Using a curriculum researched, designed, and field-tested by Dr. Cespedes at Barry University's Ph.D. program, The M.A.S.T.E.R. is involved in implementing the following programs which have substantive and measurable psychosocial benefits:
Mentally & Emotionally Challenged
We offer the mentally and emotionally challenged a means of developing greater self-esteem as well as a sense of personal accomplishment. This social group can also benefit from enhanced coordination and physical development, as well as learning viable self-defense to protect themselves from those elements within society who prey on them. We also train the mentally and emotionally challenged with techniques with which to redirect hostility, we offer a sense of belonging which is often absent in their lives, and provide a proactive life-view to cope with their problems.
Physically Challenged
The physical limitations faced by many children and adults pose special problems of self-defense in an increasingly violent society. We offer avenues of physical development which compensate for physical limitations and thereby increase self-esteem. Additionally, the physically challenged are offered a means of redirecting feelings of hostility caused by their impairments, a sense of personal achievement, and a sense of belonging to a group of "specially trained" martial artists. To better cope psychologically with their impairments we develop within this group a proactive psycho-orientation.
Truancy/Academic Underachievement
The truant is usually also an academic underachiever. We provide a means of transferring those skills obtained through the practice of mental discipline/focus to the application of daily performance at school. This is further reinforced by a sense of belonging to a desirable group, enhanced self-esteem, and the redirection of hostility and negative behavior into a proactive life-view accompanied by an ethical orientation. Of course, the student holistically benefits from increased physical development and self-defense skills in an increasingly violent society.
Violence Reduction & Conflict Resolution
Problem-solving through the use of violence is often symptomatic of poor conflict resolution skills and reduced self-esteem. It is paradoxical that by teaching self-defense we provide a means of transferring those skills obtained through the practice of mental/physical discipline to the redirection of hostility and negative behavior. This subsequently leads to a proactive life-view accompanied by an ethical orientation, and further reinforced by a sense of belonging to a desirable group as well as enhanced physical development.
