Kupuna Keiki
By NICOLE KATO| Scripps Howard News Service
Aside from offering martial arts programs for keiki and adults, the Life Impact Center (opened by non-profit Kupuna and Keiki) gives back to the community with educational programs that provide tutoring and help with homework for youth in the Kalihi area.
Located in the heart of Kalihi, the Life Impact Center seeks to transform the location from “a town where the poor have limited opportunities and hope to a place where they have a chance to change their destiny through education and assistance.”
While a young facility, opened just two months ago, the dedication of community leaders is beginning to make a huge impact on youth in the community.
“Our focus was to help the underprivileged,” explains community leader Dino Fernandez. “A lot of kids come off the street and at other gyms prices can range from about $160 to $200 depending on where you go.
“I’ve seen kids come into the gym, and they want to come and train, but it’s too costly for them so they never return.
“There’s a lot of kids who have so much talent, and Hawaii has a lot of talent already in MMA.”
The big benefit for Fernandez, who also is the head instructor for the MMA program and keiki martial arts, is the fact that the Center offers more than just martial arts classes.
He comes from a boxing and kickboxing background and trained n Valetudo and JKD with Burton Richardson.
“I decided to go ahead and pass on the knowledge that I’ve learned throughout the years of training,” Fernandez explains.
Youths can also take part in tutoring sessions, strength and conditioning classes, kempo, music and ukulele classes and conversational foreign language classes. More classes and programs will open in the future. This falls in line with center’s philosophy of mind, body and soul.
“We just want to encourage the community to come down and see what we’re about,” Fernandez said.
Kupuna and Keiki’s Impact Life Center is located at 1425 Dillingham Blvd. Suite 100 behind Boulevard Saimin in the Dillingham Business Center. Call 852-9188 or visit kupunaandkeiki.com for more information.
