HISTORY

Our mission at K.I.C.K. is to work with underserved children and young adults to create dignity of spirit and the experience of excellence through the traditional martial art of Goju-Ryu. Goju-Ryu is one of the oldest forms of Japanese karate.

OUR STORY

In January 1991, Sensei Vassie Naidoo (“Sensei” means #1 Teacher and karate master) founded K.I.C.K. Vassie’s desire to work with young people stems from his own upbringing in apartheid South Africa. As a South African born Indian, it was illegal for Vassie to associate with Caucasians, much less train in karate with them. Vassie's teacher, Sensei Leo Lipinsky defied the law and trained Vassie among many others, free of charge for many years.

Under Leo's tutoring, Vassie excelled in karate and went on to become a sixth degree black belt and North American Director of Seiwa-Kai Goju-Ryu.

Vassie attributes much of his success in business, and life in general, to the disciplines he learned in karate. And, it was his desire to "give back" and help our youth in the same way he was helped. K.I.C.K. is the result of that desire to help disadvantaged, underserved children.

Over 200 children have participated in the program since its inception. Over 90 children between the ages of four and seventeen participate in the program regularly (at least 4 days per month).

Program results are overwhelmingly positive: Nine out of ten parents/guardians reported improvement in grades, cooperation and physical fitness. In addition, all of the teachers and counselors affected by the program reported increased self-control and self-discipline in their students.

K.I.C.K. is a known entity in the community, and was recently featured on the ABC News “Local Hero” segment. Vassie’s 20-year tenure in Pacific Palisades has also provided a source of enduring supporters and volunteers.

THE CHALLENGE

Children of low-income, working families are at greater risk of more sedentary lifestyles and more likely experience behavioral and academic issues in the classroom.

The physical, mental and emotional benefits of karate have been documented in numerous studies (Brad Binder, Ph.D., Psychosocial Benefits of the Martial Arts: Myth or Reality? A Literature Review, 1999). Our mission at Karate for Inner City Kids (K.I.C.K.) is to provide karate training to underserved and disadvantaged youths who would not otherwise receive this service. The benefits are:

• Increased physical fitness and overall health
• Improved academic performance by raising energy levels, focus and concentration
• The learning of respect for adults and authorities
• Increased self-esteem and strengthened self-confidence