In The News... Master Michael Sirota has been inducted in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in the category of 'Outstanding Contributions in the Martial Arts' for his pioneering and developing work for people with special needs and disabilities. Did you know that you may be eligible to apply your child's Autism Funding towards our martial arts & Life Skills Programs. Please contact Master Michael Sirota for complete details. Master Michael Sirota has been presented with Instructor License and a 3rd Dan Black Belt by the International Disabled Self-Defense Association (IDSA). He has also been appointed as Director and Program Adminstrator for the IDSA. Master Sirota has been appointed as the first Para Taekwondo Committe Chairperson of Taekwondo Canada. His Vision of Special Needs Martial Arts will be delivered throughout Canada!

Master Michael Sirota inducted into Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame in the Category of "Outstanding Contributions to the Martial Arts" Atlantic City, USA 2009

• Sightless Self-Defense - Program specifically designed for people who are visually impaired. Courses have been offered both at our Centre as well as specially created for organizations, including the Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
• Self-Defense for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities - We have partnered with various local, provincial and international organizations to offer self-defense programs specifically created for people living with mobility disabilities. Individuals with Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Cerebral Palsy, Polio, Spina Bifida and other mobility disorders have become empowered via our programs.

• Special Needs Martial Arts - Since 2000, Sirota's Alchymy caring and compassionate instructors have instructed hundreds of special needs children and youth on martial arts, personal safety and well as positive life skills. Our ongoing classes are recommended by teachers, professionals, special needs organizations and parents.
• Individualized Training Programs - This program is for individuals who require a one-on-one training environment with our instructors. In addition to enhancing the child's physical and technical development, instructors place great emphasis on communication skills, positive behavior implementation and integration training for the child. This program is suitable for children who are too young for our group lessons or are currently working with extensive disabilities.
• Rehab Do - Sirota's Alchymy created a program utilizing martial arts training to enhance the physical development of an individual overcoming various injuries. This custom-made program has been well received by people with brain injuries, physical traumas and behavior challenges.
• Camps & Workshops - Every year, The Alchymy hosts numerous courses, workshops and camps for individuals with special needs and disabilities. These programs have been offered both at our Martial Arts Centre as well as various other local organizations.
• Demonstrations & Presentations - Master Michael Sirota and our martial arts students have been invited to conduct martial arts demonstrations and presentations throughout British Columbia. Our students are passionate about sharing their skills with the community. Master Sirota is also keen on sharing the methodologies of how martial arts has created positive and everlasting growth in our students and workshop participants.

Sirota's Alchymy has designed various programs for the betterment of all members of our society, including people with the following disorders, imbalances & disabilities:

• Pervasive Developmental Disorders/Autism Spectrum Disorders/Asperger Syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy (Mobile & Wheelchair)
• Visual Impairment/Blindness
• Hard of Hearing/Deafness
• Down Syndrome
• Catastrophic Injury/Brain Injury
• Mobility Impairment (Paraplegic/Quadriplegic/Polio/Spina Bifida)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Developmental Disorders/Learning Disabilities
• Muscle/Skeletal Degenerative Disorders
• Epilepsy
• Dyspraxia/Aspraxia
• Tourette Syndrome
• Bipolar Disorder
• Fetal Alcohol Disorder

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with any of the disorders listed above, we believe that Martial Arts Training at Sirota's Alchymy would be an asset.

• Personal Victory and the "Yes, I Can!" Attitude - By focusing on Personal Excellence and Personal Victory in our teachings, all students will experience growth.The feelings of personal accomplishments, will nurture the 'Yes, I Can!' attitude, resulting in an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem. The long term effects will increase the students self-identity and self-worth.
• Positive Lifestyle - Our programs encourage each participant to make martial arts a positive addition to their lifestyle, promoting a heathy Mind, Body & Heart.

• Self-Empowerment is our Goal - Our programs are created so that every person can participate and experience growth on all levels. Self-empowerment occurs when the individual removes or overcomes their personal blocks, self-imposed limitations and fears and replaces them with inner strength, self-confidence and love for the Self. It is our quest to help each student become self-empowered applying the tools of martial arts.
• Instill Positive Life Skills - The Tenets or Virtues of Martial Arts are incorporated in our daily classes. Via our programs, students learn the value of these virtues and the application of them in their daily endeavors.
• The Mind/Body Link - Martial arts training is a Right-Brain activity. This allows students who have difficulty learning in more conventional ways an opportunity to excel and build their inner self. Martial Arts is great for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD and Learning Disabilities such as dyslexia.
• Customized Training - Our classes are constantly customized for the needs of our students. Students are typically grouped with others that are working on similar attributes. We fully embrace the belief that everything is possible with work, dedication and commitment.
• Advancement & Acknowledgment - Since Martial Arts training promotes personal best rather then competition against others. Children with special needs feel safe and comfortable striving for their own personal best in our classes. Our students also are integrated in all of our Centre's activities including Rank Promotion Testings, Demonstrations, Shows and other events that we host throughout the year
• Grounding - Grounding exercises are incorporated into our classes. This process of dynamic contact with the earth. Through constant grounding, students with imbalances such as ADD, epilepsy and autism have a healthy and productive way to channel and release their abundance of energy.
• Application - It is mission to see transformation on all levels in the student. As the student experiences positive changes and growth, the positive attitude will be carried out in all of life's endeavors.
• Collaboration - Sirota's Alchymy works together with the students family, caregivers, advisers and organizations to fully facilitate growth of the Whole Individual. We believe that this synergy is the key to the students growth and development.

Benefits at training at Sirota's Alchymy

• Excellent Student/Instructor Ratio - Instructors are experienced, knowledgeable & caring
• Improved Motor Skills, Dexterity & Coordination
• Improved Focus, Attention-Span & Concentration to learn and grow
• An enhancement of Inter-Personal and Social Skills
• Self-Motivation and Enthusiasm to learn, grow and Improve on an ongoing basis
• An in crease in Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
• Attainment of Self-Control of the Physical and Emotional Body
• Having a Positive Outlook
• A sense of Personal Acceptance and Pride in Oneself and one's Accomplishments
• Focusing on the Self and Personal Alchymy
• Focusing on The Journey not the Destination

Please contact Sirota's Alchymy for further information.