Their wasn't a dry eye in the house on Saturday, May 7th at Chicago Martial Arts in Deerfield as Master Lee took the first Big Blast Special Needs class through testing in order for the students to receive their yellow belt.
A Big Blast Project began its first sessions of Tae Kwon Do four months ago, with Leslie Dempsey as the instructor and Janet Wadkins as the Big Blast assistant. Many black belts from the Martial Arts school volunteered to come each Saturday morning to be 'buddies' for the kids, making the program that much more special.

"When we first started the class, none of the kids had any experience with martial arts, and balance,strength and staying focused were very difficult for them." says Wadkins.
The program is based on the philosophy that its not just about learning how to hit or kick a board. Respect to your parents and other adults, confidence in yourself, determination and leadership are many of the qualities taught while going through the program. "Its about taking these things into your every day life and thinking about what and how you choose to live that makes this program different. Kids that have special needs are able to learn, it just might be slower or more difficult, but they can still be successful" says Wadkins.

Saturdays testing was a true testament to that, as all the parents, teachers and buddies got to watch these kids test.
The kids displayed impressive new skills. They bowed to the Master in the correct position, listened and responded with confidence; they even said thank you in Korean. After doing jumping jacks they actually broke a board with their bare hands. Each student performed, listened carefully and then received a medal and their prized yellow belt!

"Being a parent of two children with special needs can be hard and emotional, but the Big Blast Project martial arts programs has given my boys a feeling of accomplishment and is helping to build their self respect and confidence. All the kids worked very hard and we're so proud of them. They are building skills they need to succeed in life and as parents watching them we are meeting other families who truly understand what we're going through" says Connie Weinstock, parent of 2 kids in the program.

"Jacob was telling everyone in the family that he broke the board and he is so strong from his class" says Alma Diaz. "Thank you for all you and the program does".

" We watched and cried with joy, as each child succeeded on Saturday" say Rhonda Penzell, CEO of ABBP. It was an amazing morning and everyone at ABBP was so proud.

If you'd like more information on the next 8 week session that begins June, contact Janet at 847.987.3940 or email to janet@bigblastprojects.org.