Certifications
Certifications
· 3rd Degree Shotokan/American Karate,
· 2nd Degree ChukidoKwan,
· 3rd Degree Taekwondo
Awards
· World Karate Commission- National Champion
· World Karate Commission- World Silver Medalist
· World Karate Commission- World Bronze Medalist
Biography
Ra’chelle started studying Martial Arts when she was 6 years old. It was Ra’chelle’s family’s hope that studying karate would help Rachelle’s confidence, socialization, and physical fitness. Ra’chelle was really shy and timid and also diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia, and Anxiety. The study of karate played a huge part in helping Ra’chelle with the symptoms of these disorders.
In addition to Karate, Ra’chelle also played basketball up at the college level and was captain for many teams throughout her basketball journey. If it weren’t for her parents keeping her in karate she would not be where she is today as a dedicated teacher and leader.
Ra’chelle started working with special needs people in 2009 as a paraprofessional. Ra’chelle has been trained by and works closely with Special Education Teachers, Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists to assist with all of the needs of a special needs person.
Ra’chelle is the creator and the sole instructor of the individualized program created for all special needs students, called Special Ninjas. Ra’chelle saw great potential in differently-abled people and she knew karate was something they could be included in and have fun with all while working on their therapy needs.
Ra’chelle is unique to have the skills and background in both karate and special needs education to help the Special Ninjas succeed. Ra’chelle can connect and has a deeper understanding with her students because she too deals with her own challenges. Ra’chelle is extremely creative with ways to modify and breakdown techniques so that all of her Special Ninjas have the greatest chance to succeed.