Clarke students build confidence at Lauzon MMA

MMA fighter Joe Lauzon hosts Clarke School students at his gym. (Emily Rae photo)

On Thursday, January 30, students from Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in Canton received a private training and tour from pro MMA fighter Joe Lauzon at his gym, Lauzon Mixed Martial Arts in South Easton.

Before their workout, Lauzon, a 26-time UFC veteran, sat down with the 17 children (ages 3-7) to talk to them about the importance of listening throughout the morning’s activities. After a brief explanation followed by questions, Lauzon led the children into a training space where he shook each child’s hand, emphasizing the importance of gentleness and eye contact. Then three Lauzon MMA instructors led the group through exercises focused on listening, coordination and movement. Following their 30-minute session, Lauzon sat with the children and talked to them about integrity and being kind. To conclude the training, each child shook Lauzon’s hand, while he encouraged them to be gentle and make eye contact.

All students in attendance are deaf or hard of hearing and use technology to access sound. Clarke provides these students with the listening, learning and spoken language skills they need to succeed. Lauzon’s son, Joey, a Clarke alumnus, was also in attendance, helping to lead exercises and be a model for the younger children. Joey is now a kindergartener at his local mainstream school.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Feb 7 2020. Filed under News, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.