| Nature of Enquiry | Sensei Tricia,
I am writing about my daughter Rebekah who attends Sensei Paul's class in Hemel Hempstead.
Rebekah suffers from Mild Learning Difficulties and also Dyspraxia, which affects her coordination, sequencing and ability to remember multiple movements. She has been a yellow belt since December 2011, and is always enthusiastic whilst being at Karate and enjoys it very much. Sensei Paul and the other instructors at Hemel Hempstead have been very supportive of Rebekah which has helped her enjoyment of the sport.
My query is; is Rebekah able to complete next grading over a number of stages as this will assist her in progressing in this sport? In this way, once she completes a stage she can be rewarded with an orange stripe and on the last occasion she attends a grading she can be awarded with her belt. I am aware that this is not in strict accordance with your grading procedure however, I believe that there should be a way that your system can be adapted to offer children with restricted abilities the opportunity to progress in their chosen sport. I have made some enquiries and I am unable to find whether this is possible.
Rebekah is keen to gain her orange belt and seeing her peers progress is upsetting her on a regular basis. This has resulted in her becoming upset/crying on more increasing occasions. I am concerned without any adaptations I will have to remove her from Karate a sport she clearly loves.
I feel that doing a single grading is not suitable for Rebekah, but I also feel that consideration should be given for her to gain an orange belt an alternative way so it is adapted for her disabilities. Rebekah will never be in a position to fight outside the club or enter any leagues as this is for her own achievement and enjoyment.
I hope this is possible and look forward to your reply.
Caroline Warner
SECOND TIME SENT |