With help from founder Katarina Eckstein, left, several Breaking Barriers students have earned a black belt in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo.
With help from founder Katarina Eckstein, left, several Breaking Barriers students have earned a black belt in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo.
Courtesy Peter Eckstein-Schoemann
Katarina says her autistic brother Kenny's confidence has grown immensely since he started doing Taekwondo.
Katarina says her autistic brother Kenny's confidence has grown immensely since he started doing Taekwondo.
Courtesy Peter Eckstein-Schoemann
Kenny and his brother David, who is also autistic, now help Katarina teach other students at Breaking Barriers.
Kenny and his brother David, who is also autistic, now help Katarina teach other students at Breaking Barriers.
Courtesy Peter Eckstein-Schoemann
Founded in 2011 in Sanford, Florida, the Breaking Barriers Martial Arts program now teaches classes, hosts camps and competes in local tournaments.
Founded in 2011 in Sanford, Florida, the Breaking Barriers Martial Arts program now teaches classes, hosts camps and competes in local tournaments.
Courtesy Peter Eckstein-Schoemann
Parent Susan Sleboda: "The beauty of a program like this is that they take things at a pace that's suitable for each individual child."
Parent Susan Sleboda: "The beauty of a program like this is that they take things at a pace that's suitable for each individual child."
Courtesy Peter Eckstein-Schoemann
"Some kids come in and try to boost their confidence. Some kids just need a social environment," says Katarina, who runs the program along with her parents.
"Some kids come in and try to boost their confidence. Some kids just need a social environment," says Katarina, who runs the program along with her parents.
Courtesy Peter Eckstein-Schoemann