Self Defense classes for Down Syndrome/Special Needs students

SXM BJJ is proud to announce a series of free self defense classes for students with special needs such as Down Syndrome and Autism. The classes will be held on Saturday May 7, 14, 21 and 28th from 10-11am at the SXM BJJ dojo, 15 Wellington Road in Cole Bay. Classes will be conducted by head instructor Melissa Bardfield and visiting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt professor Allan Di Lucia. Di Lucia has years of experience teaching Down syndrome students in his native city of Rio de Janeiro. He was sought out by Bardfield due to his extensive work with special needs students.  These classes are offered in conjunction with the Down Syndrome St Maarten and Caribbean Foundation.

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Parents, guardians and educators can contact the Down Syndrome Foundation president Mireya Torrenga to register for the classes. Transportation arrangements are still being worked out.  The classes are offered for free to all special needs students as part of SXM BJJ’s community outreach. Participation in all 4 weekly consecutive classes is encouraged and pre registration is requested. For more information about the support services offered by the Down Syndrome Foundation please contact Mireya Torrenga at 721 580 1994 or downsyndromesxmcaribbean@gmail.com. For more information on Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense classes please contact head instructor Melissa Bardfield, tel 721 580 3894 or info@sxmbjj.com.