Program & Volunteer Spotlight-Sensei Jim Munger (Karate Kickers)

In the middle of December we finished up our first full run of the Karate Kickers program. Man oh man was is AWESOME! We will be starting our next session that will last 12 weeks on February 12th at 4:30pm.   We are happy to introduce Sensei Munger to you all, as you read about him you will see he and his wife both have great big hearts of your community as a whole and are using their times, talent and treasure to strengthen and encourage the individuals who join their classes.

Sensei Jim Munger is a 6th Degree Black Belt, with over 30 years of experience in the martial arts and is currently the Beginner Success Coach for Impact Martial Arts and Fitness. His whole family is involved in the Martial Arts. His son is a Sensei, his wife is the events coordinator and both daughters are Black Belts. He also has two grandchildren training for another generation of Martial Artists.
He developed his special needs program with his wife who together have been working with special needs children and adults for over 20 years. Sensei Munger has been teaching at Impact Martial Arts & Fitness for over 28 years under Shihan Feidt.
He is also very diverse in his Martial Arts training which includes, Muay Thai, Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Sensei Munger also very involved in the community. This past year his dojo has raised over $10,000 for people in need. His dojo participates with the Make-a-Wish foundation, America Heart Association Heart Walks, Relay For Life, as well as the Salvation Army Holiday Drive and local families in need. He works closely with all the local Schools on Bullying, Goal setting, Fundraising and a number of other important issues.

Sensei started working with a small group of adults with special needs from Oswego Industries. Now, there are 2 large groups from Oswego Industries, a class for ARC, Toomey Residential Living and GiGi’s Playhouse.
“Success is measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles one has overcome trying to succeed.”

During the fall program Sensei Munger saw each of the students giving their #bestofall. Some examples include, increased ability to focus on class, drills became fun and done with a smile, one member joined class a few weeks in but picked up the routine fast and with enthusiasm, one friend was very shy at the beginning and would try leaving the floor as often as possible, but by the end of the session this was no longer an issue!  We are so proud of all the students hard work and commitment to Karate Kickers!

Look at these hard working students!

If you would like to register a student for the winter session please email Heather at hrodriguez@gigisplayhouse.org  Ages 8 and up. Space is limited so snag your spot quickly!

We would like to provide our students with karate uniforms but need your help. If you would like to help us by donating funds for these uniforms you can send your donations to GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse, 5885 East Circle Drive, Suite 250, Cicero, New York 13039 or online HERE Thank you for your support!

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