Defense Training Institute Est. 1998
Eddie Perez Martial Arts
2116 W. Galena Blvd. Aurora, Il. 60506
A child asked Pope Francis, "If you could do one miracle, what would it be?
His answer, "Heal Children. I have never understood why children suffer."
Founded in 2014, the Kicking for Kids Kickathon began as a way to teach children the value of generosity and helping others. Over time, it evolved into a powerful fundraiser dedicated to supporting children in need. Through the grace of God, this initiative has raised over $46,300 for various charities—imparting to young hearts the profound lesson that true strength lies in service, compassion, and community.
KICKING FOR KIDS IS A NON-FOR-PROFIT FUNDRAISER
KICKATHON 2025
October 4th
Nicaragua Training Camp 2025
With the help of Business to Barrio and Chosen Children Ministries, I had the honor of conducting a martial arts training camp in the heart of Nicaragua. I spent a week training these young people and hoping to give them a taste of the martial arts that I love. As it turns out, they gave me so much more and I will be forever enriched by their smiles, beautiful attitudes and love.
Visiting the Bario 2025
No human being, and especially, a child should ever live under these conditions. Yet, in this Bario alone, San Gabriel, over 60 families live like this or worse, and there are many more Bario's with similar conditions.
Nicaragua is the poorest Spanish speaking country in the world and the poorest in the western hemisphere, second only to Haiti.
These children have been forgotten by their government and most of the world.
KICKATHON 2024
"We take so much for granted in our fast passed, convenient based lifestyle that we often forget how much we could do to help those that don't have the same advantages".
KIDS KICKING FOR KIDS
I want to take a little time out to thank all those who came out to support this year's Kickathon. It was a fantastic turnout, and I am so grateful to you all.
We met our goal! What does that mean? We raised $5000, which means we will be able to build a well that will help bring clean water to a grade school in Nicaragua. This was not possible without all the fundraising done by our children and their parents.
A special shout to all our sponsors, Business to Barrio, Johnson's Screen Printing (Geneva) and to Desi, who chased down so many of them for the gift basket raffle items. AMAZING!
Again, great job kickers, learning to give and help those less fortunate is the WARRIOR WAY.
2019 6th Annual Kickathon
Kicking for Kids
On Saturday, October 19th, the Defense Training Institute hosted our 6th Annual Kickathon. This years fundraiser was for the children at St. Judes Hospital who are fighting the greatest fight of all.
The kids raised
$15,863.00!
2018 5th Annual Kickathon
Kicking for Kids
Raised $9460
for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie
Children's Hospital
2017 4th Annual Kickathon
KICKING FOR HEROES
This years Kickathon raised
$3427.39
for the
Gary Sinise Foundation.
Serving those who Defended our Freedom
2016 3rd Annual Kickathon
KICKING FOR HEROES 2016
This years Kickathon raised $4523.49
for the families of the fallen officers of the
Dallas Police Dept.
They lost so much, thank you for giving a little back.
2015 2nd Annual Kickathon
KICKING FOR HEROES 2015
Our Kicking for Heroes event raised $3405.00
for the
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
2014 1st Annual Kickathon
KICKING FOR KIDS
ST. JUDES KICKATHON
This years Kickathon
raised $5650.00
for the Children at St. Judes
Amazing Job Everyone!!!
Valley Sheltered Workshop
2013 Game Drive
