S.A.K.I.( D. Joshua Ray's legacy)

S.A.K.I. (Sun of AriKa Institute-Illuminating  the Light & Spirit of) Our Sun, D. Joshua Ray , who was an amazing young man that enjoyed practicing & teaching the fighting arts to children. While growing up he had the privilege of participating in  all sorts of extracurricular activities such as dance, gymnastics, art, leadership/survival camps, & martial arts as well. Josh traveled to many cities competing & winning martial arts tournaments. His studies in African history/culture enabled him to visit many museums and memorials around the country,in Canada then ultimately on the African continent.
   Our Sun faced some challenges and experienced a few adversities along the way as many inner city youth, however, his   disciplined background in martial arts, African centered education, love for self & community, and guidance from his village elders helped to keep him on the right path. 
  Our Sun Josh was a very talented young man who's life was cut short by another young man(who looked like him) that may not have had the same opportunities ,experiences & "knowledge of self" that he possessed. This foundation will bring programs like these to the same community where Our Sun grew up,went to school, played,worked, hung out,& unfortunately lost his life in.

Information about our program and what we offer:
S.A.K.I. is our youth after school program which helps the needs of inner city and at risk youth between the ages of 6 – 17. Our goal is to help our youth to make better and healthier choices in their development. In essence, we are fighting against juvenile violence, Unhealthy Behavior, poor nutrition and obesity; through the use, exposure and structure of the Cultural Arts, Martial arts, community service and overall wellness.
Our classes include:

Integrated Taekwondo Systems - blend of traditional arts like Tae kwon do, Karate, Kickboxing and other Grappling systems.

Kemetic Yoga- Students will become familiar with the power of Movement, Meditation and Breath control to enable Self-Healing, Awareness, Muscle elasticity and balance!

African Dance & Drumming- students will learn traditional and modern rhythms using movements.

History/ Cultural Awareness(as it pertains to Our-Story)-Students will learn how to research their personal genealogy and how it related to world history & their future.

Math Concepts-Learning math concepts help the student develop an over- standing of how math affects their daily lives.

Art & Crafts- designed to activate their creative mind and talents. Our selection of art projects will involve unique creations using metals, stones, beads, paints & textiles to name a few, along with  lessons on how to place value and market their creations. 

SAKI is a supplement to your student’s educational foundation and success. Our students will taught to be proud of who they are and to exhibit that  self-pride! There are traditional attributes that are taught as well like respect, honor, self-discipline, and confidence  that will provide a solid foundation from which the student will develop strong character. The student will be learning important lessons in values and respect that  will shape how they view the world around them. The difference in our program, we are interested in the whole development in our students. We teach basic anatomy, health and wellness, as well as problem solving using good assessment and judgment skills.
   
Lets give Our Children, Our Future some light,in what appears to be darkness. Your generous contribution will help us build a brighter community today instead of trying to repair a devasted one tomorrow. Thanks in advance for your support.