APEX, N.C. — A taekwondo studio is providing an essential service for children and families during the pandemic.

Salim Oden, a taekwondo national champion and U.S. national team member, opened Progressive Taekwondo Academy in 2014.

Since the pandemic hit, Oden’s been starting his days off a little differently. His first stop is picking up 14-year-old Elijah Muhammad, one of a handful of kids participating in his weekly ‘student success camps.’

“Anything I can do to sort of bridge that gap to make them feel a little bit more normal in a year that’s been anything but normal is really my job,” says Oden.

After his studio was shutdown for months, Oden shifted his business model, putting his background in teaching to good use. Now, he spends his days helping students with remote learning and homework.

The extra help is a necessity for Elijah’s mother, Anjail Muhammad. She works at a Raleigh daycare center and is a full-time student at Meredith College.

“Every hour. Every minute counts,” she says. “Even though I’m a mom, you don’t want your workload to overshadow your child’s needs.”

For Elijah, who is legally blind, that need is taekwondo, a place he feels acceptance and friendship.

“I look forward to doing this every day,” says Elijah. “It gives me a lot of motivation to do what I have to do.”

The taekwondo classes also offer a support system for students who depend on in-person contact to thrive.

“That one biblical verse, 'to whom much is given much is required,'” says Oden. “Why not do everything to make sure everyone in my community can prosper and succeed.”