PRESS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Innovation Award at CHOC Gala
In 2004, Karate For All was the Winner of the Innovation Award at the Children's Hospital of Orange County Gala Awards Banquet.
NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE-The Giving Back Award
“Wayne Centra, nominated by co-worker Denise Almazan: When the young patients of the Children's Hospital of Orange County in Orange, Calif., enroll in occupational therapist Wayne Centra's karate class, something quite remarkable occurs. Whether they're feeble from months of suffering, overweight and lethargic from chemotherapy or simply lacking the confidence to reenter life outside the ward, Wayne revives his kids' fighting spirit: "I see these kids come into the hospital fearful of any interaction," says Wayne, "then they take these classes, the change is amazing. They become empowered and realize they deserve to be treated like everyone else."
OC Register: Where Kids Get Their Kicks
“Cianna, who has been taking Wayne’s class for about three years, is just four months shy of earning her black belt. She relies solely on her peripheral vision and anticipates her opponent’s movements through the sounds of their breath, rustles in their clothing and foot stomps.
As Cianna spars at a recent class with one of her instructors, blocking his punches and kicks, you would never know her world was blurred and sometimes completely dark.
“I try to get in their brain to figure out what they are going to do next,” Cianna said.
Centra expects a lot from all his students. No matter what their condition is, he works with each of them to reach small, incremental goals.
“We find ways for them to be successful,” Centra said. “This is a safe environment where kids can take risks and we’ll support them.”
OC Register: Karate Instills Confidence In Special-Needs Kids
“Sensei Wayne doesn’t differentiate kids – even I don’t know what kids are typical or atypical,” said Heidi Brandl, Casey’s mother. “And a lot of parents are relieved by that.”
For Centra, inspiration to begin teaching special needs children came from his grandmother, who went blind giving birth. Despite her disability, she raised three children and cooked for the whole family on holidays.
“She inspired me to help these kids be like everybody else,” he said.
OC Register: Karate for All Hosts Tustin Tournament
“Tustin-based Karate for All held its third annual fall tournament on Saturday. About 45 students with special needs, ranging from six through 21, applied ninja training to compete in a basic martial arts-inspired competition.”
Daily Pilot: Where Kids Get Their Kicks
“Unlike some girls her age who want to be ballerinas or get ponies, Serena Miller prefers snakes and karate. Serena, who is 11, is learning karate now, even though she was born with a retinal problem that left her blind. Her classes are at Children's Hospital of Orange County, and her teacher is Wayne Centra, a Newport Beach occupational therapist who uses martial arts to help children kick the lethargy caused by chemotherapy or fight for the muscle control that's slipping due to an illness or disability…”