When 8 year-old Petrie Primary school student, Zen Johnson fronted the selection panel for the inaugural school scholarship offered by local martial arts school, Factor10 Martial Arts, his confident demeanour, outgoing personality and supportive parents certainly impressed them.
Zen, the middle child of a family of seven (7) boys has already faced his own battles needing corrective surgery for a defect in his eyes, he now lives with a slight vision impairment but his Father says it certainly doesn’t stop him.
“Zen is a very active child who has a passion for martial arts. We had him enrolled but could not afford to continue at that time because at age 4 Zen was diagnosed with childhood cataracts and had artificial lenses put in” his father explains. “He has great short vision but average long vision so excelling in some sports would be difficult, however martial arts is perfect”
Damien O`Flaherty, CEO of Factor10 Martial Arts is pleased that the scholarship has gone to such a well deserving young man. The 12-month scholarship, which is a martial arts industry first, includes a twelve (12) month membership, a Taekwondo uniform and protective safety gear valued at approximately $2400.00.
“It is so nice to give back to the community and the Johnson family are such lovely people, I am so pleased that Zen will be training with us,” explains Damien.
Factor Ten Martial Arts is building a reputation for giving back to the community, and taking a stand against youth violence by:
- presenting very successful Free Child Protection Seminars for the local community during Child Protection Week 1-7 September 2013
- partnering with the Matthew Stanley Foundation Chill Out Walk Away Campaign and planning delivery in-school presentations 2014 with the backing of the Foundation
- focusing on helping kids and teenagers make the right decisions and stay safe in the community
- conducting Free Martial Arts Classes for primary school age children each school holidays
- conducting free anti-bully education workshop for parents Sat 4 October 2013
- offering the inaugural martial arts school scholarship
Damien, a former school teacher, has always believed in building confidence in his students and instructors, giving them the strength and discipline to make the right decisions no matter what circumstances they face.
“We are all looking forward to watching Zen grow in his confidence as well as his martial arts training, and we warmly welcome him to our martial arts family,” said Damien at the announcement of the scholarship.
For more information on why Zen was chosen for this inaugural scholarship and what he will achieve in the next 12 months, contact Damien O’Flaherty on 0433 428 858
