ASKing to be Inspired: An ASK Volunteer's Perspective

from the February, 2015 issue of Kiai!

By Brett Schatzle
Yellow Belt and ASK Volunteer

Since August, 2014, I’ve had the great privilege of being part of the ASK (Adapted Seido Karate) program. When I first decided to volunteer, I didn’t know much about the program other than it is designed for kids with disabilities. Upon completion of my first class, it became obvious to me that this program is much more than just working with children who have disabilities. I quickly learned that it is the heart and dedication from everyone involved – from the teachers, to the kids, to the parents – that keeps the program successful in order to give these kids the best of what Seido karate has to offer.

The concept first began when Thousand Waves recognized that people with disabilities experience violence at highly elevated rates, and that youth are among the most frequent targets of bullying. The emphasis was then turned to responding to this particular situation by creating an ongoing program to serve people with disabilities.

ASK volunteers celebrate Frank and Tom's promotion at Thousand Waves.

In 2005, Sei Shihan Nancy was approached about teaching summer camp at RIC (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). She forwarded the request to all black belts, and Sensei Rebecca Angevine and Senpai Max Kuroda responded. Sensei Rebecca and Senpai Max taught two camp classes with about 30 kids and camp counselors, and it was a blast. Sensei Rebecca saw the potential for an ongoing program, and, with the support of Sei Shihan Nancy and Jun Shihan Sarah, a partnership with the RIC was formed. The combination of strengths and resources from both organizations resulted in creating the ASK program, which has become highly successful since its first class on November 13, 2005.

Since then, ASK has been coordinated by Sensei Rebecca together with a dedicated team of adult and teen volunteers who provide hands-on, individual assistance to help every student succeed. What once started with four active students in a small conference room at RIC has grown to 20 active students in two large rooms at the Drucker Center. Hundreds of children have taken part in the classes over the years, learning both physical and verbal self-defense strategies while building strength and self-confidence, all while having fun. And, as a result of the student growth, the volunteers have grown over the years with 17 current active members today.

During my short time of being a volunteer, I have come to greatly admire the teachers and to be greatly inspired by the kids. I learn something new with every class, either from the teachers or from the kids, and I end up getting much more out of an hour and a half class than I could ever bring to the table. The thing I admire most about this program and its teachers is that the kids aren’t treated like they have any sort of disability. The kids are treated like kids, and they are encouraged to go outside of their physical limitations to try the movements, even if it is difficult for them. There is no special treatment. There is no I can’t. There is only try. I love that. I love that because I think all of us can relate.

We tend to set our own boundaries by telling ourselves that we “can’t” do something, and sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Watching these kids go outside of their comfort zones a little to try something difficult serves as a personal reminder for me that if they can always try, then I should always try whether it be in karate, court reporting school, or just everyday life. This concept seems so simple, but sometimes life gets in the way, and the simple reminders are needed to keep me grounded. When we try, we grow, and, in my short time as a volunteer, I have seen these kids grow as young karateka with each class, and, in return, learning from them has allowed me to grow as well.

This growth was showcased back in October, 2014, when I had the honor of testing with two of the ASK students, Frankie and Tom, for color belt promotion. I was testing for my yellow belt, and they were testing for advanced yellow. It was quite exciting to see the two of them out there with the rest of us, and nothing made me happier than to see them earn their advanced yellow belt stripes after all of their hard work was recognized in front of the rest of the Thousand Waves family. It was such a special time for them. Since then, more students have continued to succeed.

In January, 2015, ASK had its very first student rank as brown belt. Joshua was able to come to Thousand Waves and test for his promotion with the other Youth program color belts, and he did a phenomenal job. His story is particularly special because there was a time he didn’t think he could continue with the ASK program due to schoolwork and other responsibilities. With assistance from Sensei Rebecca, he was able to manage his time better so he could attend karate class, he turned in his written test on time, and, in the end, the result of his dedication came to fruition making all of us proud.

Both of these stories are a great testament of all of the hard work and dedication Sensei Rebecca has put forth from the beginning to nurture the growth of the program as well as all of the volunteers and parents over the years who have taken time out to help make the program a success. The kids are provided a solid structure in class, and they follow this leadership and work hard in return. Their success is rewarding for everyone involved.

My time at ASK has been such a rewarding experience for me. The kids are so great. They are funny, smart, and sweet, and an afternoon with them is always a good one. In them I see strength because I see the essence of not only the karateka spirit, but the human spirit, which is to persevere and never give up. Who wouldn’t be inspired by that?