Taekwondo Belt Rank Testing for LAPD Mission Area Youth Program NA 14039pv

March 12, 2014

WHAT:
Media Availability

WHEN:
Friday, March 14, 2014
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:
15453 Rayen Street
North Hills, California 91343

WHO:
Detective Mark Pursel, LAPD Mission Detective Division

Visiting American Taekwondo Association Taekwondo Master William Robinson

60 children, teens, and parents involved in LAPD Youth Programs. Three Team PRIDE LAPD youth participants that have trained in this unique martial arts program for six years and will be testing for and receiving their First Degree black belts.

WHY:
LAPD, American Taekwondo Association, Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) and Team PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline and Excellence) organization have joined forces to provide local children with positive mentorship through martial arts. The program was designed to give youth the confidence needed to stay away from crime, gangs and drugs. The program also encourages students to stay in school.

About 60 program participants will be testing to promote to the next level of Taekwondo mastery. These participants have been training through the Team PRIDE martial arts program under the tutelage of Detective Mark Pursel, who is a third-degree black belt and certified Taekwondo instructor.

For more information contact Detective Mark Pursel at 818-259-3183 or visit www.prideforkids.org.