Today, Elliott and Gavin received martial arts promotions. Below is a brief part of Elliott’s promotion (Gavin’s is still uploading).

Both boys attend Summit Academy, which is a charter school for kids on the Autism Spectrum as well as kids with things likes ADHD ect. The school bases much of it’s teachings on martial arts. This helps the kids to build self-esteem, self-discipline, respect for their bodies ect. This has been an amazing journey for Gavin and new beginning for Elliott.

The kids earn promotions based on things like helping others, participating in class, doing their best and things of that nature.

One of the things that the kids get to do during promotion is break a board. The board is symbolic of the obstacles they will face in life. By smashing through the board, it’s like they are smashing through their obstacles. You would not believe how much this simple act boosts their confidence.

Everyone of these kids walked away with a huge smile on the faces and an extra kick in their step.

As promised, here is Elliott, smashing through his obstacles. 🙂

[youtube width=”720″ height=”480″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbDvoJv5iDU&list[/youtube]