An Orange County martial arts program has combined the practice of karate with the knowledge of occupational therapy to help children and teens with special needs thrive.
Wayne Centra, also known to his students as Sensei Wayne, is the founder and director of Karate For All in Tustin. Centra is a certified occupational therapist and 4th-degree black belt who has been helping those with developmental and special needs for decades.
“There are so many things about this activity that help a child in so many different ways,” Centra said. “Our goal as occupational therapists is, ‘How do we help our kids to be able to thrive in many different environments?’”
Centra was inspired to create Karate For All while working with young patients in pediatric oncology…