Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
When he opened his dojo in Pacific Palisades 35 years ago, Gerry Blanck had no idea it would still be kicking in 2017.
Since he opened his martial arts center in the summer of 1982, Blanck has embraced the community, sponsoring a PPBA team every year, marching in the Fourth of July Parade and teaching Yoshukai karate to hundreds of local children.
On Saturday, he’ll celebrate his 35th anniversary in style, beginning with a seminar featuring World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization Directors and 8th-dregree blackbelts Hiroaki Toyama and Mike Culbreth, local kickboxing champion Baxter Humby and Grand Master Katsuoh Yamamoto’s wife, daughter and grandkids.
Kids are welcome to participate in the workout and will receive karate medals. Traditional white gis must be worn. Cost is $50 per person, $85 for two and $100 for three or more. The seminar is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. after which donors are invited to pay their respects to Master Yamamoto at the Martial Arts History Museum in Burbank from 4-6 p.m.
The celebration culminates with dinner and dancing at Pearl Dragon (15229 Sunset Blvd.), beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Those attending the museum event can email Sensei Blanck at gblanck458@aol.com.
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