Discipline. Dedication. To fight.
These are all terms that come to mind when describing the practice of martial arts. These three words could be used to describe Griffon Holdcroft and his family.
It’s only right that the two meet and form a relationship. Finding martial arts as an outlet made Griffon more disciplined, dedicated and a fighter. It also made him physically and mentally stronger in fighting the challenges of his developmental disabilities.
Griffon’s parents, James and Saretta, tried for 10 years to have a child. They finally came to terms with the fact that their fate was sealed and they would not conceive. They decided they would adopt. They were supposed to go through foster parenting classes in March, and in February they found out they were pregnant.
The couple was excited, but at the 20-week scan that excitement turned to fear. Saretta was considered “high risk” in her pregnancy, and as the weeks went by, there continued to be concerns about the baby’s heart and kidneys. With great caution and care, the couple reached 39 weeks. Childbirth was no less stressful and scary than pregnancy. The baby’s heart stopped and he was rushed to National Children’s Hospital before the parents could even hold their son.
Ten years, several diagnoses and 22 surgeries later, Griffon still has challenges, but he faces them with the same principles he learns at House of the Bear Martial Arts during his classes.
“During COVID, he became restless, a little lazy, and we were desperate to find an outlet for him to socialize,” Saretta said. “We found the Bear House and we are so grateful.”
Saretta continues to give credit to the Caledonia-based martial arts studio.
Martial arts are not just socialization, but also therapy
“Not only has it helped with socialization, but we now consider it a form of therapy for Griffon,” she said. “He has become so strong that the additional surgery we were preparing for is no longer necessary.”
Griffon loves his instructor, Dave Hush, and the feeling is mutual.
“When the family approached me to explore Griffon’s participation, I didn’t think twice. We don’t worry about their developmental disabilities,” Hush said. “We work with the family to accommodate their skill level.”
As is often the case with people with developmental disabilities, Griffon exceeded all expectations. His family and instructors couldn’t believe the progress he was making. He continues to “break down” barriers by winning multiple tournaments and being inducted into the 2022 US Martial Arts Hall of Fame as “Most Inspirational Boy of the Year.”
When you ask Griffon about his accomplishments, he is modest.
“I like being with my friends and going to competitions,” he replied.
Griffon is in fourth grade at Marion Preparatory Academy and is still determining his long-term goals beyond being a typical kid.
“I like animals so much that I’m going to do something with it,” he said.
Exercising the mind and body
Your parents, on the other hand, have dreams.
“We just want him to be happy,” James said.
“I worry a lot. His heart is weak and that’s always on my mind,” Saretta said. “Knowing he has an outlet to exercise his mind and body through martial arts makes me happy. Seeing him thrive is all I can hope for.”
The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities saw Griffon’s progress in martial arts and considered it a form of therapy. They financially support these classes, and their services and support administrator (case manager), Derek Markle, thinks it’s a great investment.
“Stories like these are what make this work rewarding. Knowing that we are helping Griffon thrive and avoid projected surgery gives me a sense of pride in the work we do for so many,” said Markle. “I am proud to support the Holdcroft family in this way.”
The Marion County Council on Developmental Disabilities loves that the Bear House has been so supportive of Griffon’s journey. Owner Dave Hush wants the community to know he accepts all abilities and is here to help families who want to try martial arts.
Nicole Workman is communications director for the Marion County Council on Developmental Disabilities.
#Martial #arts #serves #physical #therapy #Griffin #Holdcroft
Image Source : www.marionstar.com