Renzo Gracie Fort Lee is excited to announce the launch of its new Martial Arts program geared specifically toward higher functioning special needs students (Autism, ADD, ADHD, OCD etc.) The program will be based at Renzo Gracie Fort Lee 2175 Lemoine Ave, Fort Lee N.J. 07024

The objective of the program is to help:

• Improve motor skills and coordination.
•  Enhance the student's focus, concentration, and attention span.
• Develop better inter-personal and social skills.
•  Encourage self-motivation and enthusiasm on and off the mat.
• Increase feelings of self-confidence, self- esteem, and self-worth.

Throughout our more than eighty years of combined training, we have witnessed first-hand, the lifelong benefits of martial arts instruction for our special needs students. We utilize visual, auditory, and kinesthetic cues throughout our training programs. Our comprehensive approach to teaching and mentoring will also provide a powerful adjunct to the student's physical and occupational therapy.

Classes will be taught by Professor Alan Teo, Sensei Chris Skelley and Sensei Bill Pinckney. Professor Teo is a second degree black belt under Renzo Gracie, and a certified Jeet  Kune Do instructor. Sensei Skelley is globally known in the Judo community, and was the U.S. Olympic Judo Team manager for the 2012 London, and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. He also has administrative exposure to the U.S. Special Olympics and Paralympics. Sensei Pinckney is a former international Karate competitor, and is a faculty member in the Kinesiology Department at William Paterson University. He designs the curriculum, and instructs the Karate and self-defense classes. Together, Professor Teo, Sensei Skelley, and Sensei Pinckney bring years of experience, devotion and passion to our Dojo.

We pride ourselves in offering personalized and individual attention to every one of our students. We will focus on the individual child's needs and develop life skills through the practice of martial arts. We are excited to offer this program and look forward to welcoming our new students to our Dojo.

For further information, please contact Bill Pinckney via email: [email protected]  or by phone at: (973) 819-0170.

Age Groups	Adolescents Adults
Community Services	Arts & Recreation Adaptive Sports Recreation / Social / Sports Education Special Education
Health Services	Intellectual and Developmental Needs Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Learning Disabilities Special Needs

Last Updated: 07/30/23