HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB) – Students at martial arts school Choi Kwang Do are using their skills for more than just self-defense.
Choi Kwang Do's Kick-a-thon helped raise $4,500 in 30 minutes for 10 local schools. The school has been in High Springs for 19 years and held its first kick-a-thon in March after chief instructor James Taylor's children asked what they could do to support the school.
“When a school's budget hits the bottom and they start to get a little tight on funds, it's always nice to have a little bit of money left over at the end,” Taylor said.
They are working to distribute the funds to 10 schools across North Central Florida. Schools on the list include Alachua Elementary School, High Springs Community School, Bell Elementary School and Fort White Elementary School.
“It gives me great pride to support the community that has given us so much, but when they hit 1,000 kicks, 1,200 kicks, and see their looks and see they still want to keep going, it shows me exactly why I teach,” Taylor said.
Funds raised for each school range from $100 to $1,000.
“Many of these kids take great pride in their martial arts skills and to have the stamina to deliver 1,200 kicks in just a few minutes is really heartwarming,” Taylor said.
He said the funds will benefit a variety of educational initiatives, including new classroom supplies, extracurricular activities, special programs, etc. They hope to hold another Kick-A-Thon in July to help schools start the new school year off right.
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