Rhode Island martial arts studio works to boost students' self-esteem
Owner Bill Ambrosia has faced tough challenges in life and teaches his students how to overcome them on their own.
Updated: June 19, 2024, 8:20 PM ET
AYER'S EFFORTS. Since Obiri Ayer, I have been disciplined and I don't give up. That's why you succeed. Principles for proceeding with the study of martial arts. Everyone who comes here has something to overcome. I introduce our martial arts to them in such a way that they can find a way to resolve any doubts they have or lack of confidence that they have somewhere in their life. This is not a technique, but a lesson that William Ambrosia, who runs SIRIO AMBROSIA MARTIAL ARTS in Rhode Island, teaches. He has lived it. When I was born, the doctor told my mother that I would be terribly unathletic, overweight, and that by the age of 30, severe vascular problems would limit my physical development, but that motivation driven by love would overcome it. My mother was dating a man who taught karate named Nick Serio, but I was used to being my mother's little man. So I said, “I have to do this too.” So I had to go. That way I could protect my mother. Who is this man? He says, “Despite the bruises, he kept trying.” Apparently I must have been born with a never give up attitude. And I thought that was normal. Fall, get up. That changed his life and in turn changed the lives of his students. I think what I like about this class is that it makes you feel like you're in a safe place and you feel like you're learning. Ryker Palumbo, 13, is brilliant intellectually. He can recite everything he's learned here in the last six months. Walking forms 1 and 2. Palm heel, hand strike, kick, bow total. We use the Okinawa 25-point blocking system in the exercises. I'm his favorite. He's a cross-cover side kick, and in many ways it foreshadows what he's struggled with in life. The fact that if something is too far, you can still reach and get back to where you were. He was diagnosed with autism at a pretty young age. He didn't let it define him. But we had, um, some educational and behavioral difficulties. He's had a lot of social challenges in his life, but it's thanks to Soggy Bill that he came to an environment like this and felt safe to be himself and try new things. It's great. 3 He brought it to his side, as if he was blocking here and here to the side. Ambrosia slowly built trust and allowed Ryker to grow. Kenpo is designed to fit the student, not the student himself. So it doesn't fit into a pre-defined box. Techniques that pave the way for Ryker to break through his barriers head on. Head on? Yeah, the boy is even stronger. He's confident that he has a better sense of balance. It's been a really great journey these last six months. I cried the first two or three times. I'm so proud of him for having the will to try and remember things so well. Also, I'm really grateful to Silk Bill. He has a very special skill and not everyone can connect with Ryker like he does with a great high five. Now, Ryker goes to private classes. That's his comfort zone for now, but Ambrosia also offers group classes for students. And speaking of Bill, Ambrosia, at the height of his martial arts career, had a terrible accident that many thought would end his career. But he fought back and overcame it.
Rhode Island martial arts studio works to boost students' self-esteem
Owner Bill Ambrosia has faced tough challenges in life and teaches his students how to overcome them on their own.
Updated: June 19, 2024, 8:20 PM ET
Serio Ambrosia Martial Arts in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, has a long history of teaching students the sport. Some students face challenges that make it a unique experience. Instructor William Ambrosia, who has faced physical challenges himself, helps his students bounce back. As a child, Ambrosia was diagnosed with a severe vascular malformation that limited his physical development. That was until his love of martial arts motivated him to overcome it. “I was born with a 'never give up' attitude. You fall, you get up,” Ambrosia says. That attitude is ingrained in Ambrosia, and he teaches the same mindset to his students. Thirteen-year-old Ryker Palumbo is a student at Serio Ambrosia Martial Arts. Palumbo was diagnosed with autism at a young age, which gave him social challenges. His mother, Kelly Palumbo, says the only time Palumbo feels like himself is when he's practicing martial arts with Ambrosia. “The first few times I cried because I was so proud of him for being willing to try and remembering things so well. And we're so grateful for Bill Salk because he has such a special skill set. Not everyone can connect with Riker the way he does,” Kelly said.
Cerio Ambrosia Martial Arts in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, has a long history of teaching students the sport, some of whom face challenges that make it a unique experience. Instructor William Ambrosia has faced physical challenges himself and helps his students bounce back.
As a child, Ambrosia was diagnosed with a severe vascular malformation that limited her physical development, until her motivation, driven by her love of martial arts, overcame that.
“I was born with a 'never give up' attitude. I fall down, I get up,” Ambrosia said.
Ambrosia maintains that same attitude, and teaches the same mindset to her students. Thirteen-year-old Ryker Palumbo is a student at Serio Ambrosia Martial Arts. As a child, Palumbo was diagnosed with autism and had social issues. His mother, Kelly Palumbo, says the only place he felt like himself was when he was practicing martial arts with Ambrosia.
“The first few times I cried because I was so proud of him for being willing to try and remembering things so well. And we're so grateful for Bill Salk because he has such a special skill set. Not everyone can connect with Riker the way he does,” Kelly said.
