Three sisters find confidence and strength through adaptive martial arts in Marana

At Glory Combat in Marana, three sisters are learning self-defense through a class created specifically for people who use wheelchairs.

Ramya and Madi Veprek have spina bifida, while their sister Deena has brittle bone disease. Their mother, Jamie Veprek, helped start the program after taking a women’s self-defense class with instructor Louis Maldonado and seeing its practical benefits.

Maldonado developed the adaptive training by considering which techniques would work best from a wheelchair. The sessions include verbal de-escalation, strength and cardio exercises, striking practice, stick work and defense both in and out of their chairs. The class recently added ground defense as well.

After eight weeks, the sisters say the training has improved their confidence and skills. Their mother hopes it helps them feel prepared, challenge assumptions about people with disabilities and live independently.

Families interested in adaptive or other self-defense classes at Glory Combat can find information at glorycsf.com.