Serenity Recovery in Marne Uses Karate to Beat Substance Abuse [Video]

Serenity Recovery, a treatment center for substance abuse in Marne, is using karate to help those struggling with addition.

Sensei Ed Taylor is a 5th Degree Black Belt in the Shōrin-ryū style of karate. He teaches the hour-long class twice a week.

“My class helps with the recovery program in a lot of different ways,” Taylor says. “Working with patients here, it’s gratifying beyond words. When you can take someone who is struggling in their life, and you see that confidence overcome them, it’s very rewarding.”

Matthew A., one of the patients at Serenity Recovery that took the class says, “It’s a little escape for me throughout the day. Whenever I go to karate, I don’t have to think too much about what is going on. Actually, I don’t think about anything at all. To my overall program, it’s definitely helped me. I went in there not knowing anything, and trying to learn everything. I learned to have patience. It’ll come with time and practice.”