Adaptive Self-Defense Classes
Defy the odds, find your inner strength and conquer your obstacles with Defiance MMA - Adaptive Martial Arts program!! Offering real-world self-defense for those who need it most. Ages 8+ and all abilities are welcome. No students are left behind!! We focus on philosophies and techniques that increase independence, decrease negative forms of defiance, and encourage them in their unique individuality.
About the Instructor
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Jeromy Darling is a former National Tae Kwon Do champion with a 2nd-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a red belt in Muay Thai. He specializes in the fighting fundamentals of boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling and body mechanics. He has a great passion for the special needs community, having worked both as a Para and a PCA. He’s been married for 25 years to his only girlfriend, and they have 4 children together, ages 4-14.
This class is offered on an as-needed basis. Please inquire with us directly about availability!
Schedule
Mondays 9:00-9:30am - Ages 8-12
Mondays 9:30-10:00am - Ages 13+
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Fridays 9:00-9:30am - Ages 8-12
Fridays 9:30-10:00am - Ages 13+
Frequently Asked Questions
-Are classes a mix of kids and adults?
There will be two separate classes to account for age differences. Class 1 is ages 8-12, Class 2 is 13+
-Is there a max number of students per class?
The max is currently 10 students per class. I'm confident I can give personal attention to each child in a class that size
-Would you allow a parent to be with their child during class, with the goal of working towards independence?
This is encouraged! Parents (and PCAs) can participate free of charge
-What exactly will be taught? Is it just self-defense? What techniques are taught? Is there any sparing or submissions?
We will start with basic boxing drills and movement with a goal of easing into grappling. No child will do anything they're uncomfortable or incapable of doing. Modifications will be made for each child as their abilities allow. We will use the wrestling dummy before attempting partner grappling.
-Will students be paired up together to practice skills? Or do they practice with just the coach?
Commonly, individuals with special needs lack the discernment of what is too much or too hard when it comes to pressure as this is something their bodies crave. Then on the complete opposite side you have those who avoid a lot of physical contact due to sensory avoidance. How the different needs of each individual are handled would also be something I would want to discuss further. Some students may partner, others may not.
-How are students kept safe due to the vast range of needs/abilities/limitations?
Safety is my biggest concern as I’m sure it is yours as well. I will work with each on a case-by-case basis to build a program that works for them.
-Will there be a trial period to see if it will be a good fit?
Students are able to try one free class to experience the structure of the class. I wholeheartedly believe that with time, all kids can succeed. One class is very limited to see results, especially in the special needs community, so the best way to see how your child will respond is to try one month of classes. Your membership with this program is month-to-month, which means there is no contract. If you are not seeing the results you'd expect after a month, or at any time, the membership can easily be cancelled at the end of the month with no strings attached.
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