LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (NCC News) – Gigi’s Playhouse is an organization where children with down syndrome can attend free programs to help build confidence. One of the programs they offer is a karate class.
Over 12 children attend the karate class in Syracuse each week. Some of the benefits from participating in karate include focus, balance, coordination and physical fitness. Heather Rodriguez is the president of Gigi’s Playhouse in Syracuse and says karate is more than just teaching self defense.
“Individuals with down syndrome have low muscle tone,” Rodriguez said. “So anytime we can incorporate core strength and stability and those muscle movements are helping to engage their muscles it’s good for their health and it’s great for their body.”
Amy Allyn’s daughter Kate has been coming to this karate class for three years. Allyn said her daughter enjoys coming to class because of the moves she learns.
“Karate is something you inherently don’t know how to do, or parents can’t just teach out in the yard,” Allyn said. “And so it’s been an interesting thing for them to learn how to do.”
The children learn these self defense moves from Jim Munger. Munger is a 6th Degree Black Belt and has over 30 years of experience in the martial arts.
“Sometimes people get bullied they have to know how to defend themselves in the situation without force,” Munger said. “I don’t want them hitting back. That’s why when we do our self defense moves its hands open not hands closed.”
There is one thing Munger wants his students to know.
“If you make a mistake it doesn’t matter, just try your hardest,” Munger said.
