Unlocking the Power of Martial Arts: MMA Lessons for People with Disabilities. Former MMA fighter Bryce Walden partners with North Idaho Jiu Jitsu to offer inclusive martial arts training for individuals with disabilities.
Bryce Walden, a former professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter, has teamed up with North Idaho Jiu Jitsu to offer MMA lessons specifically designed for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Inspired by his 4-year-old son Sampson, Walden believes that martial arts, especially jiu jitsu, can be a transformative activity for people with disabilities.
Unlike traditional sports like baseball or basketball, martial arts provides a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities to engage in a physical activity that doesn’t hinder them in any way. Walden explains, "It just gives them a unique style and all they need is an individual lesson plan and a creative coach." This inclusive approach allows individuals with disabilities to develop their skills and enjoy the benefits of martial arts.
Walden, along with his wife and son, recently moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, seeking a better quality of life. Sampson, who has a rare genetic mutation that affects his brain, is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, Walden describes his son as a very intelligent young boy. Recognizing the impact of Sampson’s condition, Walden began searching for sports that his son could participate in.
After discovering that many sports require specialized equipment, Walden turned to jiu jitsu, a sport he is familiar with. Walden himself started training in 2015 and earned his jiu jitsu black belt in just five years, an impressive achievement considering the average athlete takes 10 years to reach this level. During his own journey in jiu jitsu, Walden encountered a black belt who only had one leg but was a phenomenal fighter. This experience highlighted the adaptability and inclusivity of jiu jitsu.
In collaboration with Jon Brown, the owner of North Idaho Jiu Jitsu, Walden now offers private lessons for individuals with disabilities. These lessons can take place either at Walden’s residence or at the athlete’s home to ensure that they receive specialized one-on-one training. More information about these lessons can be found at sigma-jiujitsu.com.
Walden emphasizes that jiu jitsu is an option for everyone, regardless of their abilities. He states, "My son loves the mats and can fully participate in this sport with his limited dexterity. I would like everyone in this town to know that jiu jitsu is an option for them no matter what. Jiu Jitsu is for everybody."
MMA Lessons for People with Disabilities: Key Points
| Key Points | ||——————|—|| Sport | MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) || Target Audience | People with physical or mental disabilities || Inclusive Sport | Provides unique style and doesn’t hinder individuals with disabilities || Individualized Lessons | Tailored lesson plans and creative coaching || Jiu Jitsu | Adaptive sport that welcomes individuals with disabilities || Private Lessons | Offered by Bryce Walden and Jon Brown at designated locations |
