There were smiles and happy tears all round when a group of 14 people with intellectual disabilities received their red belts in Zanshin martial arts on Thursday.
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The Sunnyfield Disability Services clients have been learning all the skills and maneuvers over the past six months at Premier Martial Arts and Fitness at Rutherford.
And their instructor Tyler McMahon says they've all come a long way in that time.
From not wanting to get off the bus to learning how to kick and defend themselves, Mr McMahon said he was extremely proud of their progress.
"It's been amazing to see their individual journeys," he said.
"They've learnt self defence and basic take downs, but also things like focus and discipline. They've definitely gained more confidence too."
It just melts your heart.
- Instructor Tyler McMahon
Mr McMahon said it was incredible to see the smiles on the faces of all the participants.
"It just melts your heart," he said.
Sunnyfield support workers Julie Gray and Chris Hall agreed that everyone had made great progress and also commended Mr McMahon on his efforts.
"Some of them couldn't kick before they came and now they can," Ms Gray said.
"Tyler's been so amazing."
As well as the red belts, the students all received a certificate with a wolf on it as they are now part of the Premier Martial Arts and Fitness 'wolf pack'.
In the news
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
