A challenge is coming!
Master Dean Siminoff of Kootenay Christian Martial Arts is planning to issue a nationwide board breaking challenge, effective April 1 to 30, to all martial arts schools in an effort to raise awareness and financial support to help free modern day slaves.
According to Siminoff, there are 27 million slaves in the world today. By working hand in hand with International Justice Mission Canada (www.ijm.ca) an organization that seeks justice for victims of violent oppression, his group is trying to raise awareness and financial support to fund their rescue operations.
IJM estimates each operation costs approximately $4,500.
“We want to be champions of freedom and justice and to build a more peaceful world (which is part of the club’s student oath),” explained Siminoff.
He said the event is a great way to practice what they preach.
“We teach our students all the time. We lecture them on the student oath to make the world better, but do we just talk it or do we do it,” he said.
Any group that wants to join in can register their school online at www.breakingboardsbreakingchains.ca to receive all the resources needed to run a “Breaking Boards, Breaking Chains” event.
The top three fundraising schools will win amazing prizes from Bushido Martial Arts and Fighting Gear Supply.
Having Bushido on board is making it easier for Siminoff to reach other schools to compete in the challenge.
Participating schools will be listed on the website and receive other recognition as well.
All martial arts schools, no matter what style, are invited to participate in this campaign to end the suffering of these adults and children.
Students are encouraged to raise pledges based on how many boards they will break in the “break-a-thon.”
“Last year our Nelson students alone raised $2,000 this way. The vision is to multiply this through other schools across Canada.”
While he knows the project will start slowly, Siminoff is hoping to build on it each year.
“Eventually I’d like to see 1,000 schools raise $1,000. That’s a million dollars.”
Watch for further information on when Kootenay Christian Martial Arts will be holding their board breaking day.
Visit www.kootenaymartialarts.com for more details.