Students and Instructors from LaSala's Dojo (Karate for Christ) in Fort Pierce FL, competed and won titles at the US Open Martial Arts World Championships on July 4-5, 2008. This event was held at the Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista FL and was promoted and run by the ISKA (International Sports Karate Association). Much of the event was covered by ESPN2, including footage of Master Fred J. LaSala (Head Instructor of LaSala's Dojo) and his team. This footage will be aired in the next few months.

Master LaSala, age 48, was honored at the US Open event. He was presented with a prestigious award and was recognized at the highly attended evening portion of the event. He was honored for his hard work, dedication and support of the US Open. Master LaSala is a 4x World Champion, a 6 th Degree Master in the art of Tai Chuan Do Karate and is a member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Sensei Stacey LaSala, Master LaSala's 17 year old daughter also competed at the event and placed second in the world in Women's Self Defense. She is a black belt and 2007 World Champion in Self Defense as well as the 2008 World Champion in Women's Lightweight Advanced Grappling. She also holds several state championship titles and will be a senior at Fort Piece Central High School where she maintains a 4.0 GPA.

Other members of the LaSala's Dojo team also competed and won at this prestigious event. Black belt, Lisa Ferrick placed fourth in the world in Women's Creative Breaking. Lisa's husband, Frank Ferrick along with Master LaSala placed amongst the top competitors in Men's Creative Breaking and Power Breaking. Black belt, Fernando Velasco fought his way to being named the World Champion in Men's Continuous Fighting while competing against opponents from a variety of different countries. Brown belt, Jordan Vander Flier, age 17, racked up many wins including second in the world in Power Wood - Hand, Power Wood - Elbow and High Jumping Board Break.

Master LaSala is very proud of all of his students and feels blessed to have had so many individuals and families from his dojo accompany him and his family to this event. "Whether they were competing, helping out the team, or cheering for us, I was so pleased to be surrounded at this event by so many students and their families. The Lord blessed us with many wins and just as many beautiful trophies to bring home, to His glory, but the deepest meaning is found in seeing the light of the Lord in all of our students and seeing their success inspire others to reach out for what is missing in their own lives and along the way learning to become World Champions."

LaSala's dojo offers classes at White City Methodist Church, on Midway Rd and Treasure Coast Christian Academy in St Lucie West on Peacock Blvd, as well as on-site classes at various area schools and churches. The demo team also conducts demonstrations at small and large events throughout Florida.

For more information about LaSala's Dojo, Karate for Christ or Master Fred LaSala please contact Madeline Baum at 561-676-6774 or madelinebaum@msn.com, or Sensei Bonnie LaSala at 772-332-0101 or laSalasdojo@comcast.net. Also, visit our website at www.lasalasdojo.com