Save Moke's Martial Arts: Support Our Community
Moke’s Martial Arts – Fighting for the Valley
Over the past few years, our area has seen several locally owned businesses vacate
the community or fall victim to urban blight and economic hardship. Moke's Martial Arts in
Charleroi is in danger of becoming another.
Moke’s Martial Arts is a school that offers martial arts training, athletic programs
and fitness training for children and students of all ages – the youngest among them are
four years old, while the most senior participants are in their 60s. The staff is unpaid and
consists solely of volunteers. The instructors of the martial arts program are students who
have studied and labored for years. They offer themselves with the sole purpose of passing
on what they have learned to the children of our community.
In early August, the facility was affected by an unfortunate traffic accident. The
driver, who was not seriously injured, carried minimal insurance coverage - falling
drastically short of the repair cost to the building. As of the date of this publication, the
building cannot operate, and their future is uncertain. The school, formerly the Elk's club, is
located on third street in downtown Charleroi. The building is a century old and is suffering
the toll of time. The program is the passion project of Chuck "Moke" Balieu, the well-known,
well-respected operator of Moke's Martial Arts. Chuck has endeavored and succeeded
thus far in maintaining the facility to ensure the quality teachings their students deserve,
but this last incident will overwhelm his resources - going well beyond the means of
personal income and student tuition.
Moke’s Martial Arts operates on 5 principles.
Courtesy – Integrity - Self Control – Perseverance – Indominable Spirit
The primary objective of Moke’s Martial Arts is to impart these integral values into their
students.
This school carries the legacy of a decades-long journey to provide a safe, positive
and productive service for the kids and families of our community. Formerly BCAC
Academy of Taekwondo, Moke’s has produced national champions, while their students
have participated in demonstrations, tournaments and state-wide competitions. More
importantly, Moke’s has seen local public servants, school officials, police officers,
mentors and leaders come through their doors. Along with martial arts training consisting
of Taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the building currently hosts the locally owned
programs Twisted Fitness and Ace of Spades Fitness. Also, Alex & Lynn’s Fantastic Things
currently operates out of the building. In the past, Moke’s has been home to niche stores
and touring events and has been a meeting place for church groups and other non-profit
organizations. Additionally, Moke’s offers unique birthday party experiences for students
and non-students alike.
As a community, letting Moke's fall will take from us one of the few destinations left
in the area. Students and families come from miles to participate. Moke's draws decent,
valuable and productive visitors from neighboring communities and even other states. In
November, it is scheduled to host a national event, offering seminars for children, self-
defense training, womens’ sessions and safety awareness. The positive impact of such an
event on local vendors and businesses is immeasurable.
Moke’s is not asking for upgrades. Moke’s is merely asking for the means necessary
to survive after this unprecedented incident. The owner, staff and students of Moke's
Martial Arts bear the utmost humility and modesty. However, they need your help to
continue. Please donate and help preserve the fighting spirit of the Mon Valley.
For more information on the programs and the Moke’s family, please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/@mokesmartialarts6720
Organizer
Jessica Bock
Organizer
Charleroi, PA