Manny Rico practices with Savannah Herring during a private lesson at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
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After a private lesson at Coastal Martial Arts Academy on Sunday, February 18, 2024, Manny Rico, 10, examines the stickers instructor Savannah Herring, 15, provided as a reward. Ta.
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Emma Herring (left) and Savannah Herring watch as Manny Rico selects stickers for a poster after a private lesson at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington on Sunday, February 18, 2024. (right).
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Manny Rico, 10, has Down syndrome and has been attending martial arts classes at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington for about two and a half years.
Renee Spencer/Star News
Savannah Herring, 13, helps Manny Rico, 10, master some moves in his weekday martial arts class. Her classes are comprehensive, and she works with Herring on weekends to help Manny complete her movements with confidence.
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Sister Manny Rico practices with sisters Savannah and Emma Herring during a private lesson at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Renee Spencer/Star News
Manny Rico mastered the kick with the encouragement of instructor Savannah Herring during a private lesson at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Renee Spencer/Star News
Manny Rico receives a helping hand from his coaches, sisters Emma Herring and Savannah Herring, as he goes through an obstacle course at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington on Sunday, February 18, 2024. I'm trying to convince him to reach out.
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Manny Rico tackles an obstacle course at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Renee Spencer/Star News
Manny Rico tackles an obstacle course at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington on Sunday, February 18, 2024, with assistance from sisters Savannah and Emma Herring.
Renee Spencer/Star News
Manny Rico, 10, and high five instructor Savannah Herring, 15, after a lesson at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Renee Spencer/Star News
Manny Rico gives a private lesson to Savannah Herring while Bernie and Heather Richardson, owners of Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington, look on.
Renee Spencer/Star News
Manny Rico practices with Savannah Herring during a private lesson at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Renee Spencer/Star News
Manny Rico works with instructors Savannah Herring and Emma Herring at Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington. They use a special mat they named the “Manny Mat” to help Manny learn form and footwork for kicks.
Renee Spencer/Star News
Ten-year-old Manny Rico has been working at Coastal Martial Arts Academy for two and a half years, during which time his cognitive skills and health have improved.
Renee Spencer/Star News
From left: Bernie Richardson, owner of Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington, Manny Rico, and Savannah Herring, lead instructor at Coastal Martial Arts Academy.
Photo courtesy of Isabel Rico
From left: Savannah Herring, Manny Rico, and Bernie Richardson, owner of Coastal Martial Arts Academy in Wilmington. Manny Rico recently won a martial arts tournament and the group celebrates.
Photo courtesy of Isabel Rico
