For over 60 years Dan Brown has introduced youth in Utica to the arts of Judo and JuJitsu. He started Brown's School of Judo JuJitsu & Grappling in an effort to offer a free program for kids in the city to better their lives. As a result of a fire that started in the dojo earlier this week, Brown has been forced to cancel classes until repairs can be made.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help this local staple on Lenox Ave. in Utica get back to normal. The fire spread across the mats of the dojo and up the wall. Repairs needed are significant and they are seeking to raise $5,000. That will only scratch the surface of what is needed to get things ready to resume classes.

Gary Dunbar is the man who created the GoFundMe page. In an update he says,

I have contacted Zebra Mats who agreed to help us out with a 25% discount on new mats for the dojo. Even with the discount after shipping, the cost of the mats are just under $7,000. This isn't including the cost of clean up as well as other damage done to the walls, ceiling ect. We've made great strides so far and want to let you guys know do not slow down! Keep looking forward, sharing and helping out Sensi Dan Brown!

To donate to this cause you can visit the GoFundMe page, or click on the link below.

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