To "wrap up" leadership month, Sensei Shawn Roof led a group of Ingram's teens
in a karate demonstration for the Tampa Children's Home, Inc. Many of the
particiaption Ingram's students are national medalists, and inclulded Alexis Campisi,
Steffanie Farber, Kick Haniford, Dillon Peichocki, and Todd Pownall. Great job
everyone! Our community need more people like you!
Brian Ash
In 2003, we lost one of our brown belt students in an auto accident. His name was
Mathew Lucht. Since the accident, we raised over $11,000 by raffling home made
quilted Christmas tree gifts. We established a memorial scholarship in his name. We
were able to award four $2500 college scholarships to fellow's earlier in 2006. Ash's
Okinawan Karate was also involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's
annual "Walk for the Cure" in Bozeman in 2006. Our students, kids, adults and
parents really stepped up to the plate and helped raise $6,100. The total raised in
Bozeman was $60,000 plus. The folks from JDRF really appreciated our efforts.
Gary Repetti
In 2001 a shy, 9 year old girl came into the Palm Harbor dojo with her grandfather
inquiring about karate. She was looking for a physical activity in which she could
participate given the fact that from birth she suffered from cerebral palsy and the left
side of her body was partially paralyzed. Although she may have been physically
challenged, this young lady never gave up and she began to advance through the belt
ranks. Her determination and drive helped her overcome any physical limitations that
may have presented themselves. She never once complained and always have
maximum effort earning her the 2006 "True Budo" award given annually by our dojo to
the student who displays the greatest martial art spirit.
Dan Holloway
In September, our dojo participated in a Bowl-a-thon for a newly Cerebral Palsy
diagnosed child named Jacob Reed. The school was also involved in a fund raising
event for the local shelter "Haven" which assists battered women.
Sensei Holloway was recently awarded the rank of 2nd Lt. U.S. Civil Air Patrol.
This organization is part of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, and provides Search and
Rescue, Disaster Relief, Cadet Programs, and Aerospace Education for the
community. CONGRATS SENSEI HOLLOWAY!