Eden Savoian placed at an international tournament in Las Vegas.
Gerry Blanck has been an inspirational teacher in Pacific Palisades for 43 years, but the Palisades Fire burned his martial arts center in the Marquez Business District on January 7.
One of his students was not going to be deterred by the Fire. Even though she didn’t have a place to train, 10-year-old Eden Savoian, won two bronze medals in Traditional Forms and Traditional Weapons (nunchucks) in Las Vegas at the International Martial Arts Competition [IMAC] on February 1.
Savoian has been a green belt Yoshukai practitioner for only a year and a half. In the fire, Savoian’s home, dojo, and karate accolades, including treasured breaking boards and a coveted karate medal from her first tournament, were lost in the fire.
For the tournament, her dojo outfitted her with a new uniform, belt, and nunchucks, enabling her to embody hope and inspiration for her fellow students — 180 of whom also lost their homes in the recent disaster.
“I’m here to represent my other dojo classmates and friends, many also lost their homes,” Savoian said.
She also had another goal at the tournament. Savoian was there to help coordinate the replacement trophies and medals for other teammates who thought they had lost their awards forever. She brought home ‘surprise’ replacement trophies for her teammates, thanks to Sensei Stan Witz, promoter of IMAC.
Sensei Blanck said, “Her story is an emblem of tenacity, showcasing the enduring human spirit and a call to teach our children the power of resilience and ‘Striving for Excellence,’ is Yoshukai’s motto
“We are immensely proud of her.” Blanck said.
Gerry Blanck is now at a temporary dojo, MuDo Dojo at 1828 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Congratulations!
Such a lovely family
That’s so touching!! So many times I feel
Like giving up….”no way… no more… why bother”
I love that the will of a 10 year old is helping this 62 year old chose “yes” to life.
Thanks for sharing that.
Sensei Gerry is a pillar of the community who truly exemplifies the resilience of the Palisades community. He trains future champs & leaders. Eden is an inspiration to both young & old, and is a fierce karate student. The future for her & our dojo is looking brighter one step at a time.