A Leyton karate club has raised £1,400 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity by keeping its dojo open for a full day and night of martial arts.
Gakusei Karate held its 24-hour martial arts marathon on 17 and 18 October at its dojo on Skeltons Lane in Leyton. The money raised will support seriously ill children and their families.
Eight volunteer instructors from a range of local martial arts groups joined in: KAPAP Self Defence, Shojuijitsu Karate Walthamstow, 5 Elements MMA & boxing, Grupo Muzenza Capoeira UK, Carrera's Studio martial arts, Agar-Hutton Tai Chi Academy and Teach Me Kung Fu Schools.
Participants took part in workshops on practical self-defence and the traditional principles behind martial arts.
Lead organiser Sensei Amandeep Singh Chodha said: "Martial arts is about respect, perseverance and supporting others." He said the event showed the strength of the community, even across different styles of practice.
Gakusei Karate runs classes in Leyton and Chelmsford for everyone from children to older adults. It focuses on self-defence-based teaching and on its commitment to the community.
