'Karate Kid' Of OC Nabs Gold Medal Win With Help Of Nonprofit

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — While families across the country start returning their children back to school, one Orange County nonprofit is working with children to keep their health and wellness in check all year long — while winning some gold medals in the process.

The nonprofit community health center, which has locations throughout Southern California, recently announced that 13-year-old Families Together "karate kid" and patient Edgar Velez took home the gold at the International Martial Arts Council USA World Championship in Las Vegas.

Edgar struck gold with the help of Families Together of Orange County's free karate program, which has been offered by the nonprofit since 2018 through local karate dojo Toyama Do in Santa Ana.

The program provided Edgar with not only karate lessons, but access to the health center's variety of services including medical, dental, nutrition, mental health, wellness and more.

Edgar initially learned of the program while practicing at his local dojo. Once his mom learned of the other services provided by Families Together, she made appointments for every member of her family, a news release said.

Five months into the program, and Edgar has come a long way. Last July, Edgar and several other Families Together karate kids competed in the USA World Championship tournament in Las Vegas. Edgar is one of two kids who won gold medals at the tournament, a news release said.

Edgar said that Families Together not only helped him reach new heights with his karate practice — the nonprofit also helped him take control of his health.

"With the karate program at Families Together, I've learned several ways to start prioritizing my health," Edgar said. Now, I Come for both karate and weight resistance training, which has taught me workouts I can do at home to improve my health and karate skills. I love all that I've learned with this program and I look forward to my classes every week."

Residents interested in learning about the karate program offered by Families Together of Orange County may find out more information by calling 1-800-597-7977 ext. 507.