At SEN Master Academy, martial arts make room for everyone

At SEN Master Academy, martial arts lessons cater to diverse needs and abilities. Located in Bandar Sri Damansara, the academy offers adaptive taekwondo classes for both mainstream and special needs students. Established in 2016 by Khaldun Redza, an eighth-degree black belt and former national champion, the academy aims to foster connection and understanding with students.

Khaldun discovered his passion for taekwondo later in life, after being signed up for classes without his consent. Despite initial reservations, he went on to earn his black belt and eventually opened the academy. His personal journey with a son who has autism motivated him to make martial arts accessible to others with special needs.

The academy's approach involves visual cues, patient guidance, and ample practice to help students learn at their own pace. Khaldun, now in his 50s, returned to university to study special education to better understand the benefits of martial arts for children with special needs. Despite facing skepticism from some, he remained firm in his belief that martial arts instills discipline, coordination, and helps regulate emotions.

Currently, SEN Master Academy boasts around 30 mainstream students and 120 special needs students, including those with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, microcephaly, dwarfism, and hearing or visual impairments. The academy's inclusive environment has allowed students like 24-year-old Marcus Yau, who is on the autism spectrum, to connect with others and express himself without judgment.