Gerry Blanck held a piece of wood for a student, who kicked it in half at his 42nd celebration party.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
In the wake of last month’s devastating Palisades Fire that ravaged Pacific Palisades, leaving families displaced and institutions in ruins, the community is coming together to rebuild stronger than ever.
Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts, a 43-year-old Palisades institution that was destroyed in the fire, is leading the charge in restoring hope, providing relief and rebuilding.
On Sunday, March 2, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at MuDo Dojo (1828 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica), three powerhouse martial arts academies—Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts, MuDo Dojo, and Ace Aikido—will unite for fire relief and community rebuilding.
“Our dojo has shaped generations. This event is about more than rebuilding walls—it’s about restoring a community,” said Blanck.
“For over four decades, Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center has instilled discipline, confidence, and resilience in our children. The fire may have taken our training space, but it could never take away our spirit. Seeing the dojo reopen is a powerful reminder of our community’s strength and unity—our kids are finally coming home,” said Alan Savoian, father of 10-year-old Eden, a bronze medalist in an international karate tournament in Las Vegas last month—just weeks after losing her home.
The event will include:
Martial Arts Showcase – Celebrate the Grand Opening of Gerry Blanck’s dojo. Witness demonstrations of karate, aikido, and self-defense from dedicated students.
Kids’ Obstacle Course & Family Activities – Fun, interactive challenges for all ages.
Relief Supplies for Fire Survivors – Free clothing, shoes, and essential goods available for affected families.
Government & Grassroots Group Support – FEMA, SBA, Red Cross will be on hand to answer questions, as well as other local organizations and companies.
There will be live music and entertainment, a food truck, free refreshments and an opportunity drawing for prizes.
This landmark event is made possible by community partners, including Music Changing Lives, Diamond Media, Soulful Soil Farms, Soul Saving Productions, Scientology Volunteer Ministers, Global Empowerment Mission, Changing Lives Association, Ki International and Finney-Arnold LLP.
We had so much fun at this event. Gerry is a Palisades icon and a true grassroots community leader. Thank you for doing this for the community, bringing us altogether after the devastation. There were so many relief items such as non-perishable food, clothes, pet supplies, hygiene kits, and more. SBA was also there to help us navigate the process to get us financial assistance. Music Changing Lives, Global Empowerment, Scientology Volunteers, Soulful Soil Farms & more offered a helping hand also. We enjoyed the karate demonstrations by old and young alike. The opportunity drawing gifts were amazing too. Slowly one kick at a time we’re rebuilding Palisades! Thank you, Gerry!
Sensei Gerry Blanck has been a Palisades treasure for 43 years. He has mentored countless number of kids over the years and his beloved dojo was a place for everyone to gather and see friends and family. His dojo must be rebuilt. We owe it to the community.
Gerry is the best-the kids, parents and the palisades community loves him.
It was nice to see so many show up to give each other support. We love you Gerry & Danica!
My family had a great time. Being with people who experienced the same devastation, partaking food with friends, listening to live music while students did obstacle courses & karate demos was a unifying & healing experience. The volunteers who showed up were amazing too. We need more family events like this! Thank you to Gerry for his leadership.