Dojo Students Show 'Love is Louder' than Negativity

The Dojo Paramus recently held a fundraiser to support personal empowerment that involved a unique approach.

Just last week, Patch brought you the story of a Paramus High School sophomore who, after being sexually assaulted, found personal empowerment through martial arts.

Their unique approach was, in the tradition of dance-a-thons and walk-a-thons, a “kata-thon.” Students participated in three hours of kata-choreographed patterns of martial arts moves performed in succession.

The Dojo raised more than $1,000 to support the Jed Foundation’s non-profit program, Love is Louder, a program that sets out to inspire all types of people to raise the volume around the message that love, support and self-empowerment are louder than any internal or external voice that brings folks down.

“The Dojo Paramus believes martial artists should be the gems of society who know the difference between right and wrong,” said Master Melissa Mertz, owner of The Dojo Paramus. “The school strives to be a safe place where students can be themselves while growing up in this often difficult world.

The theme of the kata-thon was ‘Strength in Numbers,’ and the night lived up to its title as The Dojo Paramus surpassed their fundraising goal.

“It was a fun way to raise money,” said Danny Holzman, a brown belt and Paramus resident. “We should do it again.”

Click here for more information on The Dojo Paramus. Check out the photos of participants showing their spirit.