Ninja and Samurai Martial Arts Dojo

Posts Tagged ‘Volunteer Work’

###

Poway Veterans Park Bike Run

Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Poway Veterans Park Poker Run, a motorcycle run to benefit a new veterans’ memorial park being built in Poway, CA. It was a great event that supported a great cause. It was very well organized and those responsible for setting this up are due a tremendous thanks for their hard work. Volunteering and being of service to the community is something that is important to me and I instill these values to my students at the martial arts school as well.

All of my family was working hard at the event. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law were key organizers, and he rode in it. My mother-in-law and father-in-law were at 2 of the rest stops, as was I. My wife took my kids to the site where the park is going to be built where my son put up a lemonade stand and gave out free lemonade to all the bikers. Then at the end, I took my son to the VFW to enjoy the BBQ and festivities. I even ran into some old Marine Corps buddies I hadn’t seen in years.

Anyone who is in the San Diego area and wasn’t able to participate this year, it will most likely be back next year as the park will need ongoing maintenance and funds will need to be raised to support that. Keep an eye for more information on that next year. For those who are veterans or wish to honor them, this is an event not to be missed!
See you in the dojo.

Tony Whetstine (The Bushido Guy) and Marine Corps Veteran
Poway Samurai Martial Arts

###

###

Daisy Scout Troop 8007

My student Hannah Pittman and I were very happy to donate our time last month to help Daisy Scout Troop 8007 learn about strength and courage at our martial arts school in Poway. Courage and Strength was the topic they needed to learn in order for them to receive their red petal.

We talked about how being strong can be physical or inner strength and what it means to have the courage to be strong and do the right thing for ourselves and others. We went over how to stay safe, how to be strong, and how to be assertive. And, of course we had some fun drills and exercises that reinforced those lessons. It’s important they learn to stand up for themselves and others by physically demonstrating and saying “no” if they feel endangered and also learning how to safely ask for help from parents and teachers, when they or others need it.

Girl Scout Daisies meet in groups of 5 to 10 with two or more adult leaders in a nurturing, inclusive environment. They go on trips, learn about nature and science, and explore the arts and their communities.

I am always happy to volunteer my time in the community and I encourage my students to do the same. I enjoy speaking and demonstrating safety techniques to groups of all ages, from Girl Scouts to Elementary and Middle Schools as well as Women’s Organizations and Senior Centers. If you know of an organization who would be interested, please have them give me a call #858-486-0059.

Photo shows from left to right: Daisy Scouts Cassie Ferguson, Paige Hartung, Danielle Corrao, Kaitlyn Foley, Lauren Marvuglio, Erin Kalinsky. Instructor Tony Whetstine and his student, Hannah Pittman.

###