Karate is all about the mental game, says Master Rande Lawrence, head instructor at Lawrence World Class Karate in Fayetteville, N.Y.
He coaches Matthew Killian, a blind 23-year-old with autism spectrum disorder to use his strong mental game in karate. Killian won two gold medals at his first karate competition, which took place April 30.
Killian doesn’t let blindness get in his way. “I’m really at a loss for words because you don’t run into individuals like Matthew every day,” said Lawrence.
Killian’s faith in his coach and his strong mental game has helped him learn and excel. It has also helped build his confidence. Killian’s advice for other kids with special needs is to find an instructor they can trust, and be very focused and determined.
“He has the right mindset. He knows what he wants. He’s willing to do whatever he needs to do to get there.”
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