By Joanna Jullien Special to the Press Tribune

Many people would consider 14-year-old Joey Phelan disabled.

The Folsom resident was born with cerebral palsy – a mild to moderate case according to Joey’s mother, Sonja. The CP mainly affected his balance and gait that required braces and special shoes. At 6 years old with the encouragement of his parents, Joey shed the braces and special shoes through his training with Justin Ewen, at Marinoble’s Martial Arts Center in Roseville.

Today Joey has a junior black belt degree (which he earned at 10 years old) and spars with three men: his dad, Matt, a family friend, Granite Bay resident Tony Harb and his trainer, Justin Ewen.

Since his birth, Joey’s parents remained optimistic and determined to completely understand Joey’s condition, and more importantly they said they did not want his “condition” to define him. Before he started training for his black belt, Joey could not stand long enough to have a short conversation without falling over. His balance and gait were affecting his ability to do some of the basics – like ride a bike. So his mom gave him a scooter, which today he rides with much ease and glee.

Tired of hearing only negative outcomes from the local doctors preparing them for the worst, the Phelans took Joey to the Center for Cerebral Palsy at UCLA where the doctors and therapists studied his gait.

“These experts gave me hope. They told me that Joey would simply have an unusual gait on the walk to pick up his diploma,” Matt said.

And it turned out these experts were right.

Matt credits the private training from Ewen at Marinobles for the amazing transformation of their son. Ewen said that when Joey became his student, he did his homework. He researched CP and prepared a training program that would allow Joey to pursue his potential. Joey’s father insists that the one-on-one training at Marinobles is key.

“Justin [Ewen] is a great trainer”, Joey said. “He works around your problems and pushes you to your limit and he makes it fun.”

Joey said Ewen tells jokes and plays name that tune with the music turned up loud to keep him motivated during workouts. When asked what his goal is now, Joey said he wants to improve as much as he can physically; he does not want to let CP prevent him from achieving his potential.

“I just want to keep improving,” Joey said.

Life-long family friend Harb, has been sparring with Joey, his dad and Ewen for the past six months.

“He accomplishes more than children who do not have any physical disability,” Harb said.

He also said that Joey’s parents’ response to his condition has always been positive, looking for the best outcomes possible.

“They always followed through and challenged Joey physically. As a result, Joey believes that if he really wants to do something he can get there. The marshal arts have enabled him to achieve huge wins,” Harb said.

In 2005, Joey received the Youth Inspire! Award from the Sacramento County Office of Education. He also participated in the Carl Sundahl Elementary School talent show doing a stand up comedy act three years in a row. This summer Joey attended a three-week camp at Jesuit High in Fair Oaks where he played different sports, including football and basketball.

Riding a bike, however, is Joey’s Mount Everest, and his trainer is helping him to prepare for the ascent.

“Joey’s bike is waiting for him,” Ewen said. “It’s sitting in my garage. It’s man-sized and it will be there for him when he is ready.”

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