Josh Springer spent 10 years with Save the Children. For another decade, he worked with youngsters of color, through non-profit organizations.
Now the Ridgefield native has a new project. He’s not saving lives, exactly. But he is helping boys and girls — and adults — in other ways.
Through martial arts, he teaches respect, self-discipline, self-control, honesty and patience.
Technical skills like blocking and kicking are important, Springer says. But so are character and values. He offers self-defense, a full-body workout, and mental skills to cope with life challenges.
His venue is SDSS Martial Arts. Located in a basement space in Compo Acres Shopping Center — between Sweetgreen and Choice Pet, not far from Trader Joe’s — the dojo is Springer’s third. He runs another SDSS in Fairfield, and is a partner in one in Ridgefield.
From left: Josh Springer, lead instructor Sifu Kyle, Professor Mikael Meyer.
His work has brought him full circle. Intrigued by Eastern philosophy, Springer studied both the techniques and business sides of martial arts. He ran the Ridgefield location in his 20s.
After earning a graduate degree in non-profit management and public administration, he embarked on his “other” career.
But while envying the work his boots-on-the-ground Save the Children colleagues were doing, Springer always had an entrepreneurial itch.
He knew Mike Meyer, who oversees more than a dozen SSDS locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Three years ago, Springer took over his Fairfield location.
Springer lives in Norwalk’s Cranbury neighborhood, adjacent to Westport, and searched for the right location here. Compo Acres is great, he says; parents can drop their children off, and take care of errands easily.
SSDS Westport opened July 1.
With many youngsters away for the summer, classes have begun slowly. The dojo also offers birthday parties (transforming every guest into “a martial arts hero for the day”). A special camp week is set for August 17-21.
All ages are welcome, but as with many martial arts school, a major focus is on 4- to 12-year-olds.
Pre-K classes are 30 minutes each. Others are 45 minutes.
Springer’s approach is child-centered. He hires “‘people’ people.” They’re patient and understanding. They want to know what motivates each person. One size does not fit all.
“Everyone learns differently,” he adds. A number of students have ADHD; some are on the spectrum, and find traditional sports and teams less appealing than individual activities (though done in groups).
Adults come for a variety of reasons: to get back in shape, rehabilitate after injury (or addiction), or find a social outlet.
Whatever the age, Springer says, students learn that every kick and punch is actually a lesson in focus. The mental discipline is as important as the physical tools.
And, he notes, every first lesson is free. (Hat tip: Negin Janati)
(Click here for the SDSS website. Click here for Facebook. For more information, call 203 293-4129 or email
westport@sdssofct.com.)
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