posted 01/07/10 09:24 AM | updated 01/07/10 11:33 AM
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Neighborhood kung fu studios fighting community violence

Photo courtesy Seattle Kajukenbo

The brutal murder of Teresa Butz in South Park last summer has inspired two Central District martial arts studios to organize the Fight the Fear Campaign, a new effort that hopes to equip local women with free self-defense and violence-prevention training.

Funded and supported by Brandi Carlile and The Indigo Girls, Seattle Kajukenbo (22nd & Union) and Seven Star Women's Kung Fu (21st & James) are providing instructors and self-defense know-how to help women stay safe. The free classes will be held at community centers, homeless shelters, and other gathering places around the city, targeting underserved and at-risk populations.

They're holding an invitation-only kick-off event this Sunday, and the first of four open workshops on February 7th. Check out the organization's website for more information: http://fightthefearcampaign.com/index.html

Beginning martial arts & self-defense four times a year
I have been training with Seven Star Women's Kung Fu for over two years now, and I love it! It's a wonderful community to be part of. I think it is important for every woman to take a self-defense class, and I'm glad to know how to defend myself--and also glad I've never had to.

Both Seven Star and Seattle Kajukenbo offer beginners' classes throughout the year. Although Seven Star is all women, Seattle Kajukenbo teaches both men and women, and offers kid's classes, too.

Beginner's classes at Seven Star start this week with open enrollment through January 11th. (Classes are Monday/Thursday 7:30-9pm and optional Saturday morning, plus scholarships and free childcare are available for students.) Come on by!
Comment by alaskalainen
7 months ago
( 0 votes )
RE: Beginning martial arts & self-defense four times a year
And by four times a year, I mean that Seven Star's beginners' classes are four times a year - starting in January, April, July and October.
Comment by alaskalainen
7 months ago
( 0 votes )
kids
my daughter, 6, is taking classes there AND LOVES IT!!!
Comment by jackson place resident
7 months ago
( 0 votes )
Seattle Kajukenbo
This sounds wonderful. Thanks to our local studios for rising to the occasion.

My family has taken classes at Seattle Kajukenbo for years. Sifu Melinda Johnson and the other teachers and assistants are wonderful. The school's teaching philosophy is a balance of challenge, support, expectation and guidance that really allows for the development of each individual.
http://www.seattlekajukenbo.com/
Comment by Nora
7 months ago
( 0 votes )
This workshop was excellent!!!
Wow! I was so impressed with the trainers & assistants. I met some very strong women and the 2 hours invested was well worth the time, donations. THANK YOU!!
Comment by Shar
6 months ago
( 0 votes )
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