THERAPEUTIC (Special Needs) MARTIAL ARTS
Facilitating Personal Empowerment for All!
Sirota’s Alchymy & Special Needs:
We have been in the forefront of globally pioneering, creating and implementing Martial Arts and Self-Defense Programs for people with various Special Needs and Impairments. Our mission is to use the various modalities to create an empowering environment for all to grow physically, emotionally and psychologically.
We offer Group and Individualized Training Programs for children, youth and adults at our Richmond and Vancouver locations.
Master Michael Sirota and Sirota’s Alchymy is internationally recognized as the pioneer and leader of therapeutic martial arts and Para-Taekwondo. We have received various awards for our inclusive and life-changing programs.
Sirota’s Alchymy has been offering specialty programs for the following groups:
Sightless Self-Defense – Program specifically designed for people who are visually impaired. Courses have been offered both at our Centre as well as specially created for organizations, including the Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
Self-Defense for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities – We have partnered with various local, provincial and international organizations to offer self-defense programs specifically created for people living with mobility disabilities. Individuals with Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Cerebral Palsy, Polio, Spina Bifida and other mobility disorders have become empowered via our programs.
Special Needs Martial Arts – Since 1999, Sirota’s Alchymy caring and compassionate instructors have instructed hundreds of special needs children and youth on martial arts, personal safety and well as positive life skills. Our ongoing classes are recommended by teachers, professionals, special needs organizations and parents.
Individualized Training Programs – This program is for individuals who require a one-on-one training environment with our instructors. In addition to enhancing the child’s physical and technical development, instructors place great emphasis on communication skills, positive behavior implementation and integration training for the child. This program is suitable for children who are too young for our group lessons or are currently working with extensive disabilities.
Rehab Do – Sirota’s Alchymy created a program utilizing martial arts training to enhance the physical development of an individual overcoming various injuries. This custom-made program has been well received by people with brain injuries, physical traumas and behavior challenges.
Camps & Workshops – Every year, The Alchymy hosts numerous courses, workshops and camps for individuals with special needs and disabilities. These programs have been offered both at our Martial Arts Centre as well as various other local organizations.
Demonstrations and Presentations – Our amazing Para-Taekwondo Demonstration Team has inspired our community with their amazing and motivational martial arts performances. Our Demo Team is available to present at your community event. Please contact us for additional information.
Programs for Individuals with Imbalances, Disorders & Disabilities
We welcome individuals with the following diagnosis/impairments:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Visual Impairment/Blindness
- Hard of Hearing/Deafness
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Down Syndrome
- Catastrophic Injury/Brain Injury
- Mobility Impairment (Paraplegic/Quadriplegic/Polio/Spina Bifida)
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Developmental Disorders/Learning Disabilities
- Muscle/Skeletal Degenerative Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Fetal Alcohol Disorder
- Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia
If someone in your family has been diagnosed with any of the disorders listed above, we believe that Martial Arts Training at Sirota’s Alchymy would be angreat asset!
Why Therapeutic Martial Arts at Sirota’s Alchymy for yourself or your child?
- We have over 19 years of experience working with individuals with various special abilities
- We incorporate life skills into our martial arts classes
- We understand your child and how to work with him/her
- We provide an inclusive community at our martial arts schools where truly everyone is welcome
- Our instructors are skilled in various teaching methodologies and continue to upgrade themselves on an ongoing basis
- We are constantly recommended by professionals such as doctors, therapists and disability organizations
- Families may be eligible to use their Autism Funding from the Ministry
- Our students have been financially supported by various organizations such as variety, CKNW Orphans Fund, KidSport and JumpStart. Children who are home-schooled or are distant learners may be eligible for funding.
- Our programs and teachings are adapted and yielding
- Master Michael Sirota is considered the Global Leader and Pioneer of Therapeutic Martial Arts and Para-Taekwondo. He worksin various capacities nationally and internationally. He has certified Taekwondo Instructors in over thirty countries teaching individuals with special abilities. Master Sirota is one of very few Canadian Martial Arts Masters who have been inducted into several International Martial Arts and Taekwondo Hall of Fames for his inspirational work in this field.
“Thank You Master Sirota for your guidance, inspiration and creative improvisation in creating martial arts classes for people who have disabilities.”
Vivian Garcia, B.C. Paraplegic Association
“Michael is a incredibly gifted teacher and innovator. His insight and patience in dealing with special-needs children is inspiring. He is always looking for ways to learn from his students. Therefore, his special-needs classes are constantly evolving. Excellent work! This man is a treasure to our community.”
Victoria Warfield
“Michael is a fabulous and excellent person because he supported the deaf and hard of hearing children for encouraging them in the taekwondo program. I observed the children who gave a lot of smile and enjoyed there. His staff learned a basic sign language to communicate the deaf and hard of hearing children during the program. I found him that he worked well with us.”
Roger Chan
Sign Language Specialist at BC Public Service
“Michael has been providing an extremely important service to individuals with disabilities in British Columbia for many years. He teaches a modified martial arts program to this population which is by no means an easy task. He is an unselfish dedicated teacher who is having a positive impact on the lives of so many. We are fortunate to indeed have individuals like Michael in our community who serve as inspirational leaders for us all.”
John Millard
Executive Director at Cheshire Homes Society of British Columbia
“Michael is a dedicated professional, who is committed to the development of taekwondo for all. He has developed Special needs and Para programs to create an all inclusive training environment for his students regardless of Mental or physical ability. We can learn a lot from him.”
Martin Fleming
President – Irish Taekwondo Union
Council Member – European Taekwondo Union
“There are few people with a passion for their industry like Michael. I have always been impressed with his loyalty and commitment to making lives better for persons with disability. He is truly an inspiration.”
Dr. David Legg
President (past) – Canadian Paralympic Committee
“Sirota Alchemy has been a blessing in my sons life. My son has made friends and everyone treats all as one- no difference because of disability. They believe in abilities and it takes special people which they are. I highly recommend them.”
Preet Brar
“Our daughter who is 16 and in a wheelchair does the adapted martial arts program at Sirota’s Alchemy. She loves going to class every week. We’ve noticed that her strength and perseverance has increased. Master Michael is a fabulous instructor and very passionate about working with people with special needs. All of the other instructors seem great as well. Would highly recommend Sirotas Alchemy!”
Chris Hall
“We originally signed up because our child needed to learn a better sense of balance and we walked away with so much more. Sirota’s alchemy has been so incredibly patient with our child who easily loses focus. We have noticed an increase in positive behaviors during our time here. They have managed to motivate him and help him stay on task. Thank you!~”
Angela Nee
“Teacher Justyhn is very patient with my son who has autism. He is very attentive and organize to our changing schedule. He takes cares of my sons’ interest and always tries to include it in the excursuses to make them fun and keep him engaged. Additionally, he always checks in and provides through feedback of what occurred during the session.”
Carmen Chan
Methodologies – How will it work?
Personal Victory and the “Yes, I Can!” Attitude – By focusing on Personal Excellence and Personal Victory in our teachings, all students will experience growth.The feelings of personal accomplishments, will nurture the ‘Yes, I Can!’ attitude, resulting in an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem. The long term effects will increase the students self-identity and self-worth.
Positive Lifestyle – Our programs encourage each participant to make martial arts a positive addition to their lifestyle, promoting a heathy Mind, Body & Heart.
Self-Empowerment is our Goal – Our programs are created so that every person can participate and experience growth on all levels. Self-empowerment occurs when the individual removes or overcomes their personal blocks, self-imposed limitations and fears and replaces them with inner strength, self-confidence and love for the Self. It is our quest to help each student become self-empowered applying the tools of martial arts.
Instill Positive Life Skills – The Tenets or Virtues of Martial Arts are incorporated in our daily classes. Via our programs, students learn the value of these virtues and the application of them in their daily endeavors.
The Mind/Body Link – Martial arts training is a Right-Brain activity. This allows students who have difficulty learning in more conventional ways an opportunity to excel and build their inner self. Martial Arts is great for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD and Learning Disabilities such as dyslexia.
Customized Training – Our classes are constantly customized for the needs of our students. Students are typically grouped with others that are working on similar attributes. We fully embrace the belief that everything is possible with work, dedication and commitment.
Advancement & Acknowledgment – Since Martial Arts training promotes personal best rather than competition against others. Children with special needs feel safe and comfortable striving for their own personal best in our classes. Our students also are integrated in all of our Centre’s activities including Rank Promotion Testings, Demonstrations, Shows and other events that we host throughout the year
Grounding – Grounding exercises are incorporated into our classes. This process of dynamic contact with the earth. Through constant grounding, students with imbalances such as ADD, epilepsy and autism have a healthy and productive way to channel and release their abundance of energy.
Application – It is mission to see transformation on all levels in the student. As the student experiences positive changes and growth, the positive attitude will be carried out in all of life’s endeavors.
Collaboration – Sirota’s Alchymy works together with the students family, caregivers, advisers and organizations to fully facilitate growth of the Whole Individual. We believe that this synergy is the key to the students growth and development.
Benefits of training at Sirota’s Alchymy
- Excellent Student/Instructor Ratio – Instructors are experienced, knowledgeable & caring
- Improved Motor Skills, Dexterity & Coordination
- Improved Focus, Attention-Span & Concentration to learn and grow
- An enhancement of Inter-Personal and Social Skills
- Self-Motivation and Enthusiasm to learn, grow and Improve on an ongoing basis
- An in crease in Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
- Attainment of Self-Control of the Physical and Emotional Body
- Having a Positive Outlook
- A sense of Personal Acceptance and Pride in Oneself and one’s Accomplishments
- Focusing on the Self and Personal Alchymy
- Focusing on The Journey not the Destination
Individualized Personal Training (private lessons)
Customized One-on-One Training for Optimal Results
Sirota’s Alchymy offers individualized personal training (IPT) programs for individuals of all skill levels, needs and ages. The IPT allows a one-on-one class with an Alchymy Instructor that will address the specific needs/goal of the participant.
The IPT is great for individuals who require a customized program due to their stage of development, high levels of anxiety, safety and/or enhanced life skills integration.
Our Certified Instructors are ready to work with your child to see them grow and prosper in all aspects of their life.
Please contact Sirota’s Alchymy for further information on our Therapeutic Martial Arts Programs.