Six young students with autism are getting an opportunity to learn new skills as part of a martial arts training program.
The Melbourne Sport and Street Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy in Albanvale has had six students with autism recently join their training program.
Maurice Novoa, who founded the club in 2011, said the students practice different movements of Kung Fu using special wooden dummies built specifically for this martial art, as well as leather wall bags filled with rice to practice blows with the fists and elbows.
He said the academy was committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students to learn
“The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports the integration of people with disabilities into society by providing professional and financial help to their families,” he said.
“This includes paying for Kung Fu classes for autistic students, like those who attend Maurice’s academy.”
In addition to teaching autistic students, Mr Novoa also instructs Nicolas, a young man with Asperger’s, a branch of autism with milder symptoms.
“This student has been progressing rapidly in his martial arts training because he can also take classes with neurotypical students, unlike the other autistic students who do not yet have the ability to train alone or with others,” Mr Novoa said.
