This Article Appeared in The CMass Sports Insider Magazine – March 2008
Kwon’s Martial Arts of Clinton Hosts 2nd Annual Kicks for Kids Kick-a-Thon
On Saturday, January 19th at 8:00 a.m., Kwon’s Martial Arts Studio of Clinton held their second annual Kicks for Kids kick-a-thon to benefit USAdoption Solutions. The event was held from 8 – 9:30 a.m.at the Kwon’s Studio in Shaw’s plaza. The sponsored charity, USAdoption Solutions, was started by one of Kwon’s students. The nonprofit’s goal is to find and educate parents on how to adopt from the foster care system in the United States. The goal of the agency is to find every child eligible for adoption a permanent home.
Fifteen students of all ages, along with their instructor, Patrick Cody, participated in this event. The students solicited pledges for every kick they performed. The goal of 1,000 kicks per student was reached easily by this very fit bunch.
Last year, Kwon’s raised over $2,500, this year, they raised another $2,300 for the worthy cause.
“Encouraging students to give of themselves helps to reinforce what we teach in our Kwon’s Creed.” said Patrick Cody, the owner and an instructor at Kwon’s.
The students read the following creed before each class:
- I will treat everyone with respect.
- I will develop self discipline to bring out the best in myself.
- I will focus on developing my mental and physical growth.
- I will always behave with dignity and integrity.
- I will use my martial arts skills only for self defense.
“Having the kids participate in the kick-a-thon helps them give back to the community and help kids less fortunate than themselves,” Cody said. “It’s a nice concept, kids helping kids.” “We are very lucky to have such a giving, caring bunch of students” Cody added. “Someone is always raising money for something and everyone is happy to pitch in when they can.”
In addition to daily martial arts training and kickboxing classes, Kwon’s conducts many extra curricular activities, including hikes each fall and spring to Mt.Monadnock and walking and running groups of Kwon’s students and their families. Since its doors opened in August of 2004, Kwon’s has been helping families keep their minds and bodies in tip top shape.
To find out more about Kwon’s of Clinton, please check out their website at www.kwonsmartialarts.com.
To find out how you can host your own kick-a-thon or get involved fundraising for USAdoption Solutions, please go to their website at www.usadoptionsolutions.org.