Samurai Karate Raises $528 for Sister Care with Kick-a-Thon

Columbia, SC, August 18, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Samurai Karate Studio, located in Columbia, South Carolina, Richland Northeast, recently hosted a kick-a-thon for Sister Care, a local organization that helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Sensei Chris Feldt, owner and chief instructor commented, "Domestic violence is a serious issue that no one likes to talk about, but it is a very serious problem across our country and in particular, South Carolina."

According to the latest statistics, South Carolina is ranked 6th in the nation for domestic violence. Nationally, it is currently predicted that 1 out of 4 women will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime.

Research shows there are a combination of issues that lead to domestic violence, among them; lack of self esteem, lack of anger management skills, feelings of inadequacy, abuse of alcohol or drugs.

"During the week leading up to our kick-a-thon," commented Feldt. "I presented facts about domestic violence during our adult classes. Good self defense is more than just kicking and punching, it's being aware of the issues that affect us and trying to understand how we can help those in our community that may be weak and need help to break free from their abuse. That's where the amazing people at Sister Care come in!"

In July 1981, Sistercare, Inc. was established as an independent organization with funding from the Junior League of Columbia, the South Carolina Department of Social Services, the United Way of the Midlands and contributions from local churches, civic organizations, and individuals. Staff was hired, and on October 19, 1981, Sistercare, Inc. opened an emergency shelter in Richland County in a house rented from the Columbia Housing Authority. In June 1982, Sistercare officially became a United Way member agency.

According to their website, in 2009, Sister Care helped serve over 9,000 victims of domestic violence. In addition to providing emergency shelter for women and their children, Sister Care also provides counseling for children and adults, provides community education and training, helps provide legal advice and counseling, and seeks out transitional housing for victims. Sister Care also maintains a crisis hot line that is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The crisis hot line number is 803-765-9428.

"I have met some of the volunteers at Sister Care and even worked with some of their clients," stated Feldt, "and I have never met a more compassionate, caring group that is devoted to helping women and their children break free from their violent environment. I am very proud of those SKS students that participated in this event. They worked very hard during that hour, doing over 37,000 kicks in one hour. In addition, I am very pleased to hand over donations totaling $528 as a result of our kick-a-thon!"

Samurai Karate Studio teaches a traditional style of Japanese karate to children and adults, beginning at age 3.5 years and up. Its unique curriculum includes acts of kindness, environmental self defense, community service, anger management, verbal judo, stranger danger and anti-bully strategies.

If you would like more information about SKS, please call Sensei Feldt at 803-462-9425 or visit their website at www.samuraikaratestudio.net.

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