Boston Martial Arts School
Builds Homes and Hope
BOSTON (Allston), Mass., October 13, 2005 - A dozen karate students from Boston's Emerald Necklace Martial Arts (www.karateinboston.com) braved the raw October weather to volunteer at an affordable housing build site in the city's Dorchester neighborhood with Habitat for Humanity. During the seven-hour workday, the martial arts group engaged in a variety of tasks, including landscaping, hanging drywall, and interior finishing work. A dedication ceremony for the new block of homes will be held next week.
"In addition to the physical aspects of karate, we focus on building confidence, developing character, and fostering a sense of community," says Jason Gould, Dojo Director and Chief Instructor. "Today, we're building community in a very literal sense, and it's a fantastic feeling knowing that our efforts here will have a direct and significant impact on people's lives."
In addition to the day of on-site service, the entire karate school participated in a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. In one month, they collected over $1,300 in donations from friends, neighbors, and coworkers. "By participating in these kinds of activities outside of class, my students are demonstrating that they have the focus, discipline, and compassion that are required to be Black Belts in the dojo and in life," Gould says. "I'm a very lucky instructor with a special group of students."
Gould has been conducting traditional karate classes and self-defense programs for adults since October of 2003. The students at Emerald Necklace Martial Arts regularly participate in community service activities as part of their Black Belt training. More information about Emerald Necklace Martial Arts can be found online at www.karateinboston.com.
Gould has been conducting traditional karate classes and self-defense programs for adults since October of 2003. The students at Emerald Necklace Budo Martial Arts regularly participate in community service activities as part of their Black Belt training. More information about Emerald Necklace Budo Martial Arts can be found online at www.karateinboston.com. More information about Habitat for Humanity can be found online at www.habitatboston.org.