GEORGE NEWS - The George Good Citizen for July has earned this award through fighting. Yes, indeed. James Olieslager heads the Sensei Martial Arts Academy, where training is given in the martial arts at no cost. But this academy is different.
It offers Biblical studies and general community responsibility too, also at no cost.
Olieslager says he prayed for guidance in finding a way to help others learn and understand the Bible. "The answer was to use martial arts to teach discipline, respect and honour, and through motivational classes help students to improve their studies and schoolwork and by doing that teach them the Word of God," he says. "That is how the academy was born."
The academy was founded in January 2017 and it offers karate / kung fu / self defence / improving studies, as well as schoolwork and Biblical studies.
Looking after our communities is very important for Olieslager. "Sensei Martial Arts Academy is much much more than just martial arts, it is here to serve all the people of George and to make a valuable and positive contribution to our beautiful city," he says.
Practical ways in which people can be involved includes reporting any danger - be it open drainage systems or criminal activities, getting together a few friends to clean up one's area and helping prevent the spread of diseases through reporting sewage leaks and illegal dumping accompanied by photos or videos.
He feels strongly that all organisations such as schools, churches, sporting codes and clubs, businesses and households "should and must" get involved at least once a month.
His words of encouragement for Georgians who want to do good to others? "George is your home - look after it, keep it safe for yourself and others, and use your skills and expertise to build, educate and care for others. Protect, improve, build and grow our beautiful city of George and its people. God's richest blessings on all of us."
Olieslager is very grateful for the "amazing recognition and award".
Nominate and vote
George Herald has taken hands with We Are George and other major role players to promote and support the George Good Citizen Award initiative. A prize of R1 000 cash is awarded each month to the winner.
To vote for or nominate your most inspiring Georgians, go to the George Herald Facebook page and click through to the Facebook pages of We Are George or George Good Citizen Awards.
Read previous articles:
- June's Good Citizen jammin' for dogs
- George Good Citizen of the month
- Eco warrior greens Garden Route one tree at a time
- Louis Keyter - A man of action
- Kudos for George 'catwoman'
- January's Good Citizen spreads joy
- Join the search for George Citizen of the month
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