By Kyle Hanneman

(Editor’s Note: Kyle wrote this piece for our Metro chapter essay contest last fall. I know numbers of us have appreciated his get-down-to-business approach to fitness and the practical instruction he provides. As you’ll see, Kyle is not afraid to go after what he wants, even if it means kicking some doors to get it.)

When I was in 1st and 2nd grade, I was told I had to participate in extracurricular activities. I’m thinking, “Sure, why not?” I joined the regular sports that kids did at that age; soccer, baseball, and track. They were fun and all, but weren’t for me, mainly because I wasn’t good at any of them. Well, that was fun while it lasted. I learned that I did not like any sport that involved objects flying toward me.

At the age of 9, I was watching Power Rangers and saw all of these fight scenes. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be able to do that. I asked my parents if I could try it. With some reservations, they let me join martial arts. Throughout my life, I have participated in numerous forms of martial arts. Some include: karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and Brazilian Jujitsu. I immediately fell in love with the sport and excelled quickly.

Being a martial artist as a blind person had its challenges at times, especially since I do have some residual vision. Some instructors did not often understand why I would not be able to visualize something. Or, I did not often get extra assistance or accommodations when I was struggling to perform something correctly. Regardless, this did not discourage me from doing my best. I know I had to practice more than others, especially outside of class. I wanted to prove to myself and others that this was possible.

My parents and I had to problem solve ways to make my martial arts experience positive and fulfilling. I learned to have a better understanding of the space around me to gauge different targets, use muscle memory, and advocate for myself as needed in classes. I often found myself practicing daily until I was able to perform the skill properly. I would do a defensive side kick over the back of a chair 100 times per day, no exaggeration. Call me a perfectionist, but it worked!

Despite some of the people who did not believe in me, overall I had a group of people who supported me in my goals of being a martial artist. This allowed me to feel a sense of security, connection, and family. The older I got, the more I got involved. Whether it was to stay active, get away from the house, or let out some anger and frustration, I always found a reason to stay connected with martial arts.

In junior high, I joined the wrestling team at school. I wanted this experience because I was a troubled teenager who needed an outlet. My coaches always gave me accommodations as needed, such as individual coaching or additional verbal descriptions. But, the other students on the teams weren’t always so nice. Students would often taunt or tease me in the locker rooms or outside of practice. Of course, it was always when coaches weren’t around. This allowed me to stay focused on what’s important and not react to their words. I tried to not let it discourage me.

In high school, I attended the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind (MSAB). While at the academy, I continued to stay involved in wrestling as well as other extracurricular activities. MSAB Director, John Davis, was my case manager, biology teacher, and wrestling coach. Needless to say, John and I spent a lot of time together, whether I wanted to or not. John made sure that I was on the right track academically, socially, and in sports. I guess we could say that John was my “school dad.” To this day, John and I still have a good relationship. It’s always a pleasure to see him at different events.

In college, I signed up for Judo class. You’re probably thinking it’s because I love all forms of martial arts. Actually, my friend wanted me to sign up with him because he was interested in a girl that was in the class. Just the normal college life, you know. Seriously though, after my friend and this love interest fizzled out, they dropped the class. So here I am in this Judo class all by myself not knowing what to expect. As the class went on, I realized that most of the concepts came naturally to me. I continued to practice Judo for the next few years. It was through Judo that I got experience and extensive training in Brazilian Jujitsu.

Let’s fast forward.

While I was a student at BLIND, Inc. I worked out regularly. I found myself working out with other students and showing them the proper way to do some exercises. I was complimented on how well I was able to explain something. This got me thinking that I could potentially teach physical fitness to other blind students based on some of the experiences I have had.

After I graduated from BLIND, Inc., Dan Wenzel gave me the opportunity to teach physical fitness and karate classes to our staff and students. Aside from my personal equipment, I was given string and tape to start off with. Thanks, Dan! Something is better than nothing, I suppose. More than anything, I was grateful for the opportunity. Students learned a variety of things. More importantly, staff and students gave me constructive criticism, which allowed me to grow as an instructor. Based on my teaching, I learned what did and did not work for particular students.

As a staff member at BLIND, Inc., I had the opportunity to attend several state and national conventions. This helped me meet others who were interested in making sports accessible for those who were blind. Each year, I participated in the Health & Wellness Fair, which was put on by the Sports and Recreation division. I taught basic karate strikes and stances. I let participants attempt to break a board, if they wished. After a while, I decided it was best if they stopped trying. This was for their own good.

Through my involvement in the Sports and Recreation Division, I have met some great people such as Jessica Beecham, Roland Allen, Mike Armstrong, and many others. These people have told me their stories about how they have participated in sports and how that has worked for them. It has been encouraging to know that I am not in this alone. I continue to stay involved in this Division and was elected a board member this past convention. I strive to work with board and other members to ensure that blind people are able to fully participate in sports.

While at this past national convention, I met Ricardo Liborio. That may seem like an ordinary name to many, but to me, he’s a big deal! Ricardo was the co-owner of American Top Team, which is one of the biggest martial arts training camps for Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). In 1996, he was the World Brazilian Jujitsu champion. He won a bronze medal in 1999 in Submission Wrestling World Championships. In 2000, he won a silver medal in the same organization. These are just a few highlights of his accomplishments and extensive martial arts career.

Ricardo, a parent of a blind child, came to convention to learn more about blindness, gather resources, and teach blind people about Brazilian Jujitsu. It is his hope to have Brazilian Jujitsu taught throughout the country to blind and low vision students. He is learning about what is possible for his blind daughter as well as blind people everywhere.

After meeting and connecting with Ricardo, he invited me to a Brazilian Jujitsu seminar. As much as I wanted to attend, I’m thinking, “why me?” I knew the obvious thing to do would be to attend and learn as much as possible. With the collaboration of BLIND, Inc., I was able to attend this seminar. Not knowing what to expect, I did everything that I could to learn as much as possible.

At this Brazilian Jujitsu Seminar I was allowed to participate in an array of activities. It was in conjunction with the University of Central Florida. I was able to practice with the team. They said it would just be a quick hour and a half, no big deal. That’s what they think. I helped setup and breakdown for the seminar. I was surprised I was allowed to be so involved since I was blind. No one told me I couldn’t do something or thought it would be dangerous; instead, it was expected of me to participate fully just as anyone else would. Occasionally, I would be asked how I was able to perform a task as a blind person. This gave me the opportunity to educate others about blindness. As others learned a little about my story, they seemed impressed. Not sure why though, since I’m standing here in awe to learn about them.

Kyle Young, a sales representative from Century was intrigued to learn more about my class at BLIND, Inc. and what I wanted to do. Century is a well-known martial arts supply store. We spent a lot of time discussing the benefits of martial arts, how it can be done non-visually, and ideas for the future. With this connection, Kyle (not me) has generously donated a variety of martial arts equipment. Some include: balance beam, mounted X-ray paper, and a grappling dummy. This equipment has helped enhance the class. I look forward to continuing this working relationship in the future.

I guess my approach to life can really be summed up with this quote by Jackie Chan: “Don’t let circumstances control you, you change your circumstances.”