PROFILES OF MARTIAL ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES

NOT-ME! has just received approval for a grant from the Craig Neilson Foundation to write and publish a display book. The book will feature selected martial artists with spinal cord injury or disease. The book will also have a section specifically for wheelchair users on self-defense.

The book will be distributed to rehabilitation hospitals across the United States and Canada. In addition, an e-book version will be distributed for free to individuals with SCI/D.

NOT-ME! is currently seeking potential martial artists with SCI/D to profile. If you know of a martial artist, or are one yourself, that qualifies, please contact NOT-ME! via info@not-me.org.

HOMETOWN: Meknes, Morocco
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Born without arms or hands.
AGE: 24
OCCUPATION: IT Administrator in a Cultural Centre
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Taekwondo
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Association Ismaili 2 of Taekwondo
CURRENT RANK: Black belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: ?
WEBSITE:
VIDEO LINK: self defense demonstration in Meknes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDgG5jhIzsM

HOMETOWN: Auburn, IL
TYPE OF DISABILITY: paraplegic from a car accident.
AGE: 53
OCCUPATION: Martial Arts School Owner
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Tae Kwon Do
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Auvenshire's School of Taekwondo
CURRENT RANK:
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 25
WEBSITE: http://www.auvtkd.com/
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT: info@auvtkd.com

Auvenshine is a bit of an oddity in martial arts. In December of 1995, Bill had an encounter with an unseen patch of ice and a power line pole that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Even that did not dissuade him from following through with his plans to open a dojang. Though Mr. Auvenshine teaches from a wheelchair, his students are of a high caliber. In keeping with the idea of "giving back", Mr. Auvenshine teaches his art to those with serious disabilities at no charge.

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HOMETOWN: Norwich, England
TYPE OF DISABILITY Multiple Sclerosis
AGE:
OCCUPATION: Owner/Chief Instructor of Martial Arts School
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Hanmudo
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Chilsong Martial Arts
CURRENT RANK: 6th degree black belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 22 years
WEBSITE:< http://www.disma.co.uk/
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuKBK-SoxwQ
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT: mail@chilsong.com

Bob Banham started martial arts in 1967, at the age of 14. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986 and although he now uses a wheelchair, he holds a 6th dan in Hanmudo and a 4th dan in Taekwondo and still practices and teaches at Chilsong Martial Arts, Norwich UK where he is headmaster.
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HOMETOWN: Alexandria, VA
TYPE OF DISABILITY Double Leg Amputee
AGE: 31
OCCUPATION: Retired Military
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Dan Zan Ryu Ju-Jitsu
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK:
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE: http://www.myspace.com/ablewarriordefense
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT:

Joe is a retired Army Staff Sergeant who was severly injured while fighting in Iraq.
He is the co-founder of the Able Warrior system. The system is in its infancy, and it will continue to be developed and perfected over time. Joe is commited to teaching people who have various disabilities that self defense is possible. He has taught soldiers who have amputations of the legs, arms, and even some who are blind how to defend themselves. His mission is to show people that self defense can be learned by anyone.
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HOMETOWN: Stockton, CA
TYPE OF DISABILITY Spina Bifida
AGE: 46
OCCUPATION:
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Fillipino Martial Arts
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: MATA SA BAGYO
CURRENT RANK: Master
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 40 years
WEBSITE: http://bagyo.net
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k--LYB-vb-k
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT:

Guro Bonjoc was born in the Philippines where he began his martial arts studies at an early age. Under the tutorage of his father Grandmaster Carlito Bonjoc Sr., young Carlito was taugth his first Filipino martial arts system.This was his family's system known as the Cadiz-Lapu Lapu Escrima system.

In 1979 Carlito Jr. was introduced to the distinguished Grandmaster Angel Cabales. With his father's approval, Carlito learned the Cabales Serrada system. In June of 1983 Carlito Jr.obtained an advanced degree in the Cabales Serrada system. After this achievement, Grandmaster Cabales continued to instruct Carlito privately in the finer points of the Serrada system. Due to this training, Carlito became a knowledgeable and respected Guro in the Angel Cabales Academy.

Today Master Bonjoc continues to teach the Filipino martial arts as he was taught by his masters. Through videos, group instruction, seminars and private lessons, Carlito hopes to share this aspect of Filipino culture with all who wish to learn.
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HOMETOWN: France
TYPE OF DISABILITY Paraplegic from a motorcycle accident at age 18.
AGE: 35
OCCUPATION: Business
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Tae Kwon Do
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: academie de taekwondo claude perdigon
CURRENT RANK: 1st degree black belt / National arbitrator
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 17 years
WEBSITE: http://www.taekwondo-brie.com
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nI607s7gyY
OTHER ACTIVITIES: self-defense, stick fighting, nunchaku, hapkido
CONTACT: galerietkd@warp.fr
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HOMETOWN: Paramaribo,Suriname, South America
TYPE OF DISABILITY: paralyzed right arm from a car accident.
AGE: 47
OCCUPATION: Active Military
PERSONAL: Involved
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Kyokushinkai Karate
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: SPARIMAKA (Sting Ray), the international Budokaikan from the Netherlands
CURRENT RANK: 6th Dan
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 27
WEBSITE: http://www.budo.com.au/AboutUs_TeacherProfile.php?UID=3
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEmynu0IwR0
OTHER ACTIVITES: Dancing
CONTACT: sparimaka@sr.net

President of the Suriname Boxing Assoc.
- Dai Shihan of the Suriname International
Budokaikan
- Treasurer Suriname Thaiboxing Ass.
(SUTHAIBO)

Too many accomplishments to list. Check out his website link. Here are some.

On 9 and 10 November 2007 he entered the Pan American Internationals organised by Prof Manny Reyes. He again competed at his favorite division continuous-fighting and became second at the Heavy weights.
March 1, 2008 Remie organised a Thai Boxing tournament for beginners, held in Suriname,it was a great success for Remies school Sparimaka and produced 9 winners from Sparimaka.
March 8th, 2008 Remie competed at the Nisei Goju Florida State Championships organised by 9th Dan Herbie Thompson and won 1st in Extreme Weapons and 1st in Continuous Sparring for the Masters division.

HOMETOWN: Hillsboro, OH
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Qaudruple amputee from a blood infection at 5 years old.
AGE: 18
OCCUPATION: High school student
PERSONAL: Single
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Wrestling
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Hillsboro High School
CURRENT RANK:
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 5 years
WEBSITE: http://www.bizzyblog.com/2006/02/15/positivity-if-you-think-hes-different-you-dont-know-dustin/
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvxc8S5ybS4
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT:

Carter, 18, is a 103-pounder whose legs end at his hips, whose right arm stops just after his elbow and whose left arm is even shorter. He had the rest taken from him at age 5 because of a blood infection that required extensive amputations.

His life is not easy, but he gets by just fine — particularly on the wrestling mat. His scream was his guttural recognition that he had earned a berth in the state’s Division II wrestling tournament, finishing third in his region and carving out his place among the best wrestlers in Ohio. On Thursday in Columbus, he won a match in triple overtime to reach the quarterfinals.

Currently holds a Blue tip belt in Trident Defense System, which is a combination of the arts of Muay Thai, Inosanto-Lacoste blend Kali, and Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do Concepts under Sifu Pat Tray.

HOMETOWN: Woodbridge, VA
TYPE OF DISABILITY Spina Bifida
AGE: 37
OCCUPATION: Assistant Office Manager
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Trident Defense System
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Trident Academy of Martial Arts
CURRENT RANK: Blue Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 25 years
WEBSITE: http://inosanto.com/pages/mawd_biographies_kenchun.html
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT: kjchun@comcast.net

Ken has been actively studying different martial arts since 1983. The two that he considers to be his main styles in his background are Shindokan Tozan-Ryu and the combination of the arts of Muay Thai, Filipino Martial Arts, and Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do Concepts that he currently studies at Trident Academy of Martial Arts. Along the way he has dabbled in basic joint locks, pressure point applications, and anything else that he finds useful for self-defense from a wheelchair.

Ken also has a line of clothing called "Wheeled Warriors". To take a look or to buy goto: http://www.cafepress.com/wheeledwarriors
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HOMETOWN: Tucson, AZ

TYPE OF DISABILITY: Born without arms.

AGE: 25

OCCUPATION: Professional Motivational Speaker

PERSONAL:

MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Tae Kwon Do

SCHOOL AFFILIATION:

CURRENT RANK: Black Belt

TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 15 yrs

WEBSITE: http://www.rightfooted.com/

VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2IqpPSF9-U

OTHER ACTIVITES:

CONTACT: admin@rightfooted.com

Jessica is recognized internationally as an inspirational keynote speaker. Born without arms, Jessica now flies airplanes, drives cars, and otherwise lives a normal life using her feet as others use their hands. She holds the title of the first person without arms in the American Tae Kwon-Do Association to get a black belt and the first woman pilot in aviation history to fly with her feet. Convinced that the way we think has a greater impact on our lives than our physical constraints, she chose to pursue a degree in psychology while in college at the University of Arizona.

HOMETOWN: Norwich County Norfolk UK
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Blind from birth
AGE: 58
OCCUPATION: Sensei
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Aikido, Cane, Japanese Sword
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:NORFOLK AND NORWICH CUA SHIN-GI-TAI AIKIKAI
CURRENT RANK: 4th Dan in Aikido, Certified Cane Master
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 52 years
WEBSITE: http://www.aikidoinnorwich.net/
VIDEO LINK: http://www.shieldsbiz.co.uk/Dad/STEVE%20FYFFE%20RANDORI.html
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT:

Steve Fyffe 4th Dan was born 24 July 1951, he was registered Blind from birth. He took up Judo from 1957 until retiring 1987, gaining grade 4th Dan. Started Aikido September 1987 and was awarded (Shodan) 1st Dan Black Belt 1992 from The National Aikido Federation. Awarded (Nidan) 2nd Dan Black Belt 1999.Joined Shin-Gi-tai Aikido Society 2000. Awarded (Sandan) 3rd Dan Black Belt 2002.Awarded (Yondan) 4th Dan in September 2004He holds Certificates in NVQ level 3 Teaching/instructor (Aikido).

Other interests include: Iaido Golf, Football, Music Reading Listening to the Radio. He enjoys doing voluntary work and helping others. When he has time, Steve also likes to play games such as Chess and Cribbage. He has a Guide Dog named Sykes who drags him all over the place.Steve is a registered Instructor for the Ishin Ryu Honbu Dojo (Aikido). and is also a member of the CUA Aikido Union in TynesideSteve is a registered Coach for the BAB British Aikido Board.

He is a member of the Guild of Renmei Yudansha (M.G.R.Y.) and recently from the 1st March 2007, he has been certified by The Cane Masters International Association (C.M.I.A.) as A "Cane Master", Instructor, Instructor for the Disabled in Cane and C.M.I.A. Director (Responsable for all issue regarding people with disabilities in the UK).

HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Cerebral Palsy
AGE: 39
OCCUPATION: Martial Art & Fitness Instructor For Special Needs
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Shaolin Do Chinese Martial Arts
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Louisville Shaolin Do, Iron Body Fitness, The IKFF
CURRENT RANK: 1st Degree Black Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 15 years
WEBSITE: www.bentmonk.com
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITES: motivational speaking, kettlebell training
CONTACT: paul@bentmonk.com

Paul Graber was born in 1969. At the age of two he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. It severely limited his mobility, and drastically affected his sense of balance. After heel cord surgery and physical therapy, he was able to walk by the age of five. He was raised to never say, “I can’t.” At the age of twenty-four he began practicing, Shaolin Do Chinese Martial Arts. In 1998 Paul decided that he needed to share all of the benefits he had gained from martial arts practice with other disabled people. Over the past seven years Paul has appeared on local television, and held many seminars sharing martial art’s benefits for the disabled. He is also a highly respected member of the healthcare field with experience as a Rehabilitation Instructor, Recreational Aide, and Quality Living Assistant. Paul is currently pursuing his dream as a martial arts instructor for the disabled, and a motivational speaker.

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HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, CA
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Born with only one hand.
AGE: 36
OCCUPATION: Kickboxing competitor
PERSONAL: Single
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Mauy Thai
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK: Black Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 19 years
WEBSITE: http://www.baxterhumby.com/
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAkPnsMKmVw
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT:

Baxter Humby was born in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1974. Known as "The One Armed Bandit" because he has no right hand. It was amputated at birth, just below his elbow, after becoming entangled with the umbilical cord.
Baxter is the current IMTC (International Muay Thai Council) World Super Welterweight Champion. He holds a number of different title belts including IKKC USA Kickboxing Champion, IMTC World Middleweight Champion and IKBA International Kickboxing Champion.

His interest in sports led him to take up running at age 11 and martial arts at 17. He ran for the Canadian National Track Team in Barcelona in 1992 and in Berlin in 1994.

He won the Canadian Super Welterweight Kickboxing Championship in 1996, and afterwards, in 1997, moved to California to pursue a professional kickboxing career.
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HOMETOWN:
TYPE OF DISABILITY Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth.
AGE:
OCCUPATION:
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Funakoshi Karate
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK: 3rd Degree Black Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE:
VIDEO LINK:
ARTICLE LINK: http://karatemastermonthly.com/content/view/27/27/
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT:

HOMETOWN: Clifton Forge, VA
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Cerebral Palsy
AGE: 47
OCCUPATION: Martial Arts School Owner
PERSONAL: Single
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: American Freestyle Karate, Inosanto Academy
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Inosanto Academy
CURRENT RANK: 4th degree Black Belt in AFK
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 25
WEBSITE: http://inosanto.com/
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT: cj1592@ntelos.net

The first physically disabled person to be certified under Sifu/Guro
Dan Inosanto and Ajarn Chai Sirisute and Eddie Thomas in their respective arts.
Own the American Freestyle Martial Arts Academy in Covington, Virginia. Has helped several students to achieve black belts in American freestyle karate. Trains students in multi-arts curriculum.

HOMETOWN: Elizabethtown, KY
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Legally Blind
AGE: 28
OCCUPATION: Mixed Martial Arts Competitor
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Brazilian Jui Jitsu
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Cyclone MMA
CURRENT RANK: 1st Degree Black Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 24 years
WEBSITE: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=100100958
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW6KesVaHJg
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT:

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. -- In an interview, nothing seems unusual about
Jason Keaton. The 28-year-old mixed martial artist is 5-foot-11 and 190
pounds of mostly muscle on a wiry frame. He has short-cropped blond hair,
glasses and is well-spoken, with a voice that sometimes betrays the
passion he feels for his sport and way of life. He is courteous and
patient with newcomers asking questions.

But his nickname is "Blind Fury" for a reason. Keaton is legally blind.

Keaton's sight is not an issue. He rarely brings it up himself and, as
his opponents will note, is not totally blind, only legally.

Asked how he survives in the ring, he said his opponents have to be
close enough for him to see them to strike.

"You learn to keep your hands up," he said
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HOMETOWN: Lexington, MA
TYPE OF DISABILITY: T(4-5) complete spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident at age 19.
AGE: 43
OCCUPATION: Real Estate and Business
PERSONAL: Married with three children
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Jujitsu
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: New England Small Circle Jujitsu, Woburn, MA
CURRENT RANK: 3rd degree black belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 13 years
WEBSITE: www.not-me.org
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUZ4-2uXvro
OTHER ACTIVITES: Handcycling, Scuba Diving, Working out, Skiing
ALMA MATER: Bates College
CONTACT: info@not-me.org

Founder of NOT-ME! Inc. a non-profit organization that provides education on self-defense to at-risk individuals. The main focus of NOT-ME! training is "what it takes" to survive aggression and the mental and emotional aspects of self-defense as illustrated by the NOT-ME! strategy of DECIDE DETER DISRUPT DISENGAGE.
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HOMETOWN: Niagra Falls, NY
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Fused leg injury occured in June 1968 in Viet Nam while serving with the 9th.
AGE:
OCCUPATION: Retired Military
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: DanZan Ryu Jujitsu
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Kin-Tora Fitness Center
CURRENT RANK: Renshi,rank yodan in DZR with AJJF and sandan with Shoshin Ryu
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 25 years
WEBSITE: http://www.geocities.com/kintora/danzan.html
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT:

Bob Kunkel served in Vietnam and spent a year and a half at Fort Devens Army Hospital in Massachusetts where he was put back together. He has put his “experience” with pain and injury to good use with trips to Walter Reed over the past four years. As a sensei in Jujitsu Bob knew that one of the issues an injured warrior faces is the feeling of being unable to defend yourself or your loved ones. Through hands on jujitsu lessons he teaches anyone who wants to learn how to be powerful again.
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strong>HOMETOWN:
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Only one useful arm
AGE:
OCCUPATION: Brazilian Jujitsu Competitor and Instructor
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Grace Brazilian Jujitsu
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK: Black Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE:
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT:

HOMETOWN: Enfield Middlesex (UK)
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Paraplegic from a car accident.
AGE: 52
OCCUPATION:
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Taekwondo
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Ultimate Strike & Disability Martial Arts Budo Academy
CURRENT RANK:
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 17
WEBSITE: http://www.disabilitymartialartsassociation.co.uk/
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT:

David now 52 has been involved in martial arts since he was 9 years old.
David also runs the Disability Martial Arts Association, the first martial arts charity. They have set up a data base of Martial Arts Academy’s School’s and Club’s in the U.K. that will teach people with all types of disabilities and their families. When people phone them they will then be able to give them a telephone number of the said organisation. David said they are trying to help people with all types of disabilities into martial arts to help them get fit, and lead a better way of life.
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HOMETOWN:
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Left hand only has thumb and one finger.
AGE:
OCCUPATION:
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Brazilian Jujitsu
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK:
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE:
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgegynQfVbo
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT:

HOMETOWN:
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Left leg amputated below the knee from motorcycle accident.
AGE: 34
OCCUPATION: Mixed Martial Arts Competitor
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Muay Thai
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK:
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE:
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ggwA9NfEY0
ARTICLE LINK http://www.dsusa.org/ChallMagarchive/Spring04/challmag-spring04-article2.html
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT:

HOMETOWN: Lebanon, KY
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Cerebral Palsy
AGE: 38
OCCUPATION: Web Designer/Developer, University of Kentucky
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Tracy’s Kenpo Karate
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Kenpo Karate, LLC, Lexington, KY
CURRENT RANK: 3rd Degree Brown Belt (Sankyu)
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 8 years

HOMETOWN: Dunedin New Zealand
BORN: Romford, England 1956
TYPE OF DISABILITY: T 5-7 (incomplete) due to a climbing accident at the ageof 11.
AGE: 52
OCCUPATION: Information Officer
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate under Sensei Higaonna
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: International Okinawan GojuRyu Karatedo FederationCURRENT RANK: 5th degree black belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: +33 years
WEBSITE: http://www.karate.org.nz/
VIDEO LINK: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBEFcGh-eG0
OTHER ACTIVITES: Wheelchair Basketball, Gym, Handcycling, Skiing,
CONTACT: jnjzm@clear.net.nz

John became interested in martial arts in the early 1970’s due to the Bruce Lee movies and “Kung Fu” series. As a paraplegic, since the age of 11 due to a fall while climbing, he felt vulnerable in various altercations whilst growing up so he was keen to learn some form of unarmed combat. He approached various martial art clubs in his area of North London, England but was told that beacuse he was in a wheelchair he “couldn’t” do it. This made John more determined and he taught himself from books and trained with friends who did kung fu.

In December 1974 John emigrated to NZ and in January 1976 he started formal training in Kyukoshinkai karate. The Club was a member of “The Rembuden Institute of Martial Arts” whose chief instructor was Sensei Jarvis. John held the rank of 3rd kyu in Kyukoshinkai when Sensei Jarvis invited Higaonna Sensei to New Zealand which resulted in “The Rembuden Institute of Martial Arts” being accepted into IOGKF.

HOMETOWN: Suwanee, Georgia
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Congenital amputation. He has no elbows and no knees.
AGE: 22
OCCUPATION: College Student, Author, Motivational Speaker
PERSONAL: Single
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Wrestling & Mixed Martial Arts
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK:
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=62695549
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5R75GGUovg
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT:

Kyle Maynard of Suwanee, Georgia, U.S. was born on March 24, 1986 with a rare disorder called congenital amputation. He has no elbows and no knees, yet he competed in the 2004 Georgia High School Wrestling Championships. He graduated from Collins Hill High School with a wrestling record of 35 wins, 16 losses and a 3.7 GPA.

He is the recipient of a 2004 ESPN Espy Award for the Best Athlete With A Disability and has been featured on many radio interviews, talk shows, and television programs. He has modeled for Abercrombie & Fitch. Currently he works as a speaker for the Washington Speaker's Bureau, specializing in motivational speeches. He is also the author of the memoir No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Regnery Publishing, 2005; ISBN 0-89526-011-5).

Kyle Maynard is attending the University of Georgia, continues to wrestle, and expects to graduate in 2008 with a B.A. in Broadcast News. Also, Kyle has recently began training in Mixed Martial Arts, and there is an upcoming documentary on his story entitled A Fighting Chance.

HOMETOWN: Denver, CO
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Blind from birth due to Albinism.
AGE:
OCCUPATION:
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Judo
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Denver Judo
CURRENT RANK: 4th Degree Black Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 20
WEBSITE: http://www.denverjudo.com/
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITES:

Scott was the first American to ever win a gold medal in judo in the Olympics or Paralympics (2000). He also has 2 bronze medals (1996 and 2004). He was the IBSA (International blind sports association) world champion in 1998 and has bronzes from 1995 and 2003. He was the assistant coach for the 2009 Paralympic Judo team. He was also the 2nd visually impaired person to be ranked on the USA Judo elite roster.

HOMETOWN: Hoboken, NJ
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Single leg amuptee and paralysis of one arm from a motorcycle accident.
AGE:
OCCUPATION:
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Goju Karate
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: ShobuDo GoJu Jitsu Kai
CURRENT RANK: 3rd Degree Black Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 18 years
WEBSITE: http://thatsmysatori.blogspot.com/2007/09/osu-yes-it-would-appear-that-my-old.html
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWTs1qTXdNE
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT: http://activerain.com/blogs/homebutti
John LiButti is an above knee amputee and has a paralyzed left arm as a result of a motorcycle accident 18 years ago. John died at the scene of the accident but was given a second chance, which makes him a "lover of life." John teaches and trains in karate, jujitsu, akido and self-defense. He holds the title of Sempai Shodan (assistant instructor) and is a first-degree black belt. John trained with Grand Master Ted Vollraft, a double amputee who taught out of a wheelchair, and founded Martial Arts for the Handi-capable. John is a certified peer visitor with the Kessler's Institute Amputee Peer Support Group. John practices karate three times a week, weight trains, and enjoys yoga. John is a Real Estate agent specializing in water front properties in Hudson County, New Jersey.
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HOMETOWN: Woburn, MA
TYPE OF DISABILITY: L1 incomplete spinal cord injury from a car accident at age 20.
AGE: 37
OCCUPATION: Trainer and martial arts school owner
PERSONAL: Single
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Mixed Martial Arts
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Dragon Warrior Mixed Martial Arts
CURRENT RANK: 6th degree black belt in Shodakan
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 17 years
WEBSITE: www.dragonwarriormma.com
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Working out, Pool, Tattos, Fooseball
CONTACT: dragonwarriormma@yahoo.com

Sensei Stephen M. Pento from Dragon Warrior trains Mixed Martial Arts. He is a 6th degree black-belt in Kenpo, a 6th in Shotokan, a 4th in Jujitsu and a 3rd in Judo. Steve began his training in 1984 when he was 13 years old. Four days before his twentieth birthday he was involved in a tragic car accident and broke his back. From his wheelchair, he retrained himself and started teaching MMA (mixed martial arts). Stephen currently has four students who hold black-belt ranks. He has 48 students and 10 registered, licensed fighters in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Stephen, and two of his instructors, are also licensed corner men. He and his students have participated in various tournaments. Recently, at the Methuen Classic, Steve and his students took home seventeen trophies including the championship. Stephen took home a first place in the black belt weapons division. Also, he just placed 3rd in flyweight novice at Grappling Quest 10
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HOMETOWN:
TYPE OF DISABILITY Visually Impaired
AGE:
OCCUPATION:
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Judo
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK:
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE: http://www.sportingchampions.org.uk/sc2/champions_profile.php?champion_id=83VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT:

After taking up Judo for self defence, Ian swiftly changed from being a shy seven year-old who was teased about his thick glasses into a world-class Paralympic champion. His story is unique because he reached the pinnacle of sports success while building up a successful career. Ian enjoys sport but he is foremost a dedicated family man, with two children and a very supportive wife - the perfect team.

In sport he gained his black belt at 17. In the same year, (1989) he was selected to fight his first Visually Impaired (VI) European Championships, winning bronze. From that point Judo became a way of life. He succeeded in both fully sighted and VI competitions and has been selected for four Paralympic Games.
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HOMETOWN: Peabody, Massachusetts
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Thrombocytopenia-absent radius (TAR) syndrome
AGE: 32
OCCUPATION: Legal Advocate for victims of domestic violence
PERSONAL: Single
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Taekwondo
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Bruce McCorry's Martial Arts
CURRENT RANK: Black belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 6.5 years
WEBSITE: www.sheilaradziewicz.net
VIDEO LINK

As a child Sheila learned about martial arts through her cousin. She would make him show me kicks and she would practice with him. Years later she saw a flyer in a coffee shop advertising martial arts and she thought it would be fun. She never realized the journey that she would have with this one decision.

In April 2010 the Salem News wrote a story on Sheila as a student at Bruce McCorry's Martial Arts. Sheila had inspired many at the school over the last 3 years. During that time, she had gone to class two or three times a week. Sheila challenged herself as often as possible while maintaining enduring knee pain. As much as she gave to Tae Kwon Do, the same was given to her through teaching, support, respect and understanding.

In June 2010 Sheila became the first woman with TARs to receive a Black Belt in the World Federation of Tae Kwon Do.

HOMETOWN: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Paraplegic from automobile accident at age 9.
AGE:
OCCUPATION: Martial Arts Instructor
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Kung Foo San So
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Weeks Martial Arts
CURRENT RANK: Master
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE:http://weeksmartialarts.us/index.html
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo7MNZOoDKk
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT:
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HOMETOWN: Ashville, NC
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Paraplegic
AGE: 48
OCCUPATION: Master Instructor
PERSONAL: Single
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Combat Hapkido
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: International Disabled Self-Defense Association, International Combat Hapkido Federation
CURRENT RANK: Master
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 22 Years
WEBSITE: http://www.defenseability.com/
VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux_JWl3AWLE
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Diving, Jetski, Realtor/Broker
CONTACT: 411@defenseability.com

Master Schmidt developed the IDSA Defense-Ability Combat Hapkido, Self Defense for the Disabled Martial Arts style and produced several instructional programs for individuals, instructors and healthcare professionals.
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HOMETOWN: Montpellier, France
TYPE OF DISABILITY: paraplegic
AGE:
OCCUPATION: Engineer
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Karate
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK: 3rd Dan
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE: http://www.facebook.com/l/4e5b6;fatahsebbak.free.fr/
VIDEO LINK: http://fatahsebbak.free.fr/kumite.html
OTHER ACTIVITES:
CONTACT: fatah34@hotmail.com

HOMETOWN: Minnesota
TYPE OF DISABILITY
AGE:
OCCUPATION: Martial Arts Instructor
PERSONAL: Single
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Karate
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Sanano Martial Arts
CURRENT RANK: 2nd Degree Black Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE: http://www.myspace.com/wheelssffs
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Co-capt of Team Apocolypse Mixed Martial Arts
CONTACT:
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HOMETOWN: Scarborough, ME
TYPE OF DISABILITY Stroke
AGE:
OCCUPATION: Martial Arts School Owner
PERSONAL: Married
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Broken Wing Kempo
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Natural Motion Martial Arts
CURRENT RANK: 3rd degree black belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE:< http://www.naturalmotionmartialarts.com
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT: contact@NaturalMotionMartialArts.com

Shawn Withers, a certified instructor, holds a 3rd degree Black Belt in Broken Wing Kenpo and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kenpo. He also holds a Black Belt in O-Ki-Tao and has earned the rank of Canemaster from Grandmaster Mark Shuey. Mr. Withers, a stroke survivor, has worked with a variety of students both disabled and non-disabled. He has extensive experience working with disabled students making him a pioneer in the field of teaching martial arts to the physically challenged. Mr. Withers is a 2005 inductee into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and a 2007 inductee into the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He is coauthor of BROKEN WING, an autobiography to be published in January, 2008.
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HOMETOWN: Ireland
TYPE OF DISABILITY Paraplegic from a motorycle accident
AGE:
OCCUPATION:
PERSONAL:
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:
CURRENT RANK: Trainee Level 2 Instructor
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY:
WEBSITE: http://www.wheelchairjkd.com
VIDEO LINK:
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
CONTACT:
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Name: Kate Wilmarth
Hometown: Granite Bay, CA
Type of Disability: bilateral foot amputee
Age: 16
Occupation: assistant instructor at Kovar’s Satori Academy of Martial Arts
Main Style of Martial Art: American Freestyle, kenpo, and several others
School Affiliation: Kovar’s Satori Academy of Martial Arts
Current Rank: 2nd degree black belt
Time Involved in the Martial Arts with a Disability: since 2001 when started training
Website: www.youtube.com/blackbeltgirl1
Other Activities: piano player since 1999 and is involved with a disability awareness program called A Touch of Understanding
Contact: karate_chick1994@yahoo.com

When Kate was 4 days old her feet started to turn black up to her knee caps. She was rushed to the doctor, and then to the hospital. When she got to the hospital her feet and legs weren’t black anymore, but the part of her feet needed to be amputated. She doesn't know for sure what was the actual cause of the infection, but she thinks that it was caused by a non-sterile needle being used for a PKU test. She does karate to prove that people who have a disability can still do things that other people are able to do. According to her instructor, she serves as an inspiration, especially to the younger students that she helps teach.
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HOME TOWN: Lincoln University Pa
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Double Amputee
AGE:
OCCUPATION: Owner/Artist at Trouble Maker Tattoo
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Hap-Do {The Combined Art System,}and American Combative Jiu Jitsu
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Peterson's Hap-Do Martial Arts
CURRENT RANK: Blue Belt
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 10 years years of formal training. .
WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/alexander.perkins.5 and
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.472591402810353.1073741826.100001784932029&type=1
VIDEO LINK: none
CONTACT: fredahenry@yahoo.com
Alexander Perkins. Is Double Amputee, after being run over by a train, came to our Dojo Peterson's Hap-Do Martial Arts at the age of 11 and got his Blue Belt in our System and placed 5th in sparring in The Maryland National Karate Championships against all abed Body's men as a 16 year Old

HOME TOWN: Oxford Pa (originally from Penns Grove New Jersey)
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Diagnose as Trainable Developmentally Disabled
AGE:
OCCUPATION: Non employed
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Hap-Do {The Combined Art System,} Tae Kwon Do and American Combative Jiu Jitsu
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Peterson's Hap-Do Martial Arts
CURRENT RANK: 3rd Degree Black Belt / Certified Instructor
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 8 years years of formal training. .
WEBSITE: http://www.familykarateusa.com and
http://www.familykarate.usa.com
VIDEO LINK: none
CONTACT: fredahenry@yahoo.com
Freda Renee Henry is Diagnose as trainable retarded She was told that she will never amount to anything by her family, She Came to our school got her 3rd Degree Black Belt in In Hap-Do {The Hap-Do Combined Art System} and 1 World Karate Championship and 3 Induction into the United States Martial Artist Association Hall of Fame, 1 Induction into the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honor and 1 Induction into the International Black Belt Association Hall of Fame later he can say YES I CAN!!!!

NAME: Johnny Tai

HOMETOWN: Richmond, BC Canada.

TYPE OF DISABILITY: Totally Blind in both eyes, deaf in one ear.

AGE: 31.

OCCUPATION: Interpersonal/social Relation Specialist - Part-time self defense instructor.

MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Krav Maga, Shorinryu Karate, Samurai Karate Counterattack and Taekwondo.

SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Krav Maga Force, and Counter Attack Fitness.

CURRENT RANK: Level2 Krav Maga, Brown Belt in Shorinryu Karate and Taekwondo, Instructor Level in Counter Attack.

TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 22 years.

WEBSITE: http://jstiger.over-blog.com/article-70937214.html
VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti2pRmB26Pc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFgXYTL6MiQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T38ceg9tTY&feature=youtu.be

Johnny Tai — who’s been completely blind since the age of three and is also deaf in one ear — learned the discipline of Krav Maga while training at Richmond Martial Arts.

Tai, 30, said many martial arts clubs in the area wouldn’t let him join up because they didn’t believe he could learn the technique.

He now features in a YouTube video shot at the club’s Coppersmith Way studio, which shows Tai disarming a would-be knifeman.

Now, with his new Krav Maga certification, he is aiming to arm fellow blind people with the self-defense tool.

“When I decided I wanted to learn this, I got turned down by a few places,” said Tai, who has been in love with martial arts for many years.

“But at Richmond Martial Arts, they said ‘if you’re brave enough to try it, we’re willing to teach you.’

“I was always able to do martial arts before. This (learning Krav Maga) was a way to get something on paper saying I could do it.”

NAME: Lisa J. Markland
HOMETOWN: Germantown, MD (USA)
TYPE OF DISABILITY: C3-5 incomplete spinal injury from an Air Force training accident; also Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Addison's Disease.
AGE: 48
OCCUPATION: Freelance writer and motivational speaker
PERSONAL: Married and hoping to adopt from Foster Care
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Taekwondo
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: USNTF through the Auvenshine's School of Taekwondo; Previously trained at Kim's Studio under Grand Master Ki Wang Kim and also at BMI Karate
CURRENT RANK: 3rd degree black belt (started over as a white belt three times)
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: trained 33 years and also instructed
WEBSITE: www.empowerment-unlimited.org
VIDEO LINK: None currently
OTHER ACTIVITES: Powerlifting, handcycle racing, shooting, basketball
ALMA MATER: University of Maryland (BA, MSW)
CONTACT: lisa@lisamarkland.com

Lisa Markland trained up to the Paralympic level (Beijing '08) before additional additional injury forced her out of competition. She was a Taekwondo national medalist in forms and fighting (AAU) and has been awarded both the Presidential Sports Award in Taekwondo as well the Maryland Outstanding Athlete of the Year Award in Taekwondo (1996). In 2004 Lisa was unanimously inducted into the prestigious Jewish Sports Hall of Fame for her athletic accomplishments. She also was selected to the inaugural Paralympic Military Summit at the U.S. Olympic Center where her team took first place in a multi-sport competition. Lisa believes there are "no obstacles, only opportunities" and hopes to help everyone accomplish their dreams and not to be limited by anything other than their imagination. She continues to practice and teach Taekwondo and encourages school owners to allow disabled students be fully included in their curriculum.

HOME TOWN: San Diego (originally from New York City)
TYPE OF DISABILITY: Polio at age two – paralysis of the right leg
AGE: 62 years young!
OCCUPATION: Accountant
PERSONAL: Widow. Two daughters.
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Tae Kwon Do, adapted for my personal abilities. (My brace has special design features which makes it a formidable weapon.)
SCHOOL AFFILIATION: Family Karate
CURRENT RANK: 1st Degree Black Belt / Certified Instructor (Special Needs & Physically Challenged Classes and all levels)
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 18 years of formal training. A lifetime of interest in the Martial Arts.
WEBSITE: www.familykarateusa.com and www.familykarate.usa.com
VIDEO LINK: none
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Musician (Singer and rhythm guitar for The Jack Fate Band)
CONTACT: mcats1235@att.net

Marty has been involved with Martial Arts thru the Physically Challenged class of Family Karate in San Diego for 18+ years. She lost the use of her right leg from Polio at the age of two and have used a brace from the age of five. It took her eleven years and two tests to achieve the rank of Blackbelt. She qualified to become an Instructor several years ago and teach the Challenged class, and on occasion the regular classes as well. The Physically Challenged class is offered free of charge and is very popular. Please check out her websites at: www.familykarateusa.com and www.familykaratepq.com.

HOMETOWN: Milwaukee, WI
TYPE OF DISABILITY:Spina Bifida
AGE: 18
OCCUPATION: Student
MAIN STYLE OF MARTIAL ART: Kempo-Goju Karate
SCHOOL AFFILIATION:Kempo-Goju Karate Fudoshin Dojo
CURRENT RANK: Sempai
TIME INVOLVED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS WITH A DISABILITY: 10 years
WEBSITE: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1839078154
VIDEO LINK: OTHER ACTIVITES: Working out
CONTACT: deadly.93@hotmail.com