Kickathon
I wanted to share a few thoughts about today’s Kickathon fundraiser at Elite. It was a fantastic event, with a silent auction and kicking marathon (family, friends, and students donated $1/kick for instructors and a few student volunteers to kick pads)…all proceeds went to Alicia, a former student and instructor at Elite, who is battling breast cancer.
I shared this with a few of my classes last week, but I wanted to put it in a post as well. When I walked on the mat for my very first Muay Thai kickboxing class at Elite (I wasn’t even a student yet-just trying it out), I was nervous and anxious. I didn’t know anyone or what to expect. Immediately Alicia walked over to me, introduced herself, and asked if we could be partners for the class. She was so friendly and so upbeat; I completely relaxed and loved the class and signed up to be a member of the school that day.
Alicia probably doesn’t even remember that Muay Thai kickboxing class, but I will always have a special place in my heart for her for what she did for me that day. Elite is such a big part of my life, and my first day there set the tone for my entire experience with the school. Keep this in mind when you’re in class (and pretty much any other time!). The little things matter. You never know how much you can affect someone else; a kindness or a little extra effort to help someone or welcome them or help them feel comfortable may impact their lives in a huge way.
At Elite, giving back and helping people is what the school’s about. It’s important to be there for people, and in turn if you ever need them you will have support. An enormous “thank you” to everyone who participated in making today’s kickathon event a success, from the auction coordinators, to the people who donated, to the kickers and holders, to the people who showed up to give Alicia a hug and let her know she’s got an army of people behind her. It reaffirmed for me how proud I am to be a part of the Elite community and to know that support and family will always be there.
And to my sweet friend: Alicia, I wish I’d had the opportunity to throw thousands of kicks for you…!! You are an inspiration to everyone who knows you and everyone who has ever been touched by your determination and giving spirit. Love you!
~Katie Toney
Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
