An Interview With Jake Frankel
Patience — Patience is so important in creating a meaningful movement. It has taken me over thirty years to be recognized as an accomplished leader working with people on the Autism Spectrum, so I encourage others to have patience, dedication and never give up.
As part of my series about “How to write a book that sparks a movement” I had the pleasure of interviewing Al Loren. Al is the bestselling author of Martial Arts On The Autism Spectrum — Practical Tips From Three Decades Of Training Kids and Adults, an empowering book that showcases the benefits of martial arts training for individuals with autism and other neurodivergent traits. An experienced martial artist, Al has 44 years of training in Karate, Kung Fu, Aikido, Tai Chi, and Jujitsu. He has competed in many martial arts tournaments including the U.S. Open and the World Championships.
Based in San Francisco, California, Al has a large practice teaching Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Aikido to neurotypical kids, adults and seniors, as well as individuals with Autism and special needs. He has taught over 35,000 classes with 33 years of full-time teaching experience. He is well known for his excellence in teaching and professional yet compassionate style and methods. Al is a graduate of American University in Washington D.C. with a B.A. in the School of International Service.
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you share the “backstory” of how you grew up?
My childhood was very oriented towards sports from an early age. I was involved in playing football, basketball and baseball, which were all team and organized sports. Athletics was always a huge part of my life and gave me a strong sense of identity. There was also a great emphasis on academics from my parents. I was enrolled in private schools from the age of eleven until college.
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story?
The book that made a significant impact on me is The Pinnacle of Karate by Robert A. Trias. The book encompasses martial arts training from a lifestyle perspective which has influenced me to learn about anatomy, nutrition, the origins of martial arts, the history of martial arts, meditation, Japanese and Chinese culture and self-defense.
What was the moment or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
Several of my martial arts teachers were very influential in guiding me on my path. One of my mentors said that I would make a good martial arts teacher, because I knew more than most. That statement gave me confidence to believe in myself, and was the catalyst for me becoming a Martial Arts and Tai Chi teacher. That was almost 35 years ago. I would encourage the millions of people who are affected by Autism or another disability to read my book. The book shares valuable insights, inspirational stories, and real-life case studies from the thousands of martial arts classes I have taught over 33 years. My book can be shared with and benefit parents, schools, teachers, doctors, therapists, entertainment producers and politicians.
What impact did you hope to make when you wrote this book?
My deepest hope is that this book will positively uplift the lives of those who are on or involved with the autism spectrum. There are a few key takeaways I would like readers to remember. For one, martial arts is a powerful and helpful practice for kids and adults on the autism spectrum. It is an investment in the totality of a person’s development — physically, emotionally and socially — and can help people on the spectrum make progress and lead more fulfilling, meaningful lives. Secondly, it is important to have a teacher who is passionate about this area, qualified as a martial artist, and well educated. Finally, don’t ever give up on or underestimate the capabilities of individuals with autism or other special needs. In my many years of teaching, I have been continually amazed by the resilience and inner strength of my students on the spectrum. They are incredible in so many learning and achieving ways!
Did the actual results align with your expectations? Can you explain?
The results from my book are an ongoing process of continued promotion and awareness on the topic of Autism. People with Autism and other disabilities are very capable of being employed and making valuable contributions to the world. My sincerest hope is that there are sufficient opportunities available from businesses all over the world for those with Autism. It is a condition that needs constant action and directed energy for real change to take place.
What moment let you know that your book had started a movement? Please share a story.
My book has helped raise awareness of the prevalence of Autism in our society and the need for more people to be involved. As my book is being sold in many countries, my great hope is that many will step up and work to assist the autism demographic to bring it to greater heights — starting with early intervention services, school programs, dedicated activities, job support and independent opportunities for those who qualify. The feedback I get about the book from parents of kids and adult children with autism is usually one of gratitude for the work that I do as I want others to see that people on the spectrum are capable and can function quite well if they are put in favorable environments.
What kinds of things did you hear right away from readers? What are the most frequent things you hear from readers about your book now? Are they the same? Different?
When my book was first released, I got immediate feedback on how wonderful and powerful my story was, working with and teaching Martial Arts to people with autism. People were amazed at how they could learn, practice and train. Now, a year and a half since the book was published, I have people asking specific questions related to my philosophies and methods for learning success. They want to understand how I do it and what my experience has been, working with people on the Autism Spectrum for over thirty years. I also feel like the general population really admires and respects what I do! This has been an evolution as more people read the book and are aware of the services and teaching I provide.
What is the most moving or fulfilling experience you’ve had as a result of writing this book? Can you share a story?
The most fulfilling aspect about writing this book has been my ability to go global with my story. I feel like I’m giving encouragement and hope to parents, teachers and aides who work with children with autism or other disabilities. Locally, I have people who have read my book, approach me and tell me that I’m doing important work and making a positive difference in my students lives. Comments like these are so gratifying!
Have you experienced anything negative? Do you feel there are drawbacks to writing a book that starts such colossal conversation and change?
Thankfully, I have not experienced anything negative or any drawbacks of writing the book. The whole experience of authoring this book has positive.
Can you articulate why you think books in particular have the power to create movements, revolutions, and true change?
Books have the power to bring about life altering changes. Through inspirational stories that demonstrate unconditional love and encouragement, great changes can occur. People and their extraordinary stories put into written word are constantly having a strong influence in all facets of society. Their stories give hope and encouragement for more individuals to stay the course and be motivated to achieve for bigger goals.
What is the one habit you believe contributed the most to you becoming a bestselling writer? (i.e. perseverance, discipline, play, craft study) Can you share a story or example?
Having the right habits has been very powerful for me, both in life and in achieving success overall. In general, I have always been a very disciplined person. Since I teach more than 100 students a week, I make sure that I’m always kind, polite and professional in every way. I do my best to improve the quality of my students’ lives and let them know that I’m there for them outside of class too, if needed. Being a health-oriented and positive person has also been very important and effective in working with people on the Autism spectrum, which is why it is something I take very seriously. My students look up to me as a role model and trust me, which has been hugely important in my work overall.
What challenge or failure did you learn the most from in your writing career? Can you share the lesson(s) that you learned?
My biggest challenge was maintaining my patience. A good book has its own timeline and path, and forcing the natural timing for quicker results can have negative consequences. The experience of trying to complete my book too quickly was detrimental as I found I was having to go back and rewrite parts of the book.
Many aspiring authors would love to make an impact similar to what you have done. What are the 5 things writers need to know if they want to spark a movement with a book? (please include a story or example for each)
I believe the habits that are essential for an author to spark a movement are as follows:
1) Vision — An author needs to have a vision of how their movement and message will affect people and society. Without this foresight, it is difficult to envision where to go. One’s vision can be equated to a road map for success. I knew that my book and its teachings were unique and had benefits that were valuable, specific and necessary. With that in mind, I knew I could proceed with confidence.
2) Belief — Belief is also key in starting a movement. It is the fuel for staying strong and continuing to move forward. I’ve always known that I could impact people widely with my teachings, training and approach. I also don’t listen to naysayers.
3) Courage — Courage is a key ingredient to starting a movement. With courage, I kept moving forward, especially when things got tough and overrode any voice in my head that said I should give up and that this would be too hard and complicated to carry out. Courage became my best friend and it continues to be.
4) Patience — Patience is so important in creating a meaningful movement. It has taken me over thirty years to be recognized as an accomplished leader working with people on the Autism Spectrum, so I encourage others to have patience, dedication and never give up.
5) Directed Energy — Sustained physical, mental and emotional energy is of great significance in achieving positive results. Energy must be in abundance and used effectively towards accomplishing your goals. Fortunately, for me, I have always had high energy and been able to direct and channel it towards my goals. I credit forty-four years of constant Martial Arts Practice and Training for that ability.
The world, of course, needs progress in many areas. What movement do you hope someone (or you!) starts next? Can you explain why that is so important?
My great hope is to develop more resources and opportunities that address careers for capable adults with autism. There are not nearly enough companies out there that provide this type of training for employment. Adults with autism have valuable skills and can be trained to be huge assets in business. This is extremely important as people with autism make up a significant percent of the World’s population, so this certainly warrants the attention of businesses to evolve and adapt their training so people with autism can become a productive part of the employment demographic.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
They can follow my work on my website (allorenmartialarts.com) and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Thank you so much for these insights. It was a true pleasure to do this with you.
Author Al Loren On How To Write A Book That Sparks A Movement was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.