A love of Martial Arts combined with a passion for working with children with special needs.
Amanda is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant since 2002 who moved to San Diego from New York in 2015. She has been working with children with special needs since 1999, beginning her career as a teacher assistant at the preschool her sister attended as a child with spina bifida.
It has been Amanda’s dream for years to combine her love of martial arts with her passion of working with children with special needs; whether it’s autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, learning disabilities, hearing/vision deficits, etc. She has studied karate, Muay Thai, and jiu-jitsu since 2006 and has competed in kickboxing and grappling on an amateur level. Coaching is her passion and Amanda believes martial arts has many benefits to all children, but particiularly children who have difficulties with sensory processing, attention span, focusing on tasks, impulse control, body awareness, and low muscle strength. Amanda has taught adaptive martial arts and self defense at South East Consortium for Special Services, Inc., We Rock the Spectrum, Gigi’s Playhouse, The Challenge Center and various martial arts gyms in the San Diego area.
Special thanks must be given to Marco. For all his hard work, time and patience; in aiding Amanda with her classes.
Classes are available at the following locations:
San Diego Martial Arts and Community Center – Morena
980 Buenos Ave #1C
San Diego, CA 92110
Mondays | 6:00pm for kids (ages 5+)
Arts in Motion Dance Studio – El Cajon
237 East Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
Tuesdays | 5:30pm
Normal Heights Community Center
4649 Hawley Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92116
Wednesdays | 6:00pm for kids (ages 5+)
Versus Jiu-Jitsu – La Mesa
6195 Lake Murray Blvd
La Mesa, CA 91942
Saturdays
12:00pm – 1:00pm for kids (ages 5+)
1:00pm – 1:00pm for cubs (ages 3-5)
San Diego Martial Arts and Community Center – Morena
980 Buenos Ave # 1c,
San Diego, CA 92110
Sundays | 12:00pm
APEX Training Center – National City
1041 Highland Avenue
National City, CA 91950
Sundays
4:00pm for kids (ages 5+)
5:00pm for cubs (ages 3-5)
Benefits
All kids of all abilities are welcomed! Students can expect to gain the following from attending
Amandas Adaptive Martial Arts Certification Course is Now Available
These products are available for purchase before and after all classes.
Gloves
Suggested Donation – $55
Kids Pullover Hoodie
Suggested Donation – $35
Kids Shirts
Suggested Donation – $25
Donate Today!
Amanda’s Adaptive Martial Arts is a 501c non-profit organization. We are committed to bringing the fitness and social benefits of martial arts to any child who desires it.
100% of the donations we receive will be directed towards offering a sliding scale to children who could not otherwise afford to participate.
A single $20 donation can allow a child to try a class for free. A $100 donation can bring a month of weekly classes within reach for a family that cannot afford to pay. Donations are tax deductible.
Amanda and her entire dojo thank you for considering a donation!
In the news
Amanda’s Adaptive Martial Arts was recently recognized by Shoutout Socal.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure.
