American Academy of Self-Defense Supports Autism Speaks Charity

“In Long Island, autism is an epidemic–and it’s horrible!” says Mike Bertucci, president of the American Academy of Self Defense and Long Island Kickboxing Organization (LIKO). Mr. Bertucci and his organization have decided to give back to their community through supporting Autism Speaks, the biggest autism science and advocacy organization in the US founded by Bob and Suzanne Wright.

Autism Speaks is devoted to funding research of the causes, treatments, preventions, and cure for autism, to intensifying awareness of autism spectrum disorders, and to assisting the needs of autistic individuals and their families. Autism is a neural development disorder diagnosed as early as childhood and characterized by impairment in social interaction and communication and by repetitive and restricted behaviors. All these signs start before a child turns three years old. Bob and Suzanne are grandparents themselves to a child battling autism.

So as part of LIKO’s advocacy, Mike Bertucci announced that the proceeds of The North American Kickboxing Championship Event in April 24, 2010 at Deer Park Sportatorium at 435-13 Brook Ave Deer Park, NY would go to Autism Speaks. In fact, Dorian Murray, a two-time female kickboxing champion but now a special education teacher, has decided to go back to kickboxing after learning about the said event and its advocacy. She will donate her purse in support of autism. She came from a family of kick boxers, and her brother is a project manager at Autism Speaks. She will fight Michelle Gunderson, a kickboxing instructor at the Academy of Self Defense. The major event, though, is a tough fight between US Champion Tyson “TNT” Jones vs. Nyen the African Warrior. Shihan Jonas Nunez Jr. organized the said event.

Mr. Bertucci concludes: “It’s good to make money, but it’s also good to give back–because it’s the right thing to do.” For more information about the kickboxing championship event, go to www.likickboxing.com.