
Changing the world one kid (or adult) at a time.
Donation protected
- My story goes like this. I am 72 years old, retired (I closed my HVAC business in 2020) and basically live off of social security. I made some bad business decisions which, while not bankrupting me, left me in a kind of a financial limbo. I have been teaching karate since 1991 and welcome the fact that I could now do this as my avocation. I teach traditional Okinawan Karate at a dojo that I sub-let at 4411 Kenwood Avenue. The positive feedback that I get from my students (and their parents) has been extremely fulfilling and gratifying. I am an "old school" teacher and my main emphasis, other than teaching self-defense, has been to teach discipline, self confidence, respect and the taking of accountability for your actions. Trust me, the parents love the effect I have on their children. One example - I have a 10 year old female student who is now getting straight A's (at a private school) -which is a big improvement - since she has been my student. Her mother tells me that her daughter now has the ability to focus because of her exposure to my style of teaching. There are many other such stories but despite my best efforts I have been unable to post some of the letters I have gotten from parents - apparently pictures only can be added. I will send them to anyone interested.
- The teaching experience is a very positive one that, unfortunately, comes with one drawback - the financial side. Every month it is touch and go to make the rent. I have two of my students (one a black belt, the other a brown belt) who help me teach and both work hard. I am unable to pay them due to the lack of revenue. It is with mixed emotions that I stick my hand out asking for money. My pride tells me no but one of my students made a strong case that asking for help is not a "no-no". What I would really like is to earn the money - either teaching self defense classes or by getting some new students. I have tried to do so through things like the Nextdoor app but without any kind of advertising budget I have had no success. Any help anyone could give would be most appreciated and please remember, instead of just sending money my way you could come to my dojo and make me earn it by teaching a self defense class to you, your child or a friend. Hours are Saturday between 10:00 and 1:00, Sunday between 12:30 and 3:00 and Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 or you can send me an email and make an appointment. Any funds I get will go into giving my assistants a few bucks each month, putting together some kind of advertising campaign and making sure the rent is paid. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Reach out to me with any questions.
Organizer
Steven Jansen
Organizer
Baltimore, MD