicking The Spectrum

Specialties

Kicking The Spectrum is a martial arts inspired program developed to teach and motivate students with special needs. This innovative program incorporates fitness and wellness into the fundamentals of Japanese Shotokan Karate. This unique program combines a martial arts instructor with an ABA (Applied Behavior Analyst) therapist in every class.

Kicking the Spectrum helps individuals reach their potential by practicing martial arts techniques. We strive to improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-​being by increasing their overall social abilities and helping them expand beyond their limitations.

Our goals are to increase the student’s awareness, self-​esteem and confidence. These characteristics are achieved through fun and exercise, which are essentials to the program. Further benefits include improved attention, greater social skills and self-​control, as well as increased levels of confidence, discipline and coordination.

Meet the Business Owner

David R.

Business Owner

David began studying martial arts at the age of 7 after being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). It was recommended to his parents to help him with his focus and attention. By age 15, under the tutelage of instructor World Champion Tokey Hill, he began to instruct younger students and attend demonstrations. It was at a demonstration at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children when David was first exposed to children with special needs. St. Mary’s Healthcare System is one of just a handful of organizations in the country that is dedicated to providing intensive rehabilitation, specialized care, and education to children with special needs. Subsequent to David’s encounters with St. Mary’s Hospital, he also worked 1:1 with a child with cerebral palsy at a sleepaway camp for 8 weeks. David continued teaching throughout both high school and college.

David collaborated with his wife Stephanie, an ABA (Applied Behavior Analyst) therapist, and together created Kicking the Spectrum.