My sister Antoinette is a student at Robinson Karate School in Newmarket Ontario. She has been a part of the school for the past four years. Antoinette is a special young girl. She was born prematurely and because of this she has both developmental and learning disabilities. Antoinette suffers from Myopia Astigmatism and ADHD, which impairs her gross and fine motor movements as well as her attention and learning. Although Antoinette is faced with these challenges daily, she excels in her social, physical, and scholastic worlds. The environment that Robinson Karate School creates has helped facilitate these successes for Antoinette, particularly in her motor skills and social confidence.

There is a noticeable difference in how well coordinated Antoinette is now compared to four years ago. For example, because of her vision impairments Antoinette has much difficultly going down the stairs, but after four years of Karate lessons she can do hand-leg kicks in sequence and summersaults. This is a huge milestone for a young girl who has the visual impairments she does.

The instructors at Robinson Karate School are highly trained, kind, and patient individuals. They have the ability to take complex karate routines and skills, break them down into terms that both children with and without learning disabilities can understand, learn, and enjoy. I think it takes a very special group of individuals to be able to do this, especially when faced with a room of 20 or more screaming kids with all very different and unique learning styles. Antoinette is now a blue belt in Karate. She is more confident, stronger, and overall happier. For a child who has faced and will face many challenges in different areas of her life, she has accomplished much as a 10 year old. I believe that the exceptional and compassionate environment that the instructors at Robinson Karate School craft was vital in helping Antoinette accomplish these monumental achievements.

Thank You Robinson Karate School–you have helped my sister Antoinette’s motor development, social skill development, and just made her a happy and tough little girl!

Sincerely,

Dr. Alana Greco-Iaboni (HB.Sc, MA, PhD)
Clinical Research Associate
Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation