Martial Arts For Recovery

My name is Alex Mandikos. I am 29 years old, and am currently a graduate student at Western Carolina University in the Masters of Social Work program. I am pursuing licensure as a clinical social worker, and a clinical addictions specialist. Those of you who know me, know that in 2015 I started a successful martial arts program for at risk youth in Greensboro, NC at the Career Academy of Greensboro, through the help of friends, family, loved ones, and the support of the martial arts community. My intention is to start a new program with a new group of young men in Asheville, NC. Martial arts have been empirically proven though scientific research and literature to promote positive mental, emotional, and physical development. Teaching cooking skills will allow participants to learn teamwork and cooperation skills, as well as a critically important life trait that can also be transferred into an employable life talent. My goal is to promote the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual development of these young men through martial arts training. Martial arts instill values such as honesty, loyalty, respect, dedication, and determination which will be transferred into other areas of life and recovery. In addition to the weekly martial arts sessions after each training session there will be a mindfulness or meditation based exercise, followed by a group discussion and group processing on relevant issues related to mental health and recovery. Donations will be used to purchase training equipment including: mats, gloves, shin guards, heavy bags, GI’s (uniforms), as well as fresh ingredients for cooking lessons. Please help me manifest this dream of spreading martial arts and cooking to the world in order to facilitate positive growth and development in these young men’s lives. If you have any questions please call 336- 772- 0254 or email [email redacted]. com Peace and Love,Alex Mandikos