Honoring Grand Master Jerry Sponseller for Being Inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame

Home Browse Search

.900TH eFry`., R.7 �xsy f0" RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, RECOGNIZING AND PUBLICLY HONORING GRAND MASTER JERRY SPONSELLER FOR BEING INDUCTED INTO THE USA MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME AND FOR HAVING SUCH AN ENDURING AND VERY POSITIVE IMPACT OF THOUSANDS OF YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY CAC..y the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana recognizes that Grand Master Jerry Sponseller has been teaching martial arts since 1978, averaging 34 classes a week for the past 45 years; and C the Common Council further recognizes that Grand Master Jerry Sponseller's school's primary system is Taekwondo, and also features a variety of principles and techniques in other styles in order to offer the most complete system of self - defense and overall knowledge of the martial arts; and 6AC" Grand Master Sponseller is committed to "improving the lives of students by instilling positive life - skills and regular philosophy lessons" with their goal being "to empower students to become confident, maintain a healthy lifestyle, possess a good sense of self - esteem, and be successful in all areas of their lives "; and dX6.,,,4 his additional fitness classes include Muy thai, boxing, kickboxing and some modern MMA techniques where discipline, responsibility, confidence and self - esteem are being built in all participants; and OXAC..,, just one of the many examples of the character and integrity of Grand Master Sponseller is shown by the fund- raiser and benefit he is hosting for one of his employees who was tragically hit by a drunk driver while jogging in order to help offset her medical expenses and assist in her recovery; and Grand Master Sponseller's passion for Martial Arts and his love of teaching youth is truly inspirational, with many of his students participating in tournaments in Elkhart and North Webster. He is also the author of a training manual and two books on philosophy for children. i Section I. On behalf of all of the residents of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council is especially honored and proud to recognize a very special person, Grand Master Jerry Sponseller, a/k/a "the Blues Don" who has dedicated the last 45 years, teaching martial arts and dedicating his life to instilling positive life skills and building confidence and self - esteem in countless youth. The Council further thanks him for his active community involvement at the Logan Center, St. Margaret's House, and the Family and Children's Center. Section II. The Common Council congratulates Grand Master Jerry Sponseller for the high honor of being inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and for his commitment to continue to inspire others by continuing to teach while working toward his 9 "i degree black belt. The Common Council wishes Jerry all the best this November, when he plans to ui`ng back a World Medal from the World Event in N ". Henry Davis, Jr.\, 2°° Di ct \106, � Valerie Schey, 3rd District Dr. Fred Ferlic, 4" District _--I3r. ll�avid Varner, 5 "i District Office of the City Clerk in full force and effect fr%dahraXr its adoption by the Common Council Derek D. Diete At Lar e Gavin F rlic, At LargG /�id%r�' `I Karen L. White, At Large Kathleen Cekanski Fan-and, Council Attorney Pete .�