Cardio, Focus and Confidence With Special Needs Karate

MJ Singh has been studying karate since he was 11 years old under . 

After he became an instructor, he was called to a summer camp in Marlboro to teach karate to children with special needs.

Singh said the classes were so popular,  decided to offer regular classes in 2009. It began with five families, and now Singh teaches several classes per week.

To begin, Singh gives each child a one-on-one evaluation, to determine whether or not the student is ready for class. He looks for focus, coordination and confidence.

"A lot of parents come to us to improve behavior or focus," he said.

The difference between Singh's special needs classes and mainstream karate has a lot to do with size. He teaches small classes, with one to two assistance depending on the size. Classes can hold anywhere from three to 10 students.

Singh said repetition is also key, along with breaking moves into smaller steps.

"We do a lot of repetition. They do really, really well once we repeat things."

But the anchor of each class is a mental lesson, such as talking about going the extra mile or courtesy at home.

"They are getting an experience they wouldn't get anywhere else," Singh said.

The classes are also taught at a satellite school in Colts Neck, where Singh rents out the Team Life building on Route 34 a few nights per week and offers basic martial arts as well as fitness and kickboxing.

"I feel like we're really giving back," Singh said. "It is really rewarding to see the progress students make."

For more information, including prices and schedules, visit coltsneckmartialarts.com or elitenj.com or find special needs karate on Facebook. Call 732-570-8982 or email Singh at deshimj@gmail.com.