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Wednesday February 08, 2012

Karate Can-Do! Just Imagine


Karate is not new to kids, and kids are never too new for Karate. I remember when my older son, now 15, tried his kicks at Karate at the North Shore Dojo in Glenview. I was in awe over the near toddlers in the class with cuffs of their Gi’s (that’s the white uniform) almost as high as the leg itself. From the bleachers it was clear that Karate at North Shore Dojo, was not just another afterschool sport program, rather, as Sensei Kohn describes it “It’s a magical place” .

Back then I witnessed the magic myself and less than a week ago, I experienced how that magic can turn into miracles. You see, North Shore Dojo now splits its instructional time and passion with kids who courageously live with physical challenges. Sensei explains that a large majority of these kids cope with autism, aspergers, prosthetics, and host of other physical disabilities.

That brings us to 12-year-old, Karate student Alan Brint. Through my kids, I had heard about Alan. I was told he was amazing, and a regular kid, blind since birth. So when it turned out that he was the subject of this story I was excited, and confused.

How would a blind kid be able to see a punch coming?
Defend himself?
And, learn what other’s who see struggle with???


Alan Brint, Can Do More Than He, or His Parents Envisioned


That’s the whole point. That’s the miracle and the magic. Through Sensei Kohn’s 501C Non-For-Profit Karate Can-Do! Foundation kids CAN DO what they and their parents may never have dreamed possible.

In fact, this is just the beginning. The Karate Can-Do! Foundation is dedicated to building more and more and more of these opportunities. To help special needs kids reach their fullest potential through the teachings and techniques of karate – a martial arts discipline improving physical, cognitive and emotional health. To coach and train these students so they can participate in the Special Olympics and Paralymics (in 2012 or 2016). To set up scholarships, give back to the medical community, establish mentoring programs, and finally to transform North Shore Dojo to a state-of-the-art facility to continue these breakthrough programs.

To get involved and discover more
Call North Shore Dojo: (847) 729-0001


Loren Greiff