HomeMy WebLinkAboutHonoring Grand Master Jerry Sponseller for Being Inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of FameAttest:
RESOLUTION
4455 -15
Passed by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana
June 22, 15
20_.
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana
June 23 20 15
City Clerk
President of Common Council
Approved and signed by me TV () e, 1'3 201E.
.
City Clerk
.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 .�