Maitland’s martial arts community is coming together with a legend of the craft, Sam Greco, to help raise money for Hunter Valley Men’s Crisis Support Inc.
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A retired super heavyweight K-1 kickboxer and karate champion-turned-motivational speaker, Greco is a massive figure in Australia’s martial arts history.
A training seminar will be held on Saturday April 30 from 10am at Branxton Community Hall with Greco as host and instructor.
A dinner will also be held where Greco will discuss the motivational philosophy he developed from years spent on the mat which he calls “transferring the fighter’s ethic”.
The dinner will be held on Saturday April 30 from 7pm at Club Maitland City.
Both events are open to the wider community.
Hunter Valley Men’s Crisis Support is a Maitland charity focusing on men who are at risk of mental health, housing and family breakdown.
It provides everything from friendship to care packages through community fundraisers.
Jerry Murray and Trevor Trainor of Hunta karate Kyokushin, Bill Johnson of Kombat Academy and Daniel Langworthy of Hunter Valley Karate told the Star they didn’t have a goal for how much money they hoped to raise through the events.
Rather they hoped the events would show solidarity and support for HVMCS’ mission.
“It’s especially important right now,” Mr Murray said.
“There are a lot of blokes going through a tough time – depression is sky high with FIFO, unemployment and family problems.”
Mr Johnson said he’d seen countless men turn their lives around through camaraderie, often finding it inside the dojo.
“I’ve seen it a lot with military guys and PTSD,” he said.
“They’re looking for camaraderie but also the structure, the discipline, the sense of progress.”
Organisers are calling for sponsors to help with the event.
More information, including tickets and sponsorships, can be found by contacting Jerry on 0407 077 930.
