Bringing Leadership via Martial Arts to Madison's North Side
I am opening a martial arts school on Madison's north side and I could use a little help from you!
My name is Charles Dean. I am a Madison native. I attended Lakeview and Lincoln elementary, Sennett Middle school, and LaFollette high school. I attended St. Cloud State University in Minnesota where I earned a full scholarship for football/track and received a B.S in Recreation with an emphasis on corporate fitness in 1994. I also attended M.A.T.C. and received my Basic and Intermediate EMT. I have been involved in Martial Arts for twenty-five years. My training began as a means of off season conditioning for football and track. I have owned and successfully operated the Madison West Academy of Hwa Rang Do for ten years.
Over the past few years I have developed a strong working relationship with several organizations across Madison including the Madison Metropolitan School District, MSCR, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, and the Badger land Girl Scouts . In my relationship through MMSD and MSCR I have created several after-school self defense/youth programs throughout Madison. I currently have after-school programs in the elementary and middle school level on the north and west side of Madison. I have also provided self defense presentations in High-schools and have recently developed a strong relationship with many UW-Madison sororities.
Between 2013 and 2014 I have completed over fifty-five self defense, bully prevention, and women's self defense presentations! The vast majority of these were provided free of charge, as I feel it is important to give back to my communityby empowering those who can use it most. As a part of my community service, I feel this is vital in validating my cause.
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I have recently, due to popular demand, begun renovations on a new Martial Arts school on Madison's North side. Demographics state that eighty percent of families on Madison's North side receive some form of financial assistance. This becomes very apparent when these young adults want to pursue a higher level of training and self betterment after they have completed the after school youth program. I am looking to bridge the gap in our community and create a feeder system between the new martial arts school and schools in the surrounding area. For example, Gompers Elementary school had roughly 120 kids who pre registered for my after school youth program! Add in all the students in the surrounding area and you can clearly see the level of demand. Many of these students require additional help with tuition and such. By assisting me in building this program, you will directly help impact our kids ability to maximize their human potential as self aware, accountable, responsible leaders. This will reach well over 1,000 young men and women, giving them a resource and outlet to learn the martial way, and building quality leaders in Madison.
What We Need & What You Get
Our goal of $10,000, will be used to get the new martial arts school prepared to open for working business. Examples include brand new martial arts mats, chairs for the lobby, tables, a few activities for children who are waiting for siblings (board games, coloring books/crayons), office supplies, heavy bags, speed bags, jump ropes, ab balls, medicine balls, agility ladders and most importantly uniforms for the kids! The new facility it over 5,000 square feet!
The teachers, kids, and people in the community are very excited about this! This will be the first martial arts school built by the community for the community. There has never been a martial arts facility on the north side of Madison with so much to offer. Even if we don't reach our complete goal of $10,000 all proceeds will be applied to the equipment needed.
All Funders will be listed on our first ever 'Founders Plaque' which will be proudly displayed in our lobby for everyone to see. As a contributor to this cause, you can have your name listed, or your business. We want to make sure each and every person who walks through our doors knows who aided in building our school and contributed to the betterment of this community. The Impact
Every dollar raised will not be wasted. The new martial arts school is going to give children and adults a place where they can go and fill their potential as a martial artist, an individual, and a community leader. What's unique about this school is that it is being built on the needs and requests of the north side schools and community. There have been other small martial arts programs on the north side but nothing like what we are proposing. Through your contributions these young adults will be exposed to and be able to participate in leadership seminars, tournaments, and most important the opportunity to help assist and teach throughout the community and at other schools. Empowering youth, serving humanity.
Risks & Challenges
The north community demographics and culture will be my biggest challenge to overcome but I feel particularly equipped to deal with it. With over 10 years of business ownership under my belt, I have a lot of experience handling the risks and challenges that come my way. Because of my partnerships with MMSD and MSCR for the past two years, and the fact that I have successfully ran after school youth programs, I stand a strong chance for success. I have partnered with the right organizations, built a very strong reputation through my work with testimonials as proof, and have done this the right way.
Other Ways You Can Help
Can't contribute? We understand, but you can still help! Spread the word, share this on your social networks and let people know you believe in this effort!
