Sensei Jason Gould
Chief Instructor
Emerald Necklace Martial Arts
129 Braintree Street, Suite 213, Allston MA 02134
http://www.karateinboston.com/
(617) 230-1973
Karate Students Try to Knock Out Cancer
Boston (Allston) MA — January 10, 2008. Hoping to help others and redefine the meaning of "self-defense," the members of Boston's Emerald Necklace Martial Arts are joining the fight to beat cancer.
As part of his Purple Belt test, karate student Jeffery Arbeit is organizing a blood platelet donation drive for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (www.dana-farber.org). In addition to organizing the drive, Arbeit will also be running the Boston Marathon later this spring to raise money for Cancer research."My goal is to raise awareness," Arbeit says, "and perhaps to inspire others to do things that they might really want to do, but might be afraid to do. If others push themselves past obstacles to help someone else, I would be really happy."
Arbeit, who admits to being wary of needles, was the first one in the karate school to donate platelets.
"I do not like needles, and before I donated platelets last week I had never even given blood." Arbeit says. "We often discuss embracing fears in the dojo (karate school), and I wanted to connect this idea to my service project. So I embraced and perhaps overcame a fear when I gave platelets."
According to Sensei Jason Gould, the dojo Chief Instructor, the students at Emerald Necklace Martial Arts are required to conceive of, plan, and lead a community service project as part of their Black Belt training.
"Earning a Black Belt at our school requires more than a good side kick," Gould says, "so these projects are designed to challenge each student to demonstrate their character, leadership ability, and their commitment to the community. I'm constantly impressed by the innovation and creativity the students display in choosing and running their projects. It's really amazing to see the variety of things they come up with."
Anyone wishing to contribute to the dojo's blood platelet drive is invited to contact Sensei Gould at (617) 230-1973. More information about Emerald Necklace Martial Arts can be found online at http://www.karateinboston.com/.
