Visit From Another Nonprofit Organization:

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Fighting Back Mentor Program and Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

“It was wonderful to see the demonstrations as performed by youth who are so focused and dedicated.”
~ Juliana Lee - Mentor Program Coordinator

Testimonial:

Past collaboration between Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara and the Counsel on Drug and Alcohol Abuse

If you’re having trouble viewing this video, click here.

On Saturday, January 9th AKSB had 3 visitors join our classes. The visitors were from Fighting Back Mentor Program, part of the Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse and included Juliana Lee, Mentor Program Coordinator, her mother visiting from Albuquerque, and Susan Tarlow, a member of the Advisory Board. It was impressive to see all three women, (ranging in age from perhaps mid-20’s to perhaps late 50’s), training with the kids.

“I could see that this form of martial arts is extremely valuable for people of all ages. Aikido is a fantastic way to find your focus and strengths.”, Lee noted.

First the women warmed up and stretched out with the teens in attendance that day. They learned how to fall and roll and even executed a few basic throws. When asked about her experience, Lee stated,

“It was an amazing experience as the kids taught me the various techniques…they are very gifted!”

All three stayed on the mat for the “Mixed Ages Class”, where they participated in aikido related relay races and other games.

“I was thoroughly impressed with how well the kids performed. They exuded great self-confidence and looked like they were having fun the entire time…I mean, how could you not?!”

Ms. Lee followed up in an email later…

“Thanks again for inviting us!! It was a fantastic experience. It was an honor to be a part of the kids’ class. And Thank you again, Lia, for being a wonderful and patient teacher.”

The visit was in preparation of a collaborative effort between AKSB and Fighting Back Mentor Program, which is slated for spring of 2010. Details are not yet available, but below are some bits from a previous post to give readers a better idea of the goals of the event.

Fighting Back Mentor Program is a school-based mentoring program that matches adult volunteers with 4th-8th grade students in South Santa Barbara County.

The event will focus heavily on The Family. Lee stated, “That means that the mentors, mentees and the mentees’ families are invited to join us. … A mentor is simply one part of the equation – someone who the child can look up to as more of a friend than as a parent.”

Suzuki added, “We need families to get involved so the kids can take full advantage of good programs offered in the community.”

In regard to the collaboration of the two nonprofit organizations, Lee communicated to Suzuki,

“I’m excited to finally work with you to help address the at-risk youth population in our city.”

For more info about Fighting Back Mentor Program, you can visit their web page at the Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse web site or go to their blog. Stay tuned for more details on the program as they develop and check out this video from a past collaboration between the two groups.