4th Open House & Holiday Food Drive

Celebrating the Holidays With Food Drive & Mini-Camps
Published: Wednesday, December 21, 2011
(NOTE: This article is reprinted with the kind permission of the MS Area Newspapers, www.MtShastaNews.com)

The community turned out for a growing local tradition as the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program hosted its 4th Open House & Holiday Food Drive on December 14.

	Front Kicks		Finish-off: Arm Bar		Taekwondo Sparring
	CEL EBRATING THE HOLIDAYS, MSMAP-STYLE. Our annual open house and holiday food drive is a chance to share what we do with the community and help brighten the holidays for seniors with the gift of food. It’s also a chance for us to thank a few people and families that have helped us throughout the year. See more: Facebook Photo Album

Combining martial arts demonstrations with food collection for the Senior Meal Program, the action began with the Tiny Tigers, children ages 4 to 8, running through several exercises and activities including strength, flexibility, and coordination drills like “frog jumping” and “cheetah races.”

They also got the audience excited with paddle kicking races and a game called, “Who owns the green ball?” involving a combination of strength, wits, and will-power to hold onto a ball just about as big as they are.

“The really young children were adorable and really trying to focus on the task at hand,” shared Marie-Joseée Wells, Executive Director of the Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce.

The older taekwondo participants demonstrated kicks, forms, sparring, and board breaks.

The energy picked up with the yongmudo portion of the event with participants leaping headfirst over a volunteer from the audience, an exhibition of submission wrestling, and defensive hip, wrist, and sacrifice throws.

	Fireman’s Carry		Thank you, Aurora!		“Who owns the green ball?” Scrum

Throughout the event, spectators brought in a multitude of food items for the Senior Meal Program. In return, they were entered into a gift drawing sponsored by several local merchants including Couch Critics, the Wayside Grill, Fusions Thai & Chinese Restaurant, Sereni-Tea, Sportsmen’s Den, Scott Valley Bank, the Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Round Table Pizza, Ray’s Family Market, and Coming Attractions Theaters.

“With the large show of people and enthusiasm of the children, this is a great opportunity for service to the community,” said yellow belt Elina Saryon, 14. “It’s satisfying to give to those in need in our own community.”

Mike Rodriquez, administrator of the Mount Shasta Recreation and Parks District, thanked the participants and spectators for their generosity and wished everyone, “Happy holidays!”

 
Winter Break Mini-Camps
MSRPD and MSMAP are also partnering to offer two three-day Winter Break Mini-Camps for area families from December 27 to 29 and January 3 to 5, 10am to 2pm.

“We’re looking forward to introducing participants to many of the skills they saw here tonight,” said MSMAP head instructor Chuck Buhs. “Our plan is to burn off excess holiday energy with plenty of healthy exercise and self-defense strategies while emphasizing confidence, discipline, respect, and fun.”

For more information about the mini-camps, contact MSMAP or City Park at 859-2024, 926-2494, camp [-AT-] MtShastaMA.org, Facebook, or www.MtShastaMA.org/camp/.

Mount Shasta City Park welcomes food and financial donations during this season of giving and throughout the New Year. Contact 926-2494 to learn more about how you can help make a difference in the health and well-being of a local senior.

MSMAP specializes in building a better community by offering positive activities to develop healthy bodies, minds, and spirits. They are located at 612-A S. Mt. Shasta Blvd.

Learn more: Discover what the Mt. Shasta Recreation & Parks District and MSMAP offer the community.
Go to: Annual Open House & Holiday Food Drive
Go to: 2011/12 Winter Break Mini-Camps

Go to: 2011 Celebrating the Holidays with Food Drive & Mini-Camps (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: 2010 Martial Arts Open House Was A Food Drive For Seniors, Too (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: 2009 Dance and Martial Arts in One Building (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: 2008 Housewarming and Open House (MS Area Newspapers)
Go to: Senior Nutrition Project

Go to: What is Taekwondo?
Go to: What is Yongmudo?