In an unpredictable world, having the confidence and skills to protect oneself is precious. Gabriella, affectionately known as Gabby, is a shining example of how martial arts can provide physical safety while instilling confidence and resilience in individuals, particularly those that face unique challenges.
Gabby, much like her mother Gisela, exudes joy and positivity. The 25-year-old martial artist with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) approaches life with joyous enthusiasm, an adventurous spirit, and an eagerness to embrace new experiences. Gabby’s mother, Gisela, understood early on the importance of safety in today’s world, and was very happy to support Gabby embark on a journey into the realm of martial arts.
“Gabriella is just a joy. She’s effervescent, full of life, happy, positive, kind, and adventurous. She loves life and is full of it. It was very important to me that she have a safety net and the tools to protect herself being in communities by herself while she attends programs. Gabby was also interested in doing all this. Her two older cousins were into martial arts, so she decided to give it a shot. We went to a dojo where she was interviewed personally. Now, she’s been training for over seven years. She loves it!” says Gisela.
Gabby’s journey began with Shotokan, where she earned a purple belt before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the program. Undeterred, Gabby embraced change and transitioned to Taekwondo, finding a new passion and sense of belonging at Elite Martial Arts.
Despite a hectic schedule, Gabby devotes herself to training 2-4 times a week, often navigating through edgy neighborhoods with the support of her family and CFS staff and resources. Recently promoted to a new belt, Gabby’s accomplishments in martial arts have not only boosted her confidence but also provided her with tangible skills to navigate the world with more assurance.
Gisela acknowledges and loves the support Gabby receives from her family, as well as her team of life coaches and support brokers provided by CFS.
“She is very blessed to have the “life coaches” that have been provided through CFS. Having self-direction, fiscal intermediaries, and support brokers has given Gabby wings, and has filled her with a lot of self confidence and life skills. All the help from the team at CFS – Melissa and Ms. Yankowitz (Support Brokers), Jennipher (FI supervision), Nicasie (Fiscal Intermediary), and Linda (Chief Program Officer, CFS) – have given Gabby and I invaluable guidance,” shares Gisela, adding that, “Gabby has huge amounts of support from her family. Our family is our core support unit, and it needs to be extremely supportive and strong for self direction. Thankfully, we have plenty of support from them!”
Gisela advocates for more parents to consider martial arts for their children with IDD. She emphasizes that there are tailored and even online classes now available to students from all walks of life, including with IDD. “I can’t recommend it more, and can’t stress enough the transformative impact these classes can have on confidence and skill development,” Gisela says.
Gabby’s journey is inspiring. She continues to grow and flourish and we all learn from her zeal for life!
Gabby’s CFS family wishes her nothing but the best as she continues to stride confidently down the path of empowerment and strength in the face of life’s challenges.
