Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, in conjunction with Feeding America and 450 other food banks nationwide is participating in the Second Annual Hunger Action Month. The goal of this promotion is to mobilize people everywhere to get involved with fighting hunger in America.
One in Eight Americans struggle with hunger. That’s why Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is asking everyone to participate in the 30 Ways in 30 Days campaign. Giving just a little this month will help feed a lot of people.
Martial Artists Fighting Hunger is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Lyman High School as part of the national push for food donations. Martial artists will participate in a challenge event and pay for admission with a donation of either food or money for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
The challenge event is called The Gauntlet© and was created for this event. Basically, competitors complete a series of challenges with a couple of others in their weight class and belt level. Points are awarded. The martial artist with the most points wins.
The first challenge tests power by having competitiors kick one of those big black kicking bags you see in every martial arts school. Next, kicking technique is evaluated by the officials and coaches. Speed of kicks and punches is then tested with Master Turnbull’s radar gun. This is a popular station with children and adults alike.
Next compeitiors stand on a low [3 inches above the ground] balance beam and try to hold a side kick out for 15 seconds. Spotters will be there to be sure competitors don’t fall off. Next they throw a target in the air and punch it before it lands.
The next part is the self defense component. [ Any station may be skipped but points are not awarded, however.] In this part, competitors are matched with someone of the same size and belt level. Competitiors defend against a rubber knife attack, use a padded sword and mock spar with two “attackers.”
The final parts involve running 30 feet while dodging rubber throwing stars and is a favorite of the kids. The last component is a short half-court comBATON game. Coaches will be available to assist with rules and technique.
Everyone, even if they don’t complete all stations, gets a tee shirt and the feeling of satisfaction of helping others by participating. Participants get to enjoy the camaraderie of spending time with other martial artists and the possibility of winning the Eosin Panther Black Belt.
Registration online is free and the only cost to participate is a donation of canned goods for Second Harvest Food Bank. All martial artists are welcome from traditional styles to MMA, no one will have an unfair advantage. The kids will can get their picture with the Samurai and get a temporary tattoo.
