Written by Nazareth Barragan
Ever feel like your body just refuses to listen to your requests? I do. That is part of my life every single day. I have learned to deal and live with everything that comes with my type of cerebral palsy.
Now I'm 28 and I have tried to find something new to do to help with the spasticity in my muscles. I had always wanted to take a martial arts class ever since watching Hollywood movies like “The Karate Kid” and “The Best of the Best.” Over a month ago, I started looking for a dojo close to where I live. After personally visiting some dojos and calling others to inquire about their classes or even private classes for people with disabilities, I kept hearing the unfavorable word "NO."
Until one day walking back from the movies, I saw a really cool dojo in Burbank. My family and I stopped in and were greeted with a smile. We spoke to a Master who was about to give a class and shared with him my interest in taking a class. Master Hector asked us to wait in their lobby, and waited for Master Lee to come out from his office. Master Lee came out and greeted me. I was able to share with him my joy and excitement at finding a dojo to take a class. Master Lee asked me if I wanted to take one private class to see if I liked it. I almost jumped out of my chair. They gave me an appointment right away for the following week and asked ME which day I wanted to take my first taekwondo class, so I chose Wednesday. Master Lee asked the young lady at the front desk to hand me a T-shirt. I got to choose between blue, red and black. I was so happy that they had my favorite color – red.
On Wednesday afternoon, July 25, 2012 wearing my favorite red-colored T-shirt, I was able to take my first taekwondo class. I started my class with Master Hector. I was able to show him that even though I sat in my wheelchair, I had a passion for martial arts and that I could learn the basic arm positions one through five. After sweating through my tiring class, I learned how to concentrate on my breathing techniques, relax my spastic muscles and stretch my upper body muscles.
Master Lee showed up during my class and I was able to show him my abilities. He was so happy that I could move my legs and my arms. He told me something I will always remember: "If you first believe, set your mind, when that happens, everything is possible." That really happened; I never thought I would be able to break a board with my fists. I listened to Master Hector and with his coaching I was able to earn my white belt. I was so amazed at my own strength. I didn't even know I had that strength in my spastic body. I feel that I do not have any more limits in my mind. I cannot wait to see what more classes will do to help my body.
A very special thank you to Master Lee and Master Hector at Ultimate Tae Kwon Do in Burbank for giving me a chance when other dojos were not open to having and teaching a student like me. I'm looking forward to taking more classes at Ultimate Tae Kwon Do.
Following is an update from Nazareth Barragan with highlights covering the past six weeks since he took his first taekwondo class:
My experience has been unbelievable and a blessing. Master Hector has taken me as his student and dedicated his expertise to modifying my lessons. I have gained so much respect for him because he treats me just like every other student and his listens to my questions. Every week, he has shown me how taekwondo can be beneficial to my health. It has sparked an interest to further read and research this kind of martial art at my local library. I have been able to improve my flexibility, my ability to sleep and breathe better. I have also improved on my concentration which has helped me to practice my basic moves, punches, kicks and blocks. Master Hector has also pushed me to challenge myself as a student by leaving me weekly homework. It is so important that I practice counting in Korean and practice my combination moves. In the last week, I have earned my blue stripe for punching. I am so happy. I cannot wait to continue learning and maybe one day I can earn my next level belt.
California law and regulation requires that regional centers display on their Web sites information about the dollar value of services they purchase for clients. These data (called "purchase of service" or "POS" data) must be reported separately by clients' ethnic/racial group, langauge and diagnosis.
¿Cuáles son sus necesidades de servicio actuales? ¡Responda la encuesta y avísenos!
Lanterman is seeking your feedback and assistance in completing a short survey so we can better understand the current service needs. This survey is for our community to complete, including clients, family members, service providers or community partners. Thank you in advance for your time!
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Lanterman busca sus comentarios y ayuda para completar una breve encuesta para que podamos comprender mejor las necesidades actuales del servicio. Esta encuesta es para que la complete nuestra comunidad, incluidos los clientes, los miembros de la familia, los proveedores de servicios o los socios comunitarios. ¡Gracias de antemano por su tiempo!
Regional centers must post information regarding how providers are doing with ensuring individuals served are part of their communities (Welfare and Institutions Code section 4519.2(b)). This information is to be updated at least every six months until DDS has determined that statewide compliance has been met.
El Internet está inundado de información y recursos sobre el Coronavirus (COVID-19) desde el nivel federal hasta el estatal y local. Comenzamos esta página para compartir algunos de los recursos e información que encontramos más útiles y accesibles, además de compartir información específica para Lanterman sobre cualquier efecto que esto tenga en nuestras operaciones, nuestros proveedores de servicios y la comunidad en general.
The Internet is awash in info and resources about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the federal to the state and local levels. We're starting this page to share some of the resources and info we found most helpful and accessible, plus to share information specific to Lanterman about any effects this is having on our operations, our service providers and community as a whole.
