An Orange County martial arts program has combined the practice of karate with the knowledge of occupational therapy to help children and teens with special needs thrive.
Wayne Centra, also known to his students as Sensei Wayne, is the founder and director of Karate For All in Tustin. Centra is a certified occupational therapist and 4th-degree black belt who has been helping those with developmental and special needs for decades.
“There are so many things about this activity that help a child in so many different ways,” Centra said. “Our goal as occupational therapists is, ‘How do we help our kids to be able to thrive in many different environments?’”
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Wayne Centra, also known to his students as Sensei Wayne, is the founder and director of Karate For All in Tustin. (KTLA) -
Children with special needs and their parents attend a session at Karate For All in Tustin. (KTLA) -
Sensei Wayne gives a high-five to a young student named Brendan who has autism. (KTLA)
Centra was inspired to create Karate For All while working with young patients in pediatric oncology.
“They were having a hard time being motivated to do things,” he explained. “So rather than having a child do traditional therapy, I would have them do a kick or a punch, and it would progress from one punch to two punches, from five kicks to 10 kicks. I saw that it gave the kids motivation to keep moving forward.”
“What differentiates Sensei Wayne is that he understands autistic kids,” said Jennifer Richman, whose son, Brendan, is a student at Karate For All. “Brendan came here when he was nonverbal. Sadly, he experienced extreme bullying in public schools. About a year-and-a-half later, Brendan’s an orange belt. They helped him find his voice.”
“My end goal is not for our kids to be the best black belts or champions, but to thrive and function in school, in society, at home — wherever they’re going to be,” Centra said.
More information about Karate For All can be found here.
