Bellator's "Peaceful Warrior Program" wrap up

Two days before Bellator 69 will come to L'Auberge Du Lac they hosted the "Peaceful Warrior" program at Progressive Evolution martial arts gym in Lake Charles. In attendance was Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney, local fighter and world karate champion Josh Quayhagen, and heavyweight fighter Ron Sparks. Bellator was very excited and grateful for the local media coverage for the event. They stressed to me that "They are not too big for anyone." Any exposure that will help their brand and mma to grow is very appreciated. If only other, smaller promotions could have such an appreciative attitude towards local media. Bjorn was also buzzing to kick off the program. He took a few minutes to tell me about the TV deal on Spike which he was thrilled about. After that he explained that this program was part of a larger effort to do community outreach work across the country, and they were still looking for the right fit. The program started with a meet and greet segment. I took this time to talk to Bellator heavyweight Ron Sparks. He said that training for his fight Friday had gone really well, and that he loved coming to fight in the South. Hailing from Kentucky, he said that the people in Louisiana were just super nice and fun to compete in front of. Of Bellator he had nothing but positive things to say. While the UFC were not yet ready to offer him a contract, Bellator wasted no time signing him straight away. After the meet and greet, a film detailing how dangerous bullying was in America was shown. It featured young kids who had committed suicide as a result of bullying...some as young as 11! At the conclusion of the video Josh had his students put on an anti-bullying demo. The kids in attendance enjoyed it immensely as the students took turns throwing the bully (Josh) around. This was followed by the door prize giveaway that ended the show. As one audience member said, "It was really fun." How admirable of Bellator to raise awareness of such a devastating social evil as bullying. After watching the sport, it is clear that Bellator is not only good for the sport of MMA, but they are good for all of us.

Bellator presents "Peaceful Warrior Program" in Lake Charles

Peaceful Warrior Program - Open House Event

“Knocking out Bullying and Killing with Kindness”

May 16^th 4:00-5:30pm

Held @:

Performance Evolution: Fitness, Martial Arts, & Sports Training Facility

Performance Evolution

2015 Ryan St.

Lake Charles, LA 70605

PEACEFUL WARRIOR PROGRAM’S MISSION

The Peaceful Warrior Program’s lasting mission is to empower the next generation to take a proactive responsibility to change their world for the better.

We aim to do this by empowering the youth of Calcasieu Parish to take a powerful proactive stand against domestic violence, along with physical and verbal bullying. The mission is to equip these young people with the knowledge to first make positive decision themselves, then the power to make smart nonviolent approaches to helping others overcome negative behavior or circumstances.

The Peaceful Warrior Program is designed to give the future of our world a voice, not just to teach them good character but to reach out and learn from them. Then empower them to take control of this mission and create their own pathways of reaching out and empowering the following generation, developing a forever evolving and growing culture of responsibility, peace, and love!

Hosted by:

The Peaceful Warrior Karate Kid’s Demo Team & Josh Quayhagen (3x Karate World Champion and Pro Mixed Martial Artist)

EVENT INCLUDES

o   Fun Interactive Anti-Bullying  & Peaceful Warrior Presentation!

o   Multisport obstacle course challenge

o   Peaceful  Warrior Karate Team Demonstration

o   Door prizes and free raffles

o   An opportunity to be come together to join a team of young people from Calcasieu Parish wanting to make a difference in and around their school and community!!!

This event is open to boys and girls ages 10-17 years old looking to come together to improve one’s character, create a powerful voice in the community, and stand up against violence and bullying in and around the a Lake Charles Community.