The Hernandez family has three children, two of whom are PowerUP Scholars, and their daily lives are filled with challenges. Their oldest child, Emily, has a speech impediment, while older brother Mateo has been diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and severe allergies. Mateo struggles to complete tasks in class and has fallen behind in some subjects. Meanwhile, the youngest brother, Noah, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, which made it difficult for him to do things that other children his age could easily do, like riding a bike or making friends. However, martial arts has opened up a world of possibilities for the family and given the boys an extra support system.
Early on in my conversation with their mother, she shared that if it weren’t for the free martial arts classes provided by PowerUP, they would have never known how much Mateo and Noah were capable of achieving. Noah used to attend physical, occupational, and speech therapies three times a week before starting martial arts. He struggled with balance, but after months of training, he no longer needs physical therapy. Martial arts has helped him improve his balance, and he’s now one of the best in his class at jumping rope and riding his bike.
Noah has also found role models and friendship through martial arts. He loves to imitate his Warriors Forever Martial Arts instructors in class and has even showcased his talent with the Nunchakus in front of crowds at community demonstrations. He has built respectful and healthy friendships and is now open to hugs, which is a significant improvement from before. His parents hope that Noah will one day become a martial arts instructor and lead a healthy and passionate life.
Mateo, on the other hand, uses the mental aspects of martial arts to help him with his daily life. He takes double or triple the time it would take a typical student to complete tasks due to his allergies and illnesses. Despite his struggles, his instructors and family at WFMA have been accommodating and work hard to make sure he doesn’t fall behind. Martial arts has given Mateo an extra support system to help him navigate his challenges.
The Hernandez family emphasizes that their children have found an extra support system through martial arts that makes them feel less alone or different. PowerUP and Warriors Forever Martial Arts have been instrumental in providing their children with opportunities to grow and thrive.
After my conversation with their mother, I believe the most impactful thing she said was this:
“Our kids have found an extra support system in martial arts, they don’t feel alone or different.”
Consider sponsoring a student or partnering with the program in the future. A $1,000 donation could support two students like Mateo and Noah for an entire year.
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Please note, names in this story have been changed to protect family privacy.
