Over 70 % of their student population has received free or reduced lunch, since its inception over 22 years ago. A non-profit martial arts school whose founder, World Karate Champion, Professor Vernon “Taishi” Jones Jr., created the organization at the age of 14, in 1987, initially as a community service project. Their primary focus is to provide after school tutoring, karate and summer camp progr
ams to disadvantaged youth and their families. Alumni after graduating from B.L.A.M. have gone on to being at the top of their class at institutions such as Harvard University, Georgetown University, the US Air Force Academy, the University of Miami and numerous others; also they continue on as positive productive citizens in their community or abroad. Their annual fund/friend raiser, the S.I.M.A.T. Karate Championship to Benefit Children (www.thesimat.com) is one of the largest National Martial Arts Tournaments in the United States (www.naska.com). Professor Jones has been recognized as the youngest minority promoter in the world, for an event of this magnitude. All proceeds provide martial arts scholarships and competitive exposure to disadvantaged youth. The November 6-7, 2009 event will mark the 10th Anniversary of the event.
