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Just let him go... When Donna and Bob Dillon decided to give Liam, their 7 year old son with some special needs, the opportunity to try Tae Kwon Do, they weren’t really sure whether it was the right decision. Liam is a charming child who, in spite of the challenges he faces, is determined and ready to try new experiences. But organized sport wasn’t for Liam and so, when Donna turned to a local TKD organization, it was with some optimism mixed with a sense of unease. Unfortunately however, his parents were asked not to sign Liam up for classes because he might be too disruptive to other students. Determined not to give up, Donna took Liam to another TKD class at a church but again, recommendations were made to find alternative arrangements such as private classes, as Liam was proving too much of a distraction to the class. Donna and Bob were disappointed. They had earnestly hoped that Liam might learn better self control and some means of self defense which, sadly, might be important to him as he grows up being a little different, Donna quite frankly admits. Then something wonderful happened. Donna brought Liam to the Somerset Hills YMCA where Miranda and Frank Coppola have been providing weekly Tae Kwon Do classes for kids, adults and families since 1993. Reassured by their warm welcome and encouragement, Bob and Liam started a class together. Bob shares his story; “In our first few classes I would pull the instructor aside and try to explain that my son has special needs and that I will try to not have him distract the other students. He would tell me not to worry and all I remember thinking was ‘right, you'll see’.  The fact is he really did not want me to worry as they are incredibly good at handling children. ‘Just let him go’, Frank would murmur, ‘just let him go’”. Donna describes the Tae Kwon Do class like a support group, all of whom, young and old, have taken on the role of surrogate parent. They gently remind Liam what to do and to stay on task. “It brought tears of joy to my eyes to watch this shared responsibility of our son, Liam, being taken on. Class members will literally give him a hug and include him in their group.” Liam’s parents have noticed that he’s a lot less distracted these days. He earned two promotions and is now a green belt. Liam now goes twice a week since Donna has joined the class. Donna loves the workout and warns that there are no trophies or empty praise in this class. "It’s no walk in the park,” she says. “You work hard to deserve a promotion but you feel such a sense of achievement when you finish.”