Teaching Visually Impaired

[AKSDave]

Hello to those registered here, First I would like to personally thank my son for his efforts in setting up this board. I think it can be a great way for all AKS members to communicate, regardless of rank.

On Saturday Oct 11, three of my Black Belts and I will be teaching 2 self-defense seminars at a camp for blind. It is a great opportunity to share some of what we have learned. This is the third tme we have worked with the visuaaly impaired and it is always rewarding. I will update our trip later.

Best regards

[AKSDave]

Here is an update on the seminar we held at a kids camp for the visually impaired. Dave Thomas, Ed Baessler, Bob Essenberg and myself taught 3 groups of kids some basic self-defense. The kids ranged in age from 5 to 18 years old. Some of the kids had been us last year, one young man came through the door calling for Mr. Thomas (my son). He remembered working with him last year.

We taught some basic hand techniques, a front snap kick and how to use their white cane. When teaching the visually impaired you have to position their hand or foot for each technique. There is a lot of hands on demonstrating. The kids also need to touch the instructors, one little girl help my arm through most of her session.

It is challenging to share with these kids but also very rewarding. They were very appreciative of our efforts to share our knowledge that might help them. If we are lucky enough to be invited back next year, I look forward to working with the kids again next year.