BOSTON (WHDH) — Many people take taekwondo classes for strength and enjoyment but for some, the classes are teaching a far greater lesson.
It’s just like any other taekwondo class, Master Josh Sharp teaches.
“We start them off with basic taekwondo moves, strikes, blocks, stretches, exercises,” said Master Josh Sharp, Taekwondo instructor.
Then it gets more extreme.
“You have to look at it and think about where you’re going to punch and then practice a little bit, like we’re doing here and then you go one, two and then you go through,” said student BJ Maple.
But for each student, breaking a board serves a more important purpose.
“You just keep trying and that’s how you get it,” said Taekwondo student Allen Bublitz.
Master Sharp created therapy Thursdays, to work with students who have disabilities.
“Sometimes I need help, but most of the time I can do it by myself,” said Bublitz.
“He has a lot of kids who watch over him and they all help each other out. They have a good time. I’m very glad we did it,” said Bill Bublitz, Allen’s father.
“Knowing that it’s been hard for him to make friends at school and everything but being able to see the relationship that he’s building out here in this class, yea it’s all worth it,” said Bryan Maple, BJ’s father.
For Sharp, whose own daughter has cerebral palsy, teaching these bright young men is a highlight of his week.
“It’s a great feeling. The kids come in and – you know, everybody comes in and bows and shakes your hand – but with these kids they just come in and give you a hug. Just makes you feel great. Even when you have a bad day, they just makes you feel great,” said Master Sharp.
Not only do these students learn taekwondo, they have also made many new friendships.