Spanish Harlem has one of the highest asthma rates in the United States. Our children also suffer from additional health problems such as obesity, ADHD and ADD. Eighty one percent of the families in our neighborhood live below the poverty level and it is only through the generosity of people like you that we can make our program available for these children.

We have been particularly successful in helping asthmatic students. A little over 23% of our students are asthmatic. Our senior instructor is a severe asthmatic as well as a second-degree black belt in Tai Kwan Do.

Our student coordinator has extensive experience in working with asthmatic children. While the asthmatic child receives special attention they are mainstreamed in our regular martial arts program. Our program is one of the only athletic programs for asthmatic children in the community. Without this type of training, many asthmatic children become targeted and bullied in school.  Often the child becomes ‘invalidized’ rather than being allowed to develop to his or her fullest potential.  

Miguel

The Little Ninja Adoption Program is designed to support an inner city asthmatic child for a one-year participation in our martial arts program. The donor is invited to meet the child as well as attend his or her belt promotions. Some donors express their generosity with a lump sum donation. Many donors make a monthly donation of $125 to cover the cost of the program for their Little Ninja.

We draw the children from a number of different community agencies. We have worked closely with The Little Sisters of the Assumption, located in Spanish Harlem on E 115th St, in identifying students for participation.

Andy

For additional information please contact our Executive Director at 212-978-8776 or at sk@zazenusa.com

Ultimate Karate USA has been operating a professional martial arts program in Spanish Harlem for about 18 months. We work with children from the ages of three to adults in their sixties. We currently have about 180 students and project that we will reach the 200-student level in the fall. The capacity of the school is 350 students. 

We monitor the students’ academic progress and provide academic support as part of our regular program. We also provide advocacy with school staff for some of our parents who are challenged in speaking English.

Jakai

The tuition for the basic program is $100 per month. 

During the year an average of $300 is spent on shoes, sparring equipment, and other supplies. Asthma is a major problem in our community and a little over 23% of our students are asthmatic. Our senior instructor is a severe asthmatic as well as a second-degree black belt in Tai Kwan Do.   

Our student coordinator has extensive experience in working with asthmatic children. While the asthmatic child receives special attention they are mainstreamed in our regular martial arts program. Our program is one of the only athletic programs for asthmatic children in the community. Without this type of training, many asthmatic children become targeted and bullied in school.

Often the child becomes ‘invalidized’ rather than being allowed to develop to his or her fullest potential.

Gabriel

The Little Ninja Adoption Program is designed to support an inner city asthmatic child for a one-year participation in our martial arts program.  While there are many families in our neighborhood that can afford the cost of the program, there are many families that cannot. 
The Little Sisters of the Assumption, located in Spanish Harlem on E 115th St, refer participants to the program. The sponsor donates $1500 to sponsor a Little Ninja for one year.


Some donors do this as a lump sum. Other participants make monthly payments. 

Juan Pablo Escobar

The age of the child is between 3 and 11. The sponsor receives a picture of the child and is invited to meet the student as well as attending the quarterly belt promotion tests that the child takes.

The donation is fully tax deductible and the sponsor’s name or company name is listed on our website along with a picture of the child.

Individuals interested in adopting a Little Ninja or obtaining additional information about this program should contact our Executive Director, Stan Koehler, at 212-978-8776.

Angel Escobar Vitanzo

John Hidalgo

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