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Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation

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Building Confidence. Developing Skills. Creating Opportunities for Every Child.

At YESANI Sports Club, we believe every child deserves an opportunity to participate, develop confidence, build meaningful relationships, and experience the benefits of physical recreation.

Our Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation Program is designed to make martial arts-inspired physical activities more accessible to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

Through structured movement, age-appropriate kickboxing and Muay Thai fundamentals, recreational games, and supportive instruction, our goal is to create a welcoming environment where children can participate according to their individual abilities.

Our Mission

To expand access to inclusive recreation through physical activity, positive encouragement, skill development, and community participation.

Our Program Priorities

  • Inclusive participation and accessibility

  • Physical coordination and movement skills

  • Confidence and personal achievement

  • Social interaction and peer participation

  • Listening, following instructions, and practicing routines

  • Respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship

  • Positive recreational experiences

Participation is recreational and educational. The program is not a medical treatment, behavioral therapy, or substitute for licensed clinical services.

Every Child Has Different Strengths. Every Child Deserves an Opportunity.

YESANI Sports Club recognizes that children with autism and developmental disabilities have different communication styles, sensory preferences, learning abilities, interests, and support needs.

Our inclusive recreation approach emphasizes flexibility, dignity, encouragement, and meaningful participation.

Who the Program Is Intended to Serve

Children and young people who may benefit from adapted recreational instruction, including participants with:

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • Intellectual or developmental disabilities

  • Developmental delays

  • Differences in motor coordination

  • Sensory processing differences

  • Social communication challenges

  • Attention and learning differences

Participation is determined individually based on the child’s interests, support needs, program suitability, and available accommodations.

Areas of Recreational Development

Physical Coordination: Practicing balance, controlled movement, footwork, and age-appropriate physical activities.

Social Participation: Providing opportunities to interact with instructors and peers, participate in shared activities, and practice teamwork.

Confidence and Independence: Encouraging participants to learn new recreational skills, make choices, and celebrate personal achievements.

Routine and Engagement: Using predictable activity sequences, clear instructions, and repetition to support participation.

Self-Regulation Opportunities: Incorporating movement breaks, calm transitions, and supportive instruction when appropriate.

Progress varies by participant. No particular developmental or therapeutic outcome is guaranteed.

Recreational Kickboxing & Muay Thai Fundamentals

Our proposed adaptive martial arts curriculum focuses on non-contact, age-appropriate movement activities inspired by kickboxing and Muay Thai.

The emphasis is on participation, recreation, skill development, and positive experiences rather than competitive fighting.

Program Activities

Movement & Coordination

  • Walking, stepping, and directional movement

  • Balance and body-positioning exercises

  • Simple agility activities

  • Hand-eye coordination games

  • Controlled movement sequences

Martial Arts Fundamentals

  • Basic stance and posture

  • Beginner footwork

  • Controlled punches using appropriate training pads

  • Introductory kicking movements

  • Shadowboxing without physical contact

  • Simple combinations adapted to the participant’s abilities

Interactive Recreation

  • Partner-based non-contact activities

  • Group movement games

  • Turn-taking exercises

  • Team participation challenges

  • Instructor-guided recreational circuits

Confidence & Sportsmanship

  • Respectful communication

  • Positive encouragement

  • Following group routines

  • Celebrating individual accomplishments

  • Learning sportsmanship and cooperation

Non-Contact Training Approach

Adaptive recreational classes are intended to emphasize controlled movements and appropriate equipment-based practice.

Sparring, competitive fighting, head strikes against another participant, and forced physical contact are not part of the proposed children’s adaptive recreational curriculum.


Structured, Flexible, Age-Appropriate Sessions

YESANI’s proposed adaptive recreation sessions are organized around predictable routines, manageable activities, rest opportunities, and individualized participation.

Proposed Training Options

Training FormatSession DurationSuggested Frequency
Introductory Adaptive Class30 minutes1–2 times weekly
Standard Adaptive Recreation45 minutes1–3 times weekly
Extended Adaptive Recreation60 minutes1–3 times weekly
Individual Adaptive Instruction30–60 minutesBased on individual needs
Small-Group Inclusive Class45–60 minutesBased on program availability

Session length and frequency are determined according to age, stamina, support needs, family preference, and any applicable authorization.

Example: 60-Minute Adaptive Recreation Session

TimeActivity
0–5 minutesWelcome, orientation, and visual schedule
5–15 minutesWarm-up and movement games
15–25 minutesBalance, coordination, and footwork
25–40 minutesAdapted martial arts fundamentals
40–50 minutesInteractive recreational games and teamwork
50–55 minutesCool-down and breathing activities
55–60 minutesPositive feedback and transition to caregiver

Example: 45-Minute Session

TimeActivity
0–5 minutesWelcome and orientation
5–12 minutesWarm-up and coordination
12–27 minutesAdapted martial arts activities
27–37 minutesRecreational games and social participation
37–45 minutesCool-down, feedback, and transition

Example: 30-Minute Session

TimeActivity
0–5 minutesWelcome and introduction
5–10 minutesGentle warm-up
10–20 minutesAdaptive movement and martial arts fundamentals
20–25 minutesRecreational activity
25–30 minutesCool-down and positive reinforcement

Activities may be shortened, repeated, modified, or replaced to accommodate the child’s participation needs.


Supporting Each Participant’s Individual Abilities

YESANI’s proposed inclusive instruction model recognizes that one teaching method does not work for every child.

Before participation, families may be invited to discuss their child’s interests, communication preferences, movement abilities, sensory sensitivities, and any accommodations necessary for safe recreational participation.

Potential Accommodations

  • Clear, short, step-by-step instructions

  • Visual demonstrations and activity schedules

  • Additional time to understand or complete activities

  • Modified movements and simplified exercises

  • Reduced-noise instruction when feasible

  • Planned sensory or rest breaks

  • Positive reinforcement and encouragement

  • Alternatives to partner activities

  • Flexible transitions between activities

  • Individualized pacing and modified participation expectations

Individual Participation Goals

Families and instructors may identify practical recreational goals such as:

  • Participating in a structured class routine

  • Following basic movement demonstrations

  • Practicing balance and coordination

  • Taking turns in group activities

  • Increasing comfort with recreational group participation

  • Completing an age-appropriate movement sequence

  • Demonstrating confidence in learning new activities

Goals should reflect the participant’s needs and interests. They are not clinical treatment goals unless separately established by an appropriately licensed professional.

Safety, Respect, and Responsible Instruction

YESANI Sports Club considers participant safety an essential part of inclusive recreation.

The proposed adaptive program emphasizes supervised activities, age-appropriate instruction, controlled movements, and a respectful learning environment.

Safety Practices

  • Orientation before beginning activities

  • Age-appropriate exercise selection

  • Non-contact instruction for adaptive recreational classes

  • Inspection and appropriate use of training equipment

  • Access to drinking water and rest breaks

  • Monitoring for fatigue, distress, or discomfort

  • Clear procedures for contacting caregivers

  • Emergency response planning

  • Respect for participant boundaries and communication preferences

Instructor Preparation

Instructors assigned to adaptive recreational activities should receive preparation in:

  • Inclusive and disability-aware instruction

  • Basic autism awareness and communication

  • Safe recreational movement instruction

  • Sensory accommodation principles

  • Positive behavior support and respectful redirection

  • Child safeguarding procedures

  • Emergency response protocols

Instructor qualifications, background screening, CPR/first aid credentials, and specialized training should be documented and verified before being advertised as completed.

Family Collaboration

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to share relevant information about the child’s preferences, support needs, medical or activity restrictions, and communication methods.

This helps instructors determine whether the program can provide appropriate and safe participation.

Supporting Access to Inclusive Community Recreation

YESANI Sports Club welcomes inquiries from families, caregivers, service coordinators, and organizations seeking information about adaptive martial arts and inclusive recreation opportunities.

Our objective is to provide clear program information to support individualized consideration of recreational participation.

California Regional Center Services

Under California’s Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, eligible individuals may receive services and supports based on their assessed needs and Individual Program Plans (IPPs).

California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 4688.22 addresses social recreation services, camping services, and nonmedical therapies.

Funding decisions are made by the responsible Regional Center or applicable program administrator. Participation in YESANI’s program does not automatically establish eligibility for public funding.

Program Information Available Upon Request

Subject to program implementation and record availability, YESANI can provide:

  • Description of recreational activities

  • Session length and proposed frequency

  • Age groups and participant suitability information

  • Program objectives and class structure

  • Instructor qualifications

  • Safety procedures and accommodations

  • Proposed participation schedule

  • Program fees and payment information

  • Attendance records

  • Recreational participation summaries

Working With Service Coordinators

Families may share program information with their Regional Center service coordinator when requesting social recreation funding.

The service coordinator and planning team determine how the requested activity relates to the participant’s assessed needs and IPP goals.

Families may request a review of a service denial through the California Department of Developmental Services appeal process.

Helpful Resource

California Department of Developmental Services: www.dds.ca.gov


Getting Started With Adaptive Recreation

YESANI aims to make the enrollment process clear and family-centered.

Step 1 — Initial Inquiry

Parents, guardians, or authorized representatives contact YESANI to ask about adaptive recreational opportunities.

Step 2 — Participant Information

Families share the participant’s age, interests, recreational goals, communication preferences, and accommodation needs.

Step 3 — Program Suitability Review

YESANI reviews whether an appropriate class format, available instructor, and necessary supports can be provided.

Step 4 — Introductory Session

Where available and appropriate, the child may participate in an introductory recreational session to become familiar with the instructor, environment, and activities.

Step 5 — Training Plan

A proposed schedule is developed based on the participant’s abilities, interests, available services, and family preferences.

Step 6 — Ongoing Participation

The participant joins the agreed recreational activities. Instructors and families may periodically review attendance, engagement, and participation goals.

Enrollment is subject to program availability, suitability, safety considerations, and completion of applicable registration requirements.

Can children with autism participate in martial arts?

Many children with autism can participate in appropriately adapted martial arts-inspired recreation. Suitability depends on the child’s needs, interests, safety considerations, and the accommodations available.

Is this a competitive kickboxing program?

No. The proposed adaptive recreational program emphasizes non-contact movement, introductory martial arts fundamentals, social participation, and personal development rather than competitive fighting.

How long is each training session?

Proposed sessions are 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on the class format and participant needs.

How many classes can a child attend each week?

Suggested participation ranges from one to three sessions weekly. Actual scheduling depends on program availability, the child’s needs, family preferences, and any funding authorization.

Are individualized sessions available?

Individual instruction is a proposed option, subject to instructor availability and program capacity.

Can a child participate without previous martial arts experience?

Yes. Beginner activities can be adapted for participants without previous martial arts experience.

Does YESANI provide autism therapy?

No. The adaptive recreational program is not presented as applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or another licensed clinical service.

Can Regional Centers fund participation?

Regional Centers may authorize appropriate social recreation services based on applicable law, assessed needs, and individualized planning. Funding is not guaranteed.

Can parents participate in planning?

Yes. Parent and caregiver input is encouraged when identifying suitable recreational activities, accommodations, and participation goals.

Will families receive progress updates?

Where implemented, recreational participation summaries may describe attendance, activities practiced, engagement, and progress toward agreed nonclinical participation goals.

Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Participate.

Discover recreational activities designed to encourage movement, confidence, inclusion, and personal achievement.

Whether your family is seeking an introduction to martial arts-inspired recreation, adapted physical activities, or a supportive community environment, YESANI Sports Club welcomes your inquiry.

Contact YESANI Sports Club

For program information, class availability, introductory sessions, or documentation for Regional Center review, please contact our team through the YESANI Sports Club website.

Suggested Website Buttons

  • Request Program Information

  • Ask About Adaptive Classes

  • Schedule an Introductory Assessment

  • Regional Center Program Information

  • Contact YESANI Sports Club

YESANI Sports Club — Strength Through Inclusion. Confidence Through Participation.