Fighting for the firefighters


Courtesy photos

Courtesy photos

SPARRING FOR A CAUSE—After their dojo (training facility) was spared during the recent fires, the crew at Israeli Martial Arts Academy Westlake Village, above, wanted to show their appreciation to the firefighters. At their December Fighting for Our Heroes fundraiser, the martial artists gave at least $20 each to see how long they could spar. The teens made it 50 continuous rounds and adults made it for 90 rounds of full-contact karate with the expert trainers. The event raised $2,900, which gym members used to buy gift certificates and gift cards for 57 firefighters. At right, dojo member Sasha Blanchard with two firefighters at Westlake Village Fire Station 144.