The Matt Mitchell Community Dojo will allow the children of Bellingen (aged 5 to 17) to learn martial arts for free, Our programs will encourage children to learn not only self-defense but will allow them to be a part of our stranger danger and bully watch programs.
Our aspiration is to make the community, children and schools a safer healthier place. Martial arts teaches more then just self defense it’s a way of life, kids will practice self control, discipline, ,responsibility and leader ship in a positive environment.for there hard work and commitment they will be rewarded therse attributes they will move up a regognised belt system ,certificates and badges that will regognise and encourage there progress.In September 2013 Local man Matt Mitchell passed away, after several weeks on life support at the young age of only 30. On a late night a few weeks earlier Matt was found unconscious with a severe head wound on graham drive in sandy beach. After pleas from the family and friends and continuous police investigation, no one has yet been held accountable for Matt’s death.
Matt was a loving young man who was a huge part of the martial arts community in Woolgoolga he overcame huge obstacles in his life, Matt was told he may never walk again, refusing to give up continued to train in martial arts even in a wheel chair till he no longer needed the chair. He was an inspiration to all that knew him.
A few months before Matt was taken from us we had discussed the idea of a community dojo, pondering the idea of creating self-defense classes that could be accessed by kids from all different financial backgrounds, Matt said “ kids who really need martial arts and all it offers don’t have an income” .
Not in vain, we will honour Matt in helping a dream come true.
Updates
June 1, 2014
The stories shared in the comments regarding the need for safe spaces for our youth have been profoundly moving. I am currently reaching out to local facility managers to discuss potential venues that might host these programs under the vision we set for the dojo.
June 1, 2014
Reaching this level of support confirms that our community values the safety and development of our youth. It is heartening to see so many people connected to the vision of a space that honors Matt and provides a constructive path for our local children.
13 Comments
This is a great cause, the people behind this are amazing. Matt would so so luv this!!!!
Sounds like a good idea, it will also help the young ones to live a clean and healthy lifestyle.
I knew this lovely family and was a close friend to his sister growing up I just hope that there is someone out there with details to bring this beautiful family some justice rip matty
Awesome idea,,, miss u bro
fantastic idea!
love you brother!!!!!
like for Matty
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
The Matt Mitchell Community Dojo will allow the children of Bellingen (aged 5 to 17) to learn martial arts for free, Our programs will encourage children to learn not only self-defense but will allow them to be a part of our stranger danger and bully watch programs.
Our aspiration is to make the community, children and schools a safer healthier place. Martial arts teaches more then just self defense it’s a way of life, kids will practice self control, discipline, ,responsibility and leader ship in a positive environment.for there hard work and commitment they will be rewarded therse attributes they will move up a regognised belt system ,certificates and badges that will regognise and encourage there progress.In September 2013 Local man Matt Mitchell passed away, after several weeks on life support at the young age of only 30. On a late night a few weeks earlier Matt was found unconscious with a severe head wound on graham drive in sandy beach. After pleas from the family and friends and continuous police investigation, no one has yet been held accountable for Matt’s death.
Matt was a loving young man who was a huge part of the martial arts community in Woolgoolga he overcame huge obstacles in his life, Matt was told he may never walk again, refusing to give up continued to train in martial arts even in a wheel chair till he no longer needed the chair. He was an inspiration to all that knew him.
A few months before Matt was taken from us we had discussed the idea of a community dojo, pondering the idea of creating self-defense classes that could be accessed by kids from all different financial backgrounds, Matt said “ kids who really need martial arts and all it offers don’t have an income” .
Not in vain, we will honour Matt in helping a dream come true.
Updates
June 1, 2014
The stories shared in the comments regarding the need for safe spaces for our youth have been profoundly moving. I am currently reaching out to local facility managers to discuss potential venues that might host these programs under the vision we set for the dojo.
June 1, 2014
Reaching this level of support confirms that our community values the safety and development of our youth. It is heartening to see so many people connected to the vision of a space that honors Matt and provides a constructive path for our local children.
13 Comments
Such a great idea. In this day and age kids should know proper self defense and have easy access to teachings.
This is a great cause, the people behind this are amazing. Matt would so so luv this!!!!
Sounds like a good idea, it will also help the young ones to live a clean and healthy lifestyle.
I knew this lovely family and was a close friend to his sister growing up I just hope that there is someone out there with details to bring this beautiful family some justice rip matty
Awesome idea,,, miss u bro
fantastic idea!
love you brother!!!!!
like for Matty
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 50 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Such a great idea. In this day and age kids should know proper self defense and have easy access to teachings.