Well, it's official. I'll be meeting with my lawyer on Wednesday, and we'll be starting the process of licensing the Blind Justice(tm) System of Self Defense to the International Disabled Self Defense Association (IDSA). The founder of the IDSA is quite an amazing guy. His name is Jurgen Schmidt. He's a 7th Degree Black Belt in Combat Hapkido, which is quite impressive to begin with. Now, add in the fact that he's paralyzed from the waist down, and you're talking incredible!
I'll be maintaining full ownership of the name and the system, and will head a small committee that will approve any modifications to the system.
By joining forces with the IDSA and their extensive network in the disabled community, it will allow the Blind Justice(tm) system to reach a much broader audience. In addition, I'll be starting my training (as soon as I get the materials in) to become a certified IDSA instructor. Once certified, I'll not only be teaching self defense to the sight impaired, but also to wheelchair patients and other disabled people (crutches, etc.). I'm going to be placed on the IDSA Board of Directors and head up the division involving self defense for the blind. Seems that they were in the process of developing a curriculum for a self defense course for the blind, and here I come, with a course already in hand. A marriage made in Heaven. <grin>
Needless to say, I'm VERY excited about this!
In addition, this will be helping the Choroideremia Research Foundation. Seeing as how the IDSA is a business, their instructors will be charging to teach the Blind Justice(tm) system. A portion of what they charge will be donated to the CRF. I'll be doing the same thing with the money that I'll be making from teaching at rehab clinics and such. I'm going to be the first and ONLY certified IDSA instructor in the Northeast. Matter of fact, the closest certified instructor to me is in Maryland, so I'm looking at a pretty vast untapped market. You can check out the IDSA website at www.defenseability.com
and, of course, lol, what Cory failed to mention is the IDSA headquarters are located in NC.... so.... North Carolinians get ready for his visit please, please, folks - stay in line and get your own number
That's right... No applause, please, just throw the money. No change, it hurts!
Sarge? When I DO come down there, I'll be staying in your 'hood while I certify. I'll be staying with my good friend/mentor/father figure/retired minister Neal Lund, who lives in Leicester, NC. The IDSA quarters are in Asheville...
My kids are both in Tae Kwon Do and my son who is 9 and has a disability is doing so well in it. They have formulated his own separate goals and they just love working with him. There are some incredible people there who are really excited about learning some sign language in the process as well. It truly shows how invaluable it is for my son.
Keep up the good work! People with disabilities need these types of activities too.
Tae Kwon Do is one of the two styles that I hold 2nd Dan Black Belts in. Tell your son that if he thinks it's tough doing this stuff with hearing disablilities, try doing any type of spinning kick when you have no side vision or depth perception... AND hit the target!
My son does not have a hearing impairment. He just uses sign language because he hardly speaks. He does, however, have the depth perception problems as he has Sensory Integration Dysfunction which affects all of his 7 senses in some way or another, especially proprioceptive and vestibular senses. So I do understand some of what you face but not all. I have had lots of input in what they do with Cameron and have come up with many suggestions for them. They are real receptive to my ideas to help Cameron do the punches and kicks and he's doing really well--it's exciting! I have done a ton of reading regarding my sons disorder (especially sensory related) and have found things that can help him and it certainly benefits him in Tae Kwon Do.
I'm thrilled to see you doing what your doing!!!!!
This message has been edited by hurt288 on May 11, 2004 8:02 PM
Charlie, if he really gets into the arts, his next step when he's done with TKD might be a grappling art, such as Jiu Jitsu or Judo. Once you get a hold of your opponent, no sight at all is required.
Other good arts are Hapkido and Aikido. The first is Korean, the 2nd Japanese. Both teach you to use your opponents energy and leverage against them and involve such things as usage of pressure points, joint locks and throws. The system for the blind that I've developed is mainly basic Hapkido techniques, combined with techniques using a standard blind person's cane that I've developed on my own.
You taught me that there is a certain strength that comes from inside that has nothing to do with muscle or brawn. Learning from you has given me a well to draw from during some pretty dark times.
You are such a fine teacher. You might include a line under career progression for "Help faceless strangers stop drowning in their own tears"
Cory, you sound so passionate about this. I wish you every success. I am lucky to have witnessed the birth of something worthwhile. Thank you for sharing with us.
"Charlie, if he really gets into the arts, his next step when he's done with TKD might be a grappling art, such as Jiu Jitsu or Judo"
Cory
I'll be happy if he can get to black belt in TKD actually. Of course, if he want's to do more after that then it would be great. I wanted him in this mostly because I know how kids pick on other kids and I want him to be able to defend himself if anyone gives him problems in the future--especially since he does not speak. Same as my 7-year-old.
Jo
"Charlie, your son is one blessed little boy to have such a great mom like you!!"
