(Published in Oakland North: http://oaklandnorth.net/2011/11/23/at-destiny-arts-center-east-bay-youth-learn-how-to-deal-with-danger-through-martial-and-performing-arts/)
“Love, respect, care, responsibility, honor, and peace”—that’s the Warrior’s Code that East Bay youth are being taught at Destiny Arts Center as part of the Growing Peaceful Warriors Program. Instructors teach young people self-defense and conflict management skills to deal with possible real-life dangerous situations through the martial and performing arts.
According to executive director Cristy Johnston Limon, the Destiny Arts Center was founded in 1988 by martial arts instructors wanting to teach children how to stay safe. Destiny Arts has now served over 4,000 Bay Area youth. Located in North Oakland, the center is a haven for many families and children living in areas with high crime rates.
“My daughter goes to an Oakland public school – it’s a great school but there’s a lot going on,” said Cindy Lewis, a mother to two Growing Peaceful Warriors. “It’s just so great that there’s a place really giving her self-esteem and tools – things to actually do if she comes into any hard situations.”