Karate Classes Free to Kids in New Program

Youths who live in Many Mansions housing will get a kick out of this: free karate classes that promote Zen and the art of hitting a punching bag instead of a person.

The Saturday classes are among several activities offered or planned by the housing agency to keep youths out of gangs.

“They are either going to fall off the fence on the positive side or the negative side as they reach middle school,” said Lisa Safaeinili, director of the private agency’s residents services program. “We’re hoping they make the positive choices.”

Although no gangs are known to exist in Many Mansions’ two housing projects, Shadow Hills and Schillo Gardens, officials say the 200 youths ages 6 to 17 who live there are susceptible to gangs’ lure.

When the agency’s Stoll Community House opens in January, that number will increase by more than 100, according to Safaeinili.

Many of these youths’ parents work more than one job and are away from home for long periods during after-school hours.

“When kids are alone and their parents are gone, they look for a family,” Safaeinili said.

Besides martial arts, other programs are English as a second language, Cub Scouts and Brownies, a Food Share program that supports more than 50 families, and donations of food and gifts during the holidays.

Safaeinili said she also plans to start programs to help with homework and literacy, teen leadership, job training and other support services.

Shadow Hills resident Abraham Alonso, 9, said that without the martial arts program, he would spend his free time on the street.

“People start bothering me and picking on me and punching me,” Abraham said. “Maybe I would get into some trouble.”

Mike Son, a volunteer instructor who owns a Thousand Oaks martial arts studio, said the sport builds confidence, which helps kids resist the peer pressure to get in trouble.

“We try to teach them respect, courtesy and self-control,” he said. “They feel a sense of responsibility to themselves.”

The first class last week, offered at Shadow Gardens, drew 20 youths. More are expected to participate once Many Mansions finds transportation for youths from other complexes.

The residents services program has no budget and operates with six volunteers. Safaeinili said she will need $50,000 annually to carry out all her plans.

Most of the money would pay for two part-time program coordinators and a third part-time coordinator to oversee what she hopes will be at least 30 volunteers.

Safaeinili is seeking grants and donations to fund her budget. She also hopes someone will donate a van. Anyone interested in helping the agency can call 241-8366.