How does the membership to TMAI work?
When you register, you will have access to the world’s largest collection of information on all aspects of Therapeutic (Special Needs) Martial Arts. We have a section for new members under the ‘Orientation Folder’ which will provide you further guidance. All new members to TMAI can also schedule a complimentary 30 consultation with one of our staff members. During this meeting we answer any questions you may have and assist you in creating your roadmap to success!
What is the Therapeutic Martial Arts International (TMAI)?
The TMAI is a trade organization created to empower current and future Martial Arts Instructors and School Operators. By empowering martial arts schools with our educational and certification programs, we will greatly impact our society by welcoming all individuals with special needs and disabilities. Membership is open to all who wish to start and grow their special needs programs with great success. Via our programs and membership, we strive to globally positively impact 1,000,000 people with disabilities via martial arts.
Do I have to have any experience in working with people with special needs/disabilities?
Absolutely Not! Our program is specifically designed to take any martial arts black belt or instructor with a ‘white belt’ in special needs/disability education and guide him/her to become competent, ethical and successful instructor. In fact, the person does not even have to be a black belt. The most important characteristics is your passion and Heart to Make a Positive Difference in the lives of those living with various physical, intellectual, developmental and/or sensory disabilities, imbalances and disorders.
What is your cancellation Policy?
You may cancel your monthly membership at any time with no penalties. We strongly believe in the value of our programs and services, however, if you find this is not for you, you may cancel it anytime.
Does the TMAI teach a specific style of Martial Arts?
No, our vision is to empower all Martial Arts School Owners and instructors, coaches and masters regardless of style and your affiliation to any association. We view ourselves as an organization that will provide you with tools to teach ‘your’ Martial Arts to a greater community; those with special abilities. All styles, schools and instructors are very welcome to register and lead successful therapeutic (special needs, adaptive, para-taekwondo) programs
What if I already work with students with special needs, why should I join Therapeutic Martial Arts International?
First, we applaud you for welcoming special needs students into your program. We treat Martial Arts as a profession, no different than a doctor, barrister or a teacher. With each profession comes ongoing education and training to provide legitimacy, ethics and high standards.
For the past nineteen plus years, we have been operating professional special needs classes serving thousands of people who have various diagnosis. We have created and implemented successful systems and programs that consistently provide us with over 250 special needs students in our classes. We are also the only martial arts center in Canada that is a Service Provider by the Ministry of Children and Family, allowing only us to bill the government for therapy-based programs. That is correct, we bill the government for our group lessons, private lessons and camps.
Michael Sirota has also presented via seminars, online courses, workshops all over the World. He has brought therapy-based education to instructors in over thirty countries. Learn from the global pioneer
We share all our experiences, best practices and methodologies, so you too can make a positive difference in your community, your students and your school. This program will also provide you proven ways to accelerate your success and growth.
How does a Martial Arts School benefit from having a Special Needs Program?
There are several benefits to offering a Special Needs Program at your martial arts school. First, you are going to welcome a new sector of the community which often is overlooked yet will truly benefit from martial arts training. This will result in an increase of revenue. In some martial arts centers the Special Needs Martial Arts program is so successful that it generates 50% of the total gross revenue. We even work with instructors that only teach children with disabilities.
Secondly, you and your school will be viewed as experts in their field and instead of competing for a ‘typical’ program child with other martial arts schools and activities, you can create your niche of working with individuals with special needs. You will tap into virgin territory where you will have no competition, yet, abundance of children waiting for your program.
Lastly, and which we believe is the most important benefit is that you will be making a significant change in the lives of countless people who without you and your special needs classes would not have platforms to evolve. Once your program is implemented, you will witness a transformation within the culture of your school that will make you, your instructors/coaches and your entire school proud!
Do I have to own my own martial arts school to take this program?
Absolutely not! You may wish to register to become a Therapeutic Martial Arts Instructor to offer programs at ‘disability/rehab’ centers, community centers (ie: Adapted Taekwondo/Karate) or to even offer your services in established martial arts centers in your city. Regardless of where you plan to teach and on what scale (volunteer, part-time income, thriving business), our online programs will address your goals.
Will becoming a member of Therapeutic Martial Arts International interfere with the organization I am currently affiliated with?
We do not place any restrictions on which martial arts organization you are affiliated with and which martial arts style you teach. In fact, we have developed positive relationships with various national and international organizations. We are here to offer you the tools to teach ‘your’ style to people with special needs. We welcome all martial artists who have the genuine goal to make a difference in the lives of others, including themselves.
Do you offer any Therapeutic Martial Arts Instructor Certification?
Absolutely! We are the World’s first and only instructor certification organization for therapeutic martial arts instructors. To become an Internationally Certified Therapeutic Martial Arts Instructor, visit parataekwondo.com
Do you have any additional questions? Please contact us.
