Karate news!

Maru Karate Kai awarded £4565 by BBC Children in Need
Maru Karate Kai in Basildon are delighted to announce that BBC Children in Need has awarded them a grant of £4565.00 for a one year project. This grant will fund free karate lessons and help make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people right here in Basildon.
This grant has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the public during which saw £31.1 million raised on Appeal night 2013.
Maru Karate Kai have taught karate in the local community since 2009 and use karate as a development tool to increase children’s confidence, self esteem and improve their physical fitness – all whilst having fun. Led by Chief Instructor, Marc Grayston and his wife Clair, the club have gone from strength to strength in the last five years, with karate-based projects funded by the National Lottery’s Big Lottery Fund, Sport England and ActiveEssex.
With the support of BBC Children in Need, Maru Karate Kai will be able to continue its work in the local community by opening up 30 spaces in its children’s karate classes – free of charge, for a whole year. The club will be working with Fairhouse Infant School and Whitmore Way Primary School to identify those children in the community who may benefit most from the free sessions.
Marc Grayston, Chief Instructor for the club said ‘As we celebrate our 5th anniversary this year, it’s fantastic that we reach such a milestone with support from BBC Children in Need. We can now ensure that kids who may not have been able to afford to take part previously, have the opportunity to try karate without the financial barriers. We have said time and again that we aren’t just a karate club, but a platform to boost young people’s confidence. I couldn’t be prouder to deliver this initiative in Basildon.’
Danny Lawrence,BEM Deputy Mayor of Basildon and one of the clubs Patrons said ‘I am delighted to support this project and was delighted to provide a reference. The grant will help disadvantaged kids access karate and give them a sense of well being whilst promoting healthy living. Congratulations to Marc and to the club!’.
BBC Children in Need funding relies on the energy and commitment of thousands of fundraisers and supporters across the UK who donate their time and money to support the Appeal. Whether it’s cake sales, wearing pyjamas to school or having a song and dance, every penny of the money raised goes towards supporting projects across the UK.
David Ramsden, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need, said; ‘We are delighted to be supporting Maru Karate Kai, which is only possible due to the incredible generosity of our fundraisers across the UK. You really do help us to make a difference to young lives – thank you!”
All grants go to projects working with children and young people living in the UK who may be affected by homelessness, neglect, abuse or poverty, or those who have faced challenges in their lives such as serious illness, disabilities and psychological disorders.
~ENDS~
Notes to Editors:
BBC Children in Need
The BBC Children in Need Appeal is a charity registered in England and Wales (802052) and Scotland (SC039557) whose aim is to make a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
BBC Children in Need’s vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential. We will realise this vision by supporting, promoting and publicising work that addresses the challenges that children and young people face and work that builds their skills and resilience.
We are currently supporting c.2,700 projects that are working with children and young people facing a range of disadvantages or challenges in their lives such as , poverty and deprivation; abuse or neglect or any kind of disability.
bbc.co.uk/pudsey
Maru Karate Kai
Maru Karate Kai teach children’s karate classes in Basildon, using traditional Japanese martial arts to boost confidence, self-esteem and team building within children in Key Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The club formed in 2009 and has three classes, at Fairhouse Community Infant School, Whitmore Way Primary School and Luncies Road Meeting Hall. The club teach 50 children a week from the ages of 4-16.
The club won a prestigious Basildon Business Award in 2012 for its continued work providing services to Basildon’s community. Chief Instructor Marc Grayston carried the Olympic Torch in Basildon in July 2012, whilst he also won a Heart Radio Community Hero Award in 2013.
The club have delivered karate and self-defence projects funded by the National Lottery, Co-Operative Bank, Ford Britain Trust, ActiveEssex, Basildon Council, Essex County Council and Sported.
For further information about the club, please contact the office on [email protected] or call 07407 454480