Inspirational Stories 2007

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From: http://www.zwire.com
(October 18, 2007):

Wisconsin -- A City of Delafield woman has reached her latest goal: becoming a first-degree black belt in taekwondo. Since the mid-1990s, she has also been named a Badger State Female Athlete of the Year and champion of the Wisconsin State Fair power lifting contest. Meet Helen Bressler, age 76.

Bressler has lived an active life, which has included cross country running, downhill skiing and activities at the Senior Olympics. And she's not done yet.

A student at a karate center in Okauchee, Bressler walked into the studio five years ago at age 71, informing Master Jim Bonesho that taekwondo was to be her next challenge.

From: sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/16/DDAMSQ0BH.DTL
(October 16, 2007):

From: sunderlandecho.com/sport/Karate-champ-who-lost-an.3374850.jp
(October 14, 2007):

Karate champion, Owen Murray, has been celebrating after achieving one of the sport's highest awards - a sixth dan grading.

When Owen lost his arm in an industrial accident at the age of 20, he didn't want to feel vulnerable, so he took up karate as a form of self-defense.

After winning gold medals at the European championships, helping Sunderland win the national championships and visiting Sierra Leone to help people in similar situations to learn karate, Owen has now chosen to teach people in his garage at home.

From: http://www.alliednews.com/statenews/cnhinsall_story_278104404.html
(October 5, 2007):

Maryland -- Shane Crawford has earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a tribute to the wheelchair-bound student and to his instructor at Kick Masters Karate who had to devise a specialized curriculum to match Crawford’s circumstances.

25-year-old Crawford was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - a condition that causes rapid muscle degeneration - in 1987. He has little movement from the waist up and uses a motorized, electronic wheelchair, which he operates with the motion that remains in his right hand.

From: http://www.dunmow-broadcast.co.uk
(September 28, 2007):

Richard said: "I would like to get my 3rd Dan, so I can teach karate myself, and that's likely to take me another five years. After that I will just continue my journey until I become a master. That is 10th Dan and will take me the rest of my life."

From: http://news.yahoo.com
(September 10, 2007):

A 17-year-old man robber, spotted the 33-year-old, who police identified only as Emil E., at a train station in the southwestern town of Giessen and thought he would be easy prey, a police spokesman said.

But what the attacker did not know, was that his victim was a world-class blind judo wrestler.

The 17-year-old threatened the blind man, then punched him in the face, at which point the martial artist flipped him and held him down until police arrived.

From: http://khastv.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=10687
(August 14, 2007):

Judo is a martial art that develops physical strength and mental toughness. A Lincoln man is strong and tough - thanks to more than 50 years on the mat. Paul Owen lifts weights and exercises three times a week and has for years. The 92-year-old has to stay in shape for the other two days a week he spends on the judo mat.

When I first started, if anybody took me to the mat I was beat. Eventually, I got to the place where I had enough technique to make them work for it.

Paul got started in judo more than five decades after watching an expert teach a class. "That was the last. That was the last watching," said Owen.

From: http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/081207/aik_139075.shtml
(August 11, 2007):

"It's been helping me a lot," says the Middle School eighth-grader, who last year watched as her D's and F's rose to B's and C's after beginning karate classes.

"Not only have her grades improved; so has her attitude", her instructor says, "She's more confident".

At first, she really didn't like martial arts classes, Christin says. Now, her improved academics are directly linked to those classes, because when her grades drop she has to give them up.

From: http://zanesvilletimesrecorder.com
(August 5, 2007):

Larry Allen says that on a lot of days, he feels real comfortable sitting at home and doesn't feel like leaving. "But then, I know I have to get motivated," he says.

The Zanesville native recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and even after 34 years of karate, the 4th Degree Black Belt isn't close to slowing down. He still helps fellow Senseis and Black Belts at the Coszacks Karate School - including Master Jeff Hardwick, Greg Potts, Bob Hall, Butch Morgan and Brad Seward - whether it's with classes or with various community presentations. And yes, he still competes, and does well.

"A couple of months ago, we had a karate obstacle course for the kids, and he helped supervise," said Hardwick, a 6th degree black belt. "The last stage, you have to dive over a 2 or 3-foot barrier, roll, jump up and sidekick a pad.

"Well, it wasn't enough for him to just watch. He had to try it himself. Not only did he do it once, he did it three more times! We all about fell over."

From: http://www.iol.co.za
(August 2, 2007):

Being diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth has not prevented Ryan Jeffery from leading a completely independent life and achieving his second Dan black belt in the demanding sport of Funakoshi karate.

Come Sunday, the 40-year-old will be grading for his third Dan black belt at Winklespruit, where he will undergo a series of rigorous tests and pit himself against other athletes.

Because of his illness, Jeffery had a loss of muscle control and balance on his right side, requiring him to find different ways of doing daily tasks, such as clipping his nails or unscrewing bottle caps.

Certain aspects of karate training were slightly modified to accommodate Jeffery's weakened right side, but he has been pushed as hard as any other able-bodied student.

From: http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=6857058
(July 31, 2007):

Hawaii -- Isaac Lau has spent his entire life confined to a wheelchair. But his personal disability hasn't disabled Isaac's interest from participating in Martial Arts.

"It's good," he said "They go at your own speed."

In January, Isaac joined the Abilities Unlimited Martial Arts Academy. Currently Hawaii's only martial arts school for those with disabilities.

"Going out there and having a good time that's all that counts," he said, "That's all that matters."

From: http://www.njherald.com/299433386679064.php
(July 22, 2007):

"When I see a kid like Patrick become this confident kid, I say to myself - 'Hey, what's better than that.' "

Sidnam has many similar stories from his 25 years as an instructor, stories that demonstrate how karate and its discipline, its philosophies of self-awareness, can heal a wounded psyche. He remembers a father who brought his daughter in for lessons, saying she was on the brink of suicide and in desperate need of self-belief. The daughter became an average student, a "mediocre kicker and puncher at best," Sidnam said, but grew emotionally.

"Wow, what a difference in confidence," Sidnam said. "With these kids, its about breaking down the barriers that they don't think they can get through."

From: http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/25442
(July 19, 2007):

Even at the Olympic Training Center, with its assortment of world-class boxers, swimmers and weight lifters crowding gyms and training rooms, Grace Ohashi is an attention grabber. In the past six months, the 18-year-old has emigrated from Japan, figured out a foreign culture, finished second at the USA Judo Senior National championships, earned a spot in the ongoing Pan American Games and transformed herself into a potential Olympian.

And that was the routine part. Ohashi can barely see.

She walks into walls. Uses a walking cane on busy streets. Tumbled down stairs before her national championship match in Miami. Nearly stepped off a dock at Pueblo Reservoir. Can't see the faces of the women she fights.

From: http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=6791793&nav=menu51_2
(July 16, 2007):

Herbert Mullins of Des Moines, Iowa is 81 years old, although he's not your typical senior citizen.  He breaks 1" boards of wood with his fists.  Mullins first became interested in martial arts when he was in his 60's.

"My grandson and I went to the 'Y' and he said 'Grandpa, you can't do it'. Now I'm still doing it and he went off to college to find girls," said Mullins. Now, Mullins is a black belt and keeps up a daily martial arts regimen to maintain his health.

"I like the camaraderie, the exercise and agility," said Mullins.  "You have to have lots of energy, which I do, as you can tell!"

James Webster of Cape Canaveral, Florida is 70 years old, and has been practicing martial arts for nearly half his life.

From: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020720/windows/odds.htm
(July 2, 2007):

From: theoaklandpress.com/stories/052907/bus_20070529130.shtml
(May 29, 2007):

Sifu Brown meditates daily and encourages his students to do the same. While the physical techniques they practice can help them grown strong and physically healthy, Brown insists mediation is the key to a strong mind, which is just as necessary for overcoming obstacles.

Brown is no stranger to adversity. Born with cerebral palsy and severe dyslexia, Brown grew into a highly respected member of the international martial arts community and runs one of the most successful dojos in the United States.

When he was living in Waterford Township at age 8, Brown's cerebral palsy made it impossible for him just to walk without the use of braces. Most of the time, he had to use a wheelchair.

After much searching, Brown found an isshinryu karate school that would allow him to stay in the back of the room and practice basic punches with his limited mobility. The exercises helped build upper body strength. Eventually, he was able to hold himself up long enough to start moving his legs and practice kicking.

From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk
(May 28, 2007):

The determined youngster has been amazing his parents and friends since he was baby and had both his lower limbs amputated at the shin.

Brave Gregg, who also dreams of being an amputee footballer, never lets his disability stop him joining in sports with his mates.

From: http://trurodaily.com/index.cfm?sid=32380&sc=70
(May 25, 2007):

Living in a physically abusive relationship had taken Nancy Harrington's life away. Then she found it again thanks to jiu-jitsu.

After seven months of taking classes at the Truro Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Club, the 42-year-old Harrington has gained back her self confidence and shed the fear she once lived under daily.

"If someone asked me the definition of jiu-jitsu, I'd probably say it means new beginning," she said. "It empowers you. It allows you to get your life back. I used to be afraid to answer the door or walk down the street."

Harrington got involved in the sport through her son Chance, who had been taking classes and wouldn't let his mother's hesitation get in the way of what he knew would be exactly what she needed.

From: http://www.theage.com.au
(May 19, 2007):

The 22 members of the South Korean 'Grandma Taekwondo Federation demonstration team', are aged between 58 and 78. Part of the daily training routine for the formidably tough grannies is to shatter stacks of roof tiles with a single powerful punch.

They exercise at least two hours a day and six days a week under the guidance of taekwondo master Yoon Yeo-Ho.

According to Mr Yoon, it started as an idea that the martial art could help these grannies improve their health and that "uniforms would look good on them".

Now, the team of TKD grannies now performs several times a year at home and abroad - in China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

From: http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/865/public/news803503.html
(May 3, 2007):

Missouri -- Very few have the dedication it takes to earn a black belt in a martial art. Fewer yet are able to do so at the age of 70.

On March 2, Janet Hinson of Morehouse became the most senior student in the area to successfully test to the rank of first degree black belt in taekwondo.

"I started when I was 65 I think, about five years ago," Hinson said. "My doctor required me to exercise. I do not like exercising at the gym on those stupid machines and I get bored walking around a walking track. And I like watching martial art movies."

From: leightoday.co.uk/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=2850494&sectionid=69
(May 3, 2007):

An inspirational 10-year-old boy who lost both legs below the knee still manages to be a high-kicking karate student.

Gregg Warburton, of Telford Crescent in Leigh, was born with deformities in both legs and underwent major surgery when he was just a year old.

But the spirited pupil does everything his peers can do and more, earning his green belt in karate and even playing for a football team.

From: http://www.eveningstar.co.uk
(April 20, 2007):

When Andrew Brooks from Felixstowe was born with Down's Syndrome in the 1970s his parents were told not to expect much of him and were even given advice to "put him away" in seclusion. Despite the bleak prognosis and severe learning difficulties, Andrew has proved his doubters wrong in magnificent style.

Today he is celebrating something many would have thought impossible - he has gained one of the top ranks in karate, a black belt.

With a steely determination 31-year-old Andrew has spent the last 11 years dedicating himself to the ancient martial art.

Thanks to the gentle encouragement of his parents, the patient guidance of his instructors and sheer desire to succeed, Andrew, who cannot read or write, is now a role model for other martial artists.

From: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3780697.html
(April 5, 2007):

Maine -- For most seniors, getting a black belt is about purchasing an accessory. Not so for 70-year-old Bob Willette. The Sidney resident acquired his black belt through karate achievement.

Mr Willette earned this mark of martial arts expertise Sunday, a culmination of a three-day test involving a mountain climb, a rigorous written exam, a long distance run and fighting 13 seasoned black belt opponents.

From: postindependent.com/article/20070330/SPORTS/103300054
(March 30, 2007):

From: http://www.wdef.com/node/3719
(March 29, 2007):

Last summer, Brandon Earnshaw from Lookout Valley, who trains karate in Chattanooga, became the first autistic person to ever qualify for the Nationals.

His story had quite an impact, becoming the subject of research papers for psychology students. More importantly though, Brandon inspired another local kid to succeed in karate.

When Alex Davidson's parents saw Brandon qualify last year, they felt karate might help their autistic son as well.

"Autistic children are very repetitive. They're very structured oriented. And once they get something, they grab it," Alex's father said. Nine-year-old Alex from Dade County certainly grabbed it.

From: thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007703180347
(March 18, 2007):

From: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=66508
(March 16, 2007):

From: http://www.infocusnews.net/content/view/4010/135/
(March 7, 2007):

From: ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2007/02/23/news/news04.txt
(February 24, 2007):

From: http://www.newsgleaner.com
(February 22, 2007):

He is currently a fourth-degree black belt and a certified international instructor and helps teach classes at Red Tiger.

As far as dojo owner Master Mario Cancelliere knows, and he has traveled around the world for competitions, Cohen is the only special needs person who has reached the fourth-degree level (there are nine degrees of black belt in Tae Kwon Do).

From: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0217mr-karate0217.html
(February 17, 2007):

From: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/02-07/02-13-07/09local.htm
(February 13, 2007):

From: http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_5208576
(February 11, 2007):

Del Harvey is finally realizing his lifelong dreams. For the first time in his life, he is closer to managing his own money, living independently and making his own decisions.

"I've learned a lot, like being more alert and more conscious of things around me," said the 41-year-old developmentally disabled Whittier resident. "Now I am able to know how to take care of myself."

Harvey credits karate and his martial arts instructor, Kyoshi Anthony Marquez, for his new outlook.

For the past five months, Marquez, a veteran martial artist from Victorville, has been teaching Harvey and 30 other developmentally disabled adults Gujo (?) Do karate, the martial art of Okinawa, Japan.

From: http://www.startribune.com/1244/story/984804.html
(February 6, 2007):

Because he has cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease, people said he wouldn't live long. But simple words of praise in karate class made him believe he could be whatever he wanted to be.

Erling, 30, is so fit that he can spar with other black-belt fighters for two hours, and he often does. It seems almost inconceivable that at age 5, he wasn't expected to live past 13.

From: http://lfpress.cal
(February 3, 2007):

Canada -- Dressed in uniform, brown belt tied at her waist, Trish Thyret stands with knees bent, hands raised and determination in her eyes.

In the dojo, Thyret throws her left arm downward for a kick block, then brings it back up for a punch block before delivering a punch of her own.

Thyret, 37, is mentally challenged, borderline obsessive compulsive with some and has borderline manic depression.

And she is focused on replacing her brown belt with black at graduation this summer.

From: http://www.lakesunleader.com/articles/2007/02/02/news/01.txt
(February 1, 2007):

Missouri -- Judging by the effortless way he goes through each motion and by the smile on his face, he's done this routine a million times before.

The verbal and physical limitations that beset an autistic child do not keep 14-year-old Kyle Swofford from hitting the mat twice a week with Suzie Franz, his 17-year-old Tae kwon do teacher.

From: http://ems.gmnews.com/news/2007/0131/Sports/015.html
(January 30, 2007):

From: http://www.petoskeynews.com
(January 29, 2007):

Pride seems to radiate off 33-year-old Craig Hafner of Harbor Springs as he stands, dressed in white, carefully tying on his black belt. A smile spreads across his face as he makes sure the belt is tied correctly.

Although it’s just another Friday night practice at the American Taekwondo Association Black Belt Academy, Hafner takes extra care with his new black belt, inscribed with his name and the word "persistence." Afterall, it took Hafner, who was born with Downs Syndrome, five years to earn the top level tae kwon do belt.

From: http://www.nbc5.com/news/10868505/detail.html
(January 29, 2007):

From: http://www.vagazette.com
(January 20, 2007):

What started as a mere athletic activity to stay in shape for a man nearing his 60s has evolved into a rare feat.

Guy DeWolf, the 75-year-old owner of Williamsburg Coin & Stamp, last week became likely the oldest person in the state to practice the martial art of Aikido.

Eleven years ago, DeWolf earned a black belt in Aikido at the Peninsula Ki Aikido Club in Yorktown.

However, during the last five years, he has battled through crippling arthritis that has kept him off the mat with regularity. Just three months ago, DeWolf had both of his hips replaced and was unable to walk.

But after a month-long recovery process, he was able to continue his passion and participate in a two-hour Aikido class at the Gloucester Rec Center last Tuesday.

From: http://www.siskiyoudaily.com
(January 19, 2007):

It began on the advice of his doctor. Toby McGilvary, age 4, was born with Cerebral Palsy. The debilitating disease made most normal physical activity almost impossible.

His legs were crippled, his speech slurred and his balance and coordination precarious at best. His doctor recommended to his mother, Connie, that he enroll in a martial arts program to help with his physical therapy.

Toby enrolled in the Yreka Martial Arts Academy and began working with an instructor. Toby found it almost impossible to stay up in class. The pain in his legs was constant, but it did not deter him from his twice-a-week classes.

Toby found something he loved.

From: http://www.argusleader.com
(January 8, 2007):

From: http://news.kypost.com
(January 2, 2007):

Louisville -- After more than two years and 33 surgeries, one thing became clear to Kevin Trees - perhaps his only chance to regain his active lifestyle and return to being a police officer was to have his leg amputated.

So, on Oct. 3, 2005, Trees underwent his 34th surgery, losing his right leg above the knee.

But thanks to a high-tech titanium prosthesis, his determination and support of friends and family, Trees has returned to the force - having recovered enough from the off-duty April 2003 motorcycle crash that nearly killed him.

Then in February (2006), he started taking some martial arts classes with now-retired Maj. Bill Weedman. Trees credits those classes with making the difference in his physical recovery.