Matawan Karate Center to Offer Free Classes for Children With Special Needs

The Traditional Karate Center (TKC) in Matawan will be offering free classes for children with special needs during the month of January.

Shihan Michael Buttermark, owner and master instructor at the karate center in TownSquare Shopping Center on Matawan Road, believes that all children deserve a chance to build their confidence and learn self defense through the martial arts. 

Buttermark, who was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD as a child, learned those same essential life skills from his martial arts training.

"Martial Arts was the sport where I had no supporting crew, no supporting team. It was about me. It helped me build a lot of confidence," Buttermark said. "I wanted to give back to the community what I gained from Martial Arts instruction."

The classes run forty-five minutes, two times a week and are divided by age or cognitive ability, based on the needs of the specific child. Typically, children between three and five years old are in the "Ninja" class and children five to seven years old are in the "Samurai" class.

Buttermark said the classes focus on three principals, including life skills and positive character development, safety skills and karate technique.

He also runs a 501(c)3 charity that sponsers students to participate in tournaments and seminars both nationally and internationally. If the classes are popular, he plans to offer reduced pricing to families who cannot afford them.

The free classes are listed in the chart below. For more information, check out the attached PDF or email Buttermark at tkckarate@verizon.net.