Teaneck Martial Arts School Raising Money for Typhoon Haiyan Victims

Martial Arts Aikido North Jersey, in Teaneck, will host a seminar Saturday to raise money for victims of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

The event will feature a self-defense seminar taught by owner Jerry Zimmerman, a fifth degree black belt, and the school’s senior instructor Les Babish, a fourth degree black belt. Classes begin at 10 a.m. and run until 12:15 p.m.

There is a $25 suggested donation, but any amount will be accepted, Zimmerman said. Money raised will go to non-profit PHI International, an organization run by Filipino doctors who are already on site offering services and supplies to local victims.

“All monies donated go directly to supplies and services - no money is used for the organization itself,” Zimmerman said in an email. “Anyone in the community is invited to come watch the seminar and to help a very worthy cause.”

Zimmerman’s school is the latest local organization to launch a fundraising effort in response to the deadly storm. F.A.S.T., the Filipino American Society of Teaneck, also announced its effort to help emergency efforts in the Philippines.