situation before using force, says Friede, who holds a second-degree black belt in Ju Jutsu with 25 years as a coach and competitive fighter. The program provides a positive environment through mentoring and role modeling that encourages creating new relationships with others and with society, says Friede who is also a trained hypnotherapist and has helped hundreds of victims of crime and violence. “Kids today are facing some unique challenges,” he says. “Everything is so fast paced, so connected with texting, the Internet, social media, and gaming culture. They’re growing up in an environment of intense peer pressure, and the aggression level is high.” Many of these kids are ‘fringe players’ who may have come from abuse and neglect, and prefer to follow a peer leader down a road that might lead them to trouble with the law, drugs and alcohol, says Grier. The program is based on the German Synanon program that has helped thousands of people get off heroine through martial arts since the 1970’s and focuses on mental coaching to build confidence, discipline, awareness, confidence and self-esteem.
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“Martial arts can open up and create new pathways for these young people. It is fascinating to see the change when we reconnect mind and body,” says Friede. Based on RCMP reports, the program has already been successful in reducing the incidence of vandalism and dumpster fires, says Friede. “Each one of these young people has changed their lives by finding an interest in martial arts,” says Grier. “The biggest improvement has got to be his grades,” says one mother about her teen on a YouTube Video posted on the GJJS website. “They are up something like 75 per cent, his attendance is up, and his whole attitude has changed.” The video on www.gjjs.ca captures teens as they wrangle each other with precision into pretzel-like positions. In one scene, the foundation’s president Grier and vice president, Sue Powell go head to head with boxing gloves. Youth are introduced to the program by peers, teachers, or by the RCMP who hand out cards to youth who come through the station or are wandering at night. They must qualify for security training by being 18 and having completed their green belt. The City of Parksville has supported program by waving the rent on the city-owned building where the GJJS operates. In April 2010, GJJS became an official non-profit, breaking ground in Ottawa by creating a new charitable category as a “social enterprise”, a status that allow them to run independently in the best interest of the kids over the long term, says Friede. The program has gained support from the City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach, the Regional District of Nanaimo, the School District, the RCMP, local fire departments, the Attorney General, the Justice Institute, and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, says Friede.
“Joe has the ability to bring the best out in youth, he’s incredibly dedicated to the entire Oceanside area. This is a great program to focus troubled youth and I have no doubt that it will be successful,” says Moffat. GJJS was nominated for a 2009/2010 Glossy Award by the Parksville Chamber of Commerce. “Joe is everything in the program, he has worked extremely hard for this organization from day one without pay. If there are awards to be given out it would be for Joe Friede, and his partner Jeremy Buerge. They have done a remarkable job,” says Grier. “It’s a place to dream,” says Buerge, a second degree Ju Jutsu black belt with experience as a youth mentor and fire training officer. ~ For more information on the GJJS Foundation, visit www.gjjs.ca.
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“We are fortunate to have such highly skilled members in our organization, who are interested in the community and youth at risk. This makes a difference not only in the community, but by taking these young people under their guidance, it provides the opportunity for them to become great citizens,” says Grier in a news release. EyesOnBC Community Info Centre A few spots are still available in the EyesOnBC / Beacon Magazine In-house Community Info Centre for racking your business cards, rack cards or flyers! Call 757-9914 for more information. FROM $10/MONTH
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/ October 2010 33