When Denys Darzi opened his Jiu-jitsu academy in Boca Raton three years ago, his vision went beyond just teaching. He envisioned a place to not only make people stronger physically, but emotionally. Many people walk through the doors of his academy believing that they’ll learn self defense, strength, and martial arts, but what they don’t know is they will leave with a community and stronger mind.
Darzi has been practicing Jiu-jitsu for 48 years and has been teaching it for 32. He firmly believes in the power Jiu-jitsu can offer, which is what led him to start a program for neurodivergent children. Along with his fellow instructor, Janaisa Morandin, Darzi shares that the program for neurodivergent children has not only helped the children feel supported, but also provided the families with a community.
“The families change together,” Darzi says. “They find support here. They can bring their kids and the kids are accepted, and they see their kids evolving.” Morandin adds that for neurodivergent kids and families, finding a place that feels like a community is vital.
Teaching a class for neurodivergent kids does call for some minor teaching changes as instruction becomes more individualized. Morandin and Darzi try to “connect with the kids to see how we can create the bonds of friendship and the connection.”
With the mix of Morandin’s empathic energy and Darzi’s more disciplinary approach, they work as an excellent team. Morandin says that, “We balance it very well. This is why we work very well together. We are here for [the students], Jiu-jitsu is for everybody.”
In class, Darzi shares that, ”We work a lot on motor skills, coordination drills … and it connects with the mind, and when [the students] start to connect everything, the change starts.”
Darzi feels that making an emotional impact is one of the biggest keys in helping neurodivergent kids gain success from the classes. And success has definitely shown.
While change does not happen overnight, Darzi and Morandin have witnessed immense changes within their students. One child went from almost being pulled away from class to now earning student of the month.
Another inspiring story involves a child who resisted even entering the academy for six months. “After one year, he was so confident he started playing hockey and now has a scholarship for hockey.” Darzi says. “[We’re] very grateful to see their change, the way they come and what they become after a few months is so rewarding.”
The plan for the future is simple: keep on growing and making a real difference. The class has already given so much support for local families that Darzi and Morandin are hopeful to keep expanding. Morandin shares that they want to continue to “give [the students] the attention that they deserve.”
For more information about Denys Darzi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, click here.
