Blind woman relies on hearing, feel to learn martial arts

Amanda Shevitski enjoys learning martial arts.

The 28-year-old Pinellas Park woman is blind and has cerebral palsy, but she doesn’t let her disabilities slow her down.

Shevitski has been taking lessons at Ryan Dean’s The Dojo in Largo for about nine months, learning an Okinawan-style karate called Uechi Ryu and a Japanese art called Jujutsu

Sensei Ryan Dean said he takes a hands-on approach to teaching Amanda and relies on verbal instructions instead of demonstrations.

“I also will hold her in positions where she feels the correct positioning," Dean said.

Regular lessons include learning everything from strength training and stretching to kicking and pushing techniques.

"I rely on verbal cues, environmental factors, senses of feel and hearing," Shevitski said. "It really does help you learn balance and strength and it helps you also to heighten your senses more than they already are."

Dean, a seventh-degree black belt, said he's inspired by his student.

"She never gives up, and she works really hard," Dean said.