March 31, 2010: Karate-thon to raise funds for St. Jude's hospital

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Karate-thon to raise funds for St. Jude's hospital

Martial arts students are soliciting sponsors to help children who are fighting cancer

BY ED PIERCE • FLORIDA TODAY • March 31, 2010

A program began last year to benefit children with cancer and increase awareness of physical fitness is returning to Brevard County.

The second annual Martial Arts for St. Jude event is part of a nationwide effort to raise money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, one of the foremost pediatric treatment and research centers in America for kids who have cancer.

The program gained a valuable ally this year when the National Basketball Association conducted its own Hoops for St Jude Week early in March.

More than 30 NBA stars including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard participated in the fundraiser.

Now, it's Brevard's chance to pitch in and help. Cocoa Beach Shorin-Ryu Karate students will lead the way locally, hosting a self-defense seminar for the public, with participants gaining insight into the basics of assault prevention and self-defense techniques from black belt instructors.

A donation to St Jude of $15 or more will entitle individuals to full participation in the 90-minute seminar, which will be at Cocoa Beach Health and Fitness, 1355 N. Atlantic, Ave., from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 27.

Martial arts students will conduct a karate-thon as they did last year. Karate students will perform up to 100 forms for more than three hours. Students go out and obtain sponsors to donate for each form performed. The karate-thon will start at 5:30 p.m. April 30.

Corporate sponsors for the event are encouraged to join in the cause and make an impact in the lives of children fighting cancer. Sponsorships are available for $100 and all karate students from throughout Brevard County are welcome.

The Cocoa Beach Shorin-Ryu Karate School is part of the World Matsubayashi (Shorin-Ryu) Karate-Do Association and strives to achieve a balance between mind, body and spirit while helping others.

"This is a great way for our karate students to practice these principles, perform community service and create self-esteem," said Des Chaskelson, director of Cocoa Beach Shorin-Ryu Karate.

For information, call Chaskelson at 693-7831 or visit cocoabeachkarate.com.