Autism Empowerment Testimonials

My son Austen started Ninjutsu at Elite Training Center in April of 2010. Austen has a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome and has never been interested in sports or much physical activity of any kind. We had always felt that a martial art could be a good fit for Austen. When we learned about the Autism Empowerment class offered at Elite Training Center we were thrilled and enrolled Austen right away.

The growth we have seen in our son since he began classes is immeasurable. Sensei Hakim and Ms. Dauphine are absolutely wonderful. There is such an atmosphere of respect and patience. Not only has Austen gained more focus and self-discipline, he has developed friendships and is learning to work as a team.

When it came time to renew it was a “no brainer”, how could we not continue with a program that is so beneficial.

Summer M.

My son, Austin, started training in the art of Ninjutsu at the Elite Training Center about 3 months ago.  My son, who has high functioning autism, has never been an athletic kid.  This is pretty typical of kids on the autism spectrum.   In fact, Austin never asked to participate in any sports activities until recently.  After he watched “Kung Fu Panda” Austin was very interested in taking a martial arts class.  After looking around town for a place to take classes, we found the Elite Training Center.

Kids with autism are always working on social skills.  Social settings tend to be confusing because the rules are constantly changing.  Kids on the spectrum have difficulty judging social situations and knowing how to act/react.  Consequently, I had to find just the right place for Austin to take classes.

My first impression of the Elite Training Center was very positive.  Hakim Isler, the owner and instructor, spent time with us and explained the program.  He seemed to intuitively understand my son’s needs.  He gently requested that Austin look him in the eye when he shook hands.  He explained why eye contact was important and asked Austin to try again.

This is just one example why we chose the Elite Training Center.  Austin’s Ninjutsu class has become an important place for him to learn about Ninjutsu, get valuable exercise, and practice important social skills.  Mr. Isler has proven to not only be a strong leader and teacher, but also a great role model for how to interact with a young teen on the spectrum.   There is an atmosphere of mutual respect and acceptance of all people during classes.  The more advanced students help the novices.  Students of all ability levels are shown patience and respect.  More importantly, my son has found a “home away from home” where he is showing more confidence and better skills.  Mr. Isler has high expectations but he also maintains an atmosphere of discipline and dedication.  Students are rewarded for hard work and consistent attendance, as well as skill development.

Debra G. Ph.D.

I can’t even begin to tell you the benefits I have seen in my son, Darrian, from the opportunity to join the Autism Empowerment program. Darrian has moderate level autism, is only partially verbal and has always had a hard time following directions, making friends and communicating. Through the Empowerment program, Darrian has made real friends for the first time in his life that he recognizes and addresses by name. He has learned to follow directions, wait his turn, and a great deal of body awareness with the martial arts portion which I understand is difficult for children with his disorder. He has learned that questions require answers and that engaging with other children and adults is not only fun but helps him understand himself better. I have seen his school work get better, his teachers have commented on his new ability to focus and he seems much, much happier in general.

As his mother, I have learned that my son is more capable than I gave him credit for and the instructors have demonstrated ways to teach my son new skills. I, myself, have made friends with other parents in my same situation and the whole atmosphere is one of compassion, understanding and tolerance. I have never felt judged as a parent when going to class with my son.

In short, I can not thank you enough for allowing us this chance to try something new. It has really changed the way I view my son’s differences. I feel much less alone as a parent and I pray some day other parents can get the opportunity we did. Mr. Hakim and Ms. Dauphine are very special people and our lives are better for knowing them. Thank you for everything you have done!

Destiny S.

My son, Cameron, started attending Ninjitsu classes at the Elite Training Center in August 2009.  Cameron has a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome.  He has never been interested in participating in any sports activities.  Last year he became interested in swords and ninja-type weapons.  While at the weapons store at Market Fair Mall, we saw a flyer on the entrance for the Elite Training Center, so I asked Cameron if he would be interested in taking some classes.  I called and inquired about availability and was told that Cameron could attend two classes for free to see if Ninjitsu was something he might enjoy before committing ourselves and him to a contract.  The positive atmosphere and the camaraderie among the students and the instructor was more than we could have imagined.  All of the students introduced themselves to Cameron and while in class would tell him what a great job he was doing and high five him.  The instructor Hakim, smiled, looked Cameron directly in the eye, introduced himself, asked Cameron his name and shook his hand.  After that first class, we were hooked.  Cameron loved his first two free classes and asked us if he could sign up.  We chose to sign Cameron up for a six-month session since so he could receive his white Ghi.

The great things we feel the Elite Training Center and Hakim have given our son is a positive outlook, he earns stripes on his belt, which gives him self confidence; he learns proper handling his ninja weapons; he exercises and learns about keeping his body physically fit; he has learned about leadership by leading exercises in classes; commitment and discipline; and a group of peers that are helpful and friendly.  As with most Aspergers Syndrome people, their attention span is rather short.  Cameron didn’t want to return to Ninjitsu after the Christmas Holiday.  I told him that we signed a six-month contract, which was a big commitment and that he has learned about commitment in Ninjitsu and that he needed to fulfill his commitment.  He agreed and went back to class.  After class, Hakim spoke to Cameron about his Ninja oath and about commitment and discipline.  He was very positive with Cameron and told him that whatever he decided to do after this session, he would support him.  Hakim and the Elite Training Center have been professional, helpful, friendly, patient, and caring from the first day we walked through the door.  I hope Cameron continues with Ninjitsu at the Elite Training Center.

Diana and Manuel W.