(HUTCHINSON, Kan.)—
Governor Mark Parkinson proclaimed today World Martial Arts day for the State of Kansas. A group of Hutchinson kids are celebrating by helping attempt to break a world record.It's hard work, but the kids at Hutchinson's American Karate and Martial Science hope their kicks will pay off in more ways than one.
“I’m good, but very sweaty and tired,” said one kicker.
Some of these kids have been kicking non-stop for an hour. Shalee Mog has been taking martial arts for about six years. Her goal is to kick at least a thousand times.
“It's fun I've learned how to defend myself, I love it,” Mog said.
They're partnering with martial arts gyms around the country to break the current world record of 8.4 million kicks thrown in one hour.
“Some of these guys are ready for a nap, it takes a lot out of you,” said Head Instructor Tommy Williams.
Not only will these feet break a world record, but they're also raising money for Hopeful tomorrow, a national children's charity that provides grants to disadvantaged or at risk children who otherwise wouldn't be able to participate in programs like martial arts.
“They gain life skills here including confidence and decision making skills,” Williams said.
The Hutchinson group ended up raising more than $1,000 and kicked a total of more than 25,000 times. That number will be combined with other martial arts gyms around the country.
