Martial Arts on the Autism Spectrum Book - AL LOREN Martial Arts & Tai Chi

Martial Arts on the Autism Spectrum

About the Author

With 30+ years of teaching experience, the author has worked with thousands of students, including many with special needs. This book was created to share what works, what doesn’t, and how martial arts can truly make a difference in a child’s life.

Martial Arts on the Autism Spectrum
(Available now on Amazon)

This book shares practical tips and real experiences from over three decades of teaching martial arts to students on the autism spectrum and with other learning differences. It’s written to help instructors, parents, and caregivers understand how martial arts can be adapted to support confidence, focus, and growth for neurodivergent students.

What’s Inside

Simple, real-world strategies for teaching students with special needs
How to structure classes, set goals, and handle common challenges
Helpful guidance based on years of hands-on experience
An encouraging, inclusive approach that makes martial arts accessible to everyone

Who This Book Is For

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Testimonials

Maria Lira De Yah - Resident Programs Manager Cogir Memory Care of San Rafael, CA

Thank you AI for showing such kindness to our residents and being there whenever we need Tai Chi. May God bless you abundantly.

Kimberly Salavail - Wellness Program Coordinator Smith Ranch Homes

AI Loren has been a Tai Chi Instructor here at Smith Ranch Homes for over 28 years. His classes are consistently one of the most well attended classes we have on our schedule. The residents love the class and the gentle guiding manner of AI's instruction.

Phyllis Evans (Parent) Mill Valley, CA

Al has worked with our daughter for over 20 years, beginning when she was in her early teens. He has provided training in martial arts, self-defense, and tai chi. We have always appreciated his professional yet friendly approach, and his encouragement has helped develop her self-confidence and improved her coordination. Because our daughter has special needs, having Al come to the house for one-on-one lessons has been convenient and another way he demonstrates his compassionate attitude. We appreciate and value Al Loren as a sensei, teacher, and friend.

Kirsta Martino (Parent) Corte Madera, CA

"Our family is grateful for Sensei Al and the special needs community he has built. My daughter Lilli (15) has trained with him for five years, gaining strength, confidence, and improved motor skills. Al makes classes fun while keeping kids focused, and he genuinely cares about each student. He also supports PAASS classes, showing his dedication beyond teaching. Thank you, Sensei Al!

Gillian and Rich Reilly (Parents) Marin County, CA

Sensei Al has been working with my son who has special needs for over a decade, consistently providing exceptional instruction and guidance. He helped my son gain self-regulation, confidence, and adaptability. Seeing my child thrive in a peer setting is invaluable. Sensei Al’s leadership has set him up for success, making him feel in control of his body. Every village needs a sensei—Marin County, California, has Sensei Al!

Marcie and Greg Stephens (Parents) Mill Valley, CA

Al has been teaching martial arts to our son Ben ("Bean") for the past 11 years, starting at age 13. During that time, we have seen Ben develop physically and intellectually. In addition to teaching Ben, Al has also been a very good mentor for Ben, helping him navigate issues that can constantly crop up for a young man with an intellectual disability. Over these 11 years, Al has become an important part of our family and I could not imagine a Friday afternoon where Al was not in our backyard with Ben, hearing the sound of Ben 'popping the mat

Michael Whiteley and Dr. Amy Frey (Parents) San Rafael, CA

My son Sasha has high functioning autism and he’s had a few 'angels' in his life that have greatly benefitted him. Al Loren is one of them. He can relate to Sasha in a way few others can, with kindness, patience, and humor. Al has been working with Sasha once or twice a week for 15 years or so and has become like a second father to him. Although the martial arts and fitness training that Sasha has gained from Al has been very beneficial, I think that having a trusted and beloved role model such as Al in Sasha’s life has been the most important benefit. Al is one of those rare people in life who has a true 'calling.' His dedication and love for the work he does is clearly evident and inspiring to all who meet him. His positive influence on Sasha’s life has been a great blessing to him and to our family.

Dr. Barry E. Wootton (Parent) Tiburon, CA

"My 38-year-old son Jon lives on the autism spectrum. When he was still a child, we were constantly searching for ways for him to grow and gain self-confidence. We were very fortunate to find Al Loren’s martial arts program that included instruction for autistic children. Al developed a friendly, kind mentorship relationship with Jon through his instruction in martial arts over the past 30 years. He exceeded our goal of encouraging Jon’s personal growth that has resulted in improved self-esteem, health through exercise, and a more positive outlook on life.

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