Shorin Ryuu
09-06-2005, 12:24 PM
Hello everyone. My name is John Oberle and my account just got activated here. And for heaven's sake, this isn't spam...please read...
I just started a site called "Martial Arts Schools Affected by Hurricane Katrina" at http://martialartshurricanekatrina.blogspot.com/ (http://)
According to my counter, someone posted a link to it here in one of the threads and it actually has got a lot of hits. I give my heartfelt thanks to Zim for this.
As the name implies, I am trying to compile a list of those schools harmed by Katrina and those schools willing to help in a sort of "sister school" program. Essentially, the Red Cross isn't going to help rebuild a kendo dojo, a chess club, or a dance studio, so it is up to martial arts communities elsewhere to help rebuild martial arts communities in affected areas. Consequently, the site's purpose is to facilitate information sharing. Schools in need can gain awareness and schools willing to help can see where they can help.
I understand right now the immediate need is short-term help. But the long-term rebuilding undertaken by the various levels of governments and many charities tends to focus on city infrastructure rather than a city's human infrastructure. Consequently, those returning to rebuild their lives could use a helping hand in areas deemed not necessarily essential yet part of what makes us human: spiritual, cultural and community pursuits.
Therefore, I am humbly requesting schools in need to submit to me via email or comments on my site the instructor's name, school name/style, location, address and contact info. This is more for confirmation purposes as well as contact purposes.
Those schools which can help, I request the same information. This information is necessary as it allows the contact between the schools to take place.
There are also separate sections for those schools offering free temporary "instruction refuge" for those martial artists displaced by the disaster, those offering temporary lodging, and those holding fundraising events.
I strongly believe that the rebuilding of communities outside of the bare essentials for life is necessary for creating a strong society and civilization. I feel martial arts as a whole tends to foster discipline, respect, and close relationships that aid this ideal. It is my sincere hope that this site betters the re-establishment of martial arts communities disrupted by Hurricane Katrina.
Also, if you have any knowledge of schools that are in need, would you be willing to pass me their contact information so I may gain permission to post it from them?
Thank you for reading.
Yours in the martial arts,
John Oberle
P.S. I know I have zero history at this site...I don't even do Chinese martial arts (although I am an admirer)...but could this be made into a sticky? Thank you.
I just started a site called "Martial Arts Schools Affected by Hurricane Katrina" at http://martialartshurricanekatrina.blogspot.com/ (http://)
According to my counter, someone posted a link to it here in one of the threads and it actually has got a lot of hits. I give my heartfelt thanks to Zim for this.
As the name implies, I am trying to compile a list of those schools harmed by Katrina and those schools willing to help in a sort of "sister school" program. Essentially, the Red Cross isn't going to help rebuild a kendo dojo, a chess club, or a dance studio, so it is up to martial arts communities elsewhere to help rebuild martial arts communities in affected areas. Consequently, the site's purpose is to facilitate information sharing. Schools in need can gain awareness and schools willing to help can see where they can help.
I understand right now the immediate need is short-term help. But the long-term rebuilding undertaken by the various levels of governments and many charities tends to focus on city infrastructure rather than a city's human infrastructure. Consequently, those returning to rebuild their lives could use a helping hand in areas deemed not necessarily essential yet part of what makes us human: spiritual, cultural and community pursuits.
Therefore, I am humbly requesting schools in need to submit to me via email or comments on my site the instructor's name, school name/style, location, address and contact info. This is more for confirmation purposes as well as contact purposes.
Those schools which can help, I request the same information. This information is necessary as it allows the contact between the schools to take place.
There are also separate sections for those schools offering free temporary "instruction refuge" for those martial artists displaced by the disaster, those offering temporary lodging, and those holding fundraising events.
I strongly believe that the rebuilding of communities outside of the bare essentials for life is necessary for creating a strong society and civilization. I feel martial arts as a whole tends to foster discipline, respect, and close relationships that aid this ideal. It is my sincere hope that this site betters the re-establishment of martial arts communities disrupted by Hurricane Katrina.
Also, if you have any knowledge of schools that are in need, would you be willing to pass me their contact information so I may gain permission to post it from them?
Thank you for reading.
Yours in the martial arts,
John Oberle
P.S. I know I have zero history at this site...I don't even do Chinese martial arts (although I am an admirer)...but could this be made into a sticky? Thank you.