When 65 Summit Academy Community School – Lorain students gathered in the school dojo to show staff and family members what they learned during the past three months, the audience was blown away.
The November 13 Therapeutic Martial Arts Promotion Ceremony was a celebration of hard work and dedication. Not only did the K-8 students collectively earn 4,800 dojo points since the start of the school year, 28 received promotions. They advanced ranks from beginning level Kyu (Japanese for level) 13 up to Kyu 5, according to Sensei David Willard. He says the students also received 192 Blue Stars, which will be added to their uniforms to display at the next promotion ceremony.
According to Therapeutic Martial Arts Coordinator Shihan Chuck Rickard, Blue Stars are awarded for positive behavior, self-discipline, self-control, self-respect, respect for others and a Black Belt Attitude both inside and outside the dojo.
“It is a positive reinforcement for students demonstrating the virtues learned in the Therapeutic Martial Arts program throughout the school building,” Shihan Rickard explains.
Sensei Willard says students demonstrated outstanding skill and teamwork during the ceremony, making it a memorable event for an enthusiastic audience.
“Kindergarten and first grade students showcased their courage through solo demonstrations of kicks and katas, impressing the audience despite their limited experience,” he says. “Second and third graders brought energy and spirit to their kata performances, while fourth to eight graders excelled with the synchronized teamwork.”
Principal Jasmine Rengh says she has enjoyed watching her students’ progress in the dojo since the start of the school year, leading up to the momentous occasion.
“It always amazes me when I get to watch the full ceremony and see their katas come together after weeks of practice,” Rengh says. “It is so much fun to see how excited all of our students get when they receive a new belt promotion.”
Sensei Lisa Kozak says Summit Academy’s Therapeutic Martial Arts program imparts a lasting, positive impact on students long after they leave the dojo.
“Therapeutic martial arts help students grow and change in ways they never thought possible,” says Sensei Kozak. She explains that the repetitive and structured challenges therapeutic martial arts present activate the brain’s ability to reorganize and strengthen neural pathways. The outcomes range from enhanced physical skills like balance and coordination to cognitive improvements in focus, problem solving and emotional regulation.
“These benefits extend beyond the dojo, equipping students with tools for resilience and confidence in their daily lives,” says Sensei Kozak.
Slated to move to a newly renovated former Summit Academy Lorain Secondary school building early next year, Summit
Academy Community School – Lorain “truly shines as a hidden gem in Lorain,” describes Principal Rengh. “This exciting new chapter is a testament to our commitment to celebrating our students’ successes and supporting their journeys toward excellence.”