The Mission Isshin Ryu Karate club had been a program for over 40 years. My father, Sensei Tom McDonagh, took this dojo over in the 80's so people in the community had this opportunity to learn a martial art at an affordable cost to include anyone in town. He spent his whole life outside of work training and learning Isshin Ryu and teaching it to Mission students. When he fell ill he selected successors, Sensei Peter Motut and Senpai Tracy Motut to carry on the teachings. Now they have graciously devoted their lives outside work teaching Mission youths. They tend to be apart of youths teachings longer then the course of public schooling and leave significant, positive impacts on our children. Karate teaches commitment, compassion, leadership, teamwork, dedication along with self defence and physical fitness. As a student of this dojo I can attest to it also provides confidence building, a sense of family and support. The physical and psychological positive impacts have been crucial in my life.
This petition is to show the district the importance on keeping this program and to have more discussion around what the youths in our community really need, the importance of having flat and open spaced fitness facilities.
A martial arts studio requires some necessary equipment such as clear and open space, the current fixed mirrors and equipment storage.
If you agree this community requires a stable, fixed location to continue providing a non discriminatory sport to the youths of this community please help us by being the voices of reason to the district and the parks. #SaveTheDojo
