FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  

Contact person - Chris Moran, Program Director                                                         

Peace On The Street, Inc.

Address: 1950 3rd Ave. 107^th  Street, New York N.Y. 10029

Main phone: 212- 426 4666 

Direct Line:  212-978-3361

Martial Arts Celebration!

Ultimate Karate USA and the Uptown Meditation Center, two programs of Peace on the Street Inc., had a major event, celebrating the growth of the martial and meditative arts in the Harlem and the Spanish Harlem community.  The celebration took place on Saturday, September 10^th at the center located at 1950 3^rd Ave/ 107th. Award winning film maker Peter Bratt was the MC and over 200 people attended.

Children from 3 - 12 participated in martial arts demonstrations followed by a demonstration of mixed martial arts from the Ultimate Karate fight team.  Ultimate Karate works with asthmatic and ADHD/ADD students, some of which participated in the demonstration.  Uptown Meditation presented a panel composed of community residents discussing the benefits of meditation.  Members of the panel were Johnny Rivera, a member of Congressman Charles Rangel’s staff,  Professor Mjuri Hudson, a community educator and mediator, Jonathan Figueroa, a teenager from the South Bronx  and Melissa Nieves, Director of the Harlem Center for Education.  Hands on workshops on meditation, yoga, and woman’s self defense were also provided. 

Sensei Richard Garcia presented one-year martial arts scholarships for clients of three non-profit organizations in recognition of their work in Spanish Harlem.  Ivan Martinez accepted the scholarship for the Little Sisters of the Assumption.  Alberto Lopez, who is also an Ultimate Karate student, accepted the scholarship for Exodus Transitional Community.  Board Members Roger Caban and Lisa Otterbeck, and staff Robin Lebaron, represented Hope Community Inc.  Mr. Caban accepted two scholarships from Sensei Garcia.  Mr. Caban also pledged funding for two additional scholarships.

Stan Koehler, Director of the Uptown Meditation Center presented an award to Steven Falla-Riff  of Legal Aide in appreciation of his ongoing support for the programs.  An appreciation award was made to Patricia Simons for her role in developing and teaching the Woman’s Self Defense Program.  Additional awards were made to Inez Montero and Sonia Melendez.

Periodically, Street Dragon Awards are given for exceptional support of the agency as well as extended work in the community.  A Street Dragon Award was made to M. Annette Ensley, Director of Administration and Human Resources for the Nathan Cummings Foundation.  Ms. Ensley and Peter Teague, Program Director, represented the Foundation at the celebration.

A second Street Dragon Award was made to William Anthony Rogers, Vice President for Community Affairs at CCNY.  For over thirty years Master Rogers has promoted the martial arts in Harlem.  He has also worked extensively to translate eastern traditions into western experience, particularly through the introduction of Ki Energy training to the uptown community.  Grand Master Samuel McGee accepted the award for Master Rogers.  Grand Master McGee has played the major role in providing martial arts training - Harlem GoJu Karate - for over 30 years in Harlem.

International Sport Karate Champions, Team Victory, coached by Master Garth Binns, did an additional demonstration in weapons and forms.  “Chaq”, a student of Master Binns, and winner of the forms and sparring title at the Twin Towers Tournament performed.  Ross Levine, International Weapons Champion, also provided a demonstration.  Master Peter Levine, Ross’ father spoke about the special rewards of doing joint parent/child training in martial arts.  Two of Ultimate Karate’s students, Bryant Martinez and his son Bryant Jr. were also introduced.