My Life: Karate Kids is a British documentary for the BBC by John Walsh of Walsh Bros Ltd. and was narrated by Doctor Who actor David Tennant. The film follows the friendship of two disabled children as they embark on learning Sanjuro Martial Arts and changing their lives forever. Karate Kids is a unique glimpse into a world that is ignored by mainstream society and misunderstood by many. This film challenges the perceptions around childhood disability.
Sanjuro Martial Arts has its roots in traditional martial arts and a contemporary approach to teaching practical techniques that fit around the student's abilities. Developed by Glenn Delikan Sanjuro strives to make martial arts available to all ages and abilities. Sanjuro offers a rare glimpse of physical independence to kids who are otherwise totally reliant on carers. By charting the progress of the children over several months, Karate Kids reveals the friendship, bullying, confidence and self-worth of children in a north London school.
Buoyed by physical breakthroughs kick-started in Sanjuro Martial Arts class, Tim Choi benefits even more than most. Tim has never been able to move or communicate unaided, and relies on mum and best friend Francis to communicate his thoughts to the outside world. Karate Kids follows him through a very busy few months. Tim receives a national award from disability charity Cerebra, then runs for Class President, and then has his life transformed as laser technology offers him a voice of his own and some glimmer of independence. Karate Kids offers a look into a world that is ignored by mainstream society and badly misunderstood by children and challenges the perceptions around childhood disability.
Adult mainstream class members featured in the footage for the documentary include actor Alexander Dreymon
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Reception
The 'My Life' series of film was created by the BBC as a direct result of the success of Sofa Surfers made by John Walsh in 2009. The BBC regarded it as an attempt to make serious films for young people. The Radio Times commended it as inspirational. The Tipperary Star called the film "a unique glimpse into a world that is ignored by mainstream society and misunderstood by many"
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Filmography / Awards
The BAFTA nominated film My Life: Karate Kids for the first time tackled issues of bullying among disabled children.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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