The “Yes, I Can” Spirit!

Becky Boswell, ASCV Executive Director

Have you heard?
Martial Arts World is teaming up with the Autism Society Central Virginia (ASCV) for their October 25^th Competition and Exhibition at Clover Hill High School in Midlothian, VA. What you might think of as an unlikely pairing is truly a growing relationship between the two organizations. When you enter a Martial Arts World center, you are very likely to hear the students chanting, “Yes, I Can” as they go through their steps. That “Yes, I Can” attitude is also reflected in the vision of the Autism Society Central VA for all individuals on the autism spectrum.

The mission of the Autism Society Central VA (ASCV) is to improve the lives of ALL affected by autism. With the current prevalence rate of 1:68 children (1:42 boys), autism affects many individuals and families in our community, including many students and staff members of the area Martial Arts World (MAW) locations. When considering a non-profit organization to partner with for their Annual Exhibition and Competition, MAW Masters chose the ASCV because of their relevance to the community and the impact the fundraiser could have for individuals with autism and their families.

Gretchen Reeson, the General Manager of the Martial Arts World West End, shared this personal story about her experiences with both MAW and the ASCV and why this event is so important to her and her family

I started MAW training with my 3 children and 5 year old son, Ryan, who has autism, over 10 years ago. After trying many sports and activities that just didn’t work for Ryan, I found Martial Arts World of West End. Master Erik Hubley was so patient with Ryan and took different approaches to figure out what would work for HIM. And low and behold, Ryan liked it and felt he could be successful at it too! Fast forward 10 years later, and I am now working for Martial Arts World as a General Manager, and one of the reasons is Master Hubley’s commitment to children of ALL capabilities, but especially his ease with children on the autism spectrum. Ryan does not train as regularly as some students but Master Hubley still takes an active role in motivating him regarding school work and behavior. It’s not just our location either, Master Michael Bugg in Chester has given special training to all Martial Arts World location staff to be sensitive and alert to the fact that all children are different and therefore require different approaches to learning. I am so excited that we are supporting the ASCV because without community support as a parent of a child with autism I would be lost. And the ASCV does so many good things for families in our community, including providing resources, trainings, workshops, social events, and programs for all ages and stages on the spectrum! I am excited to be a part of this event that will help raise money so they can do even more!

We hope you will join us on October 25^th and catch the “Yes, I Can” Spirit too!

Important details of the MAW event:

Date: Saturday, October 25^th

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Clover Hill High School, 13301 Kelly Green Lane, Midlothian, VA 23112

Details: Fun, Family Event to Support the Autism Society Central VA

Martial Arts Performance teams of children and adults from all over the country competing for National Title for Celebrity Judges and Grandmaster Y.K. Kim.

Tickets are $9.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door – all proceeds to benefit the Autism Society Central VA, for tickets call 804-673-5200 or email greeson@mawwestend.com