Step Forward Martial Arts

Shout out to Mike for completing over 900 kicks in class over the last 2 days.

Great work on our 500 kick challenge in class!

I've been working to clean up my Facebook profile and slowly reducing it to nothing - however, I have to say something.
This is despicable. This man has no idea what Autism is, how we diagnose it these days, or what people on the spectrum are truly capable of.

I have dedicated my professional life to working with and teaching martial arts to individuals of all abilities, with a particular focus on individuals with developmental disabilities - including Autism.
ASD can present significant challenges for individuals and families, however, it is by no means a curse or a disease that prevents people from reaching astounding heights.

People with autism do pay taxes, do work, do create, are artistic, play sports, and excel in life. Can we get off this ride?

Step Forward Martial Arts

Health and Human Services Secretary Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said "autism destroys families" while calling the neurological and developmental disorder "preventable" during remarks on Wednesday. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a spectrum, which means symptoms vary by person, according to the CDC. Some individuals may need little support in their daily lives, while some may need more assistance. There are currently no known preventable measures available for the wide ranging disorder. RFK Jr. had previously questioned why autism rates have been rising over the last several years, remarking today about a new CDC report that found estimated rates of diagnosis are continuing to increase in the U.S. https://abcnews.visitlink.me/JTSJes

Good Morning Step Forward Martial Arts Family -

Just wanted to let everyone know that the dojo is closed today in regards to the extreme cold today.

As a general reminder - if the Pittsford/Brighton School District closes for the day or cancels their after school activities as a result of adverse weather - the dojo closes as well.

Please stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy your not so snowy snow day.

Send a message to learn more

A sad day in the world of Isshin Ryu Karate. Yesterday, Grand Master Angi Uezu, son in law of our style's founder, passed away. My instructor and many of Rochester's Isshin Ryu dojo's tie their lineage directly to Master Uezu and his teaching.

Everyday that I go to the dojo, I look at my certificates of rank, signed by Master Uezu. I am proud to be one of the individuals helping to keep his legacy and teaching alive, passing it down to the next generation of Martial Artists, just as it was passed onto me.

The below photo, from left to right, shows Kevin Murray, Master Tim Fox, Master Joseph Jennings, Grand Master Angi Uezu, Master Kim Murray, Master Curt Sawyer, and Master Matt Dorsey. These individuals were are instrumental in helping spread and develop Isshin Ryu Karate, especially here in the Rochester area.

The news of Grandmaster Angi Uezu's passing leaves us with great sadness as well as a sense of gratitude and respect for his teachings over so many years.

He taught thousands of students all over the world and had many seminar tours in the US, especially in Rochester, NY. His amazing skill was evident in his demonstrations and his passion for teaching students, from white belt to black belt, became the cornerstone for the world-wide growth of Isshin ryu.

HIs memory will never fade as we will continue his teachings and the spirit of the martial arts that he embodied.

**Deep Bow*** "Thank you for teaching me, sensei" RIP

Congratulations to our newly

Sensei Andrew and his wife Ali are so excited to welcome Rocco their son into the world. He was born Friday morning after a night of no sleep.

Will continue to update as things progress!

Congratulations to our newest Orange Belt - Grace