Last year, the proposed bill to reverse the sales tax on martial arts schools passed the House 96 to 0, but it was not allowed to the floor of the Senate for a vote because of one reason – politics.

This year there is a new bill and a new sponsor which will make it much more likely to pass the Senate next session.  But there is a need for lobbyists to educate the Legislators on the mistakes made by the Department of Revenue on the impact to martial arts students and to encourage them to support the bill.  This will cost $30,000 to $40,000.

If you want it to change, we need to take action!

The Washington Martial Arts Association needs your support in fundraising.  They will be hosting two benefit seminars coming up on July 31 and August 7, and we encourage you to participate.  The first seminar, Finding Secrets in Kata, will be presented by Sensei Dave Grout.  Sensei Grout is a Senior Instructor with the Hayashi Ha Shitoryu Kai and is a Board Member with the Washington Martial Arts Association. The second seminar, Tying the Arts Together, will be presented by Professor Dan Anderson.  Professor Anderson is legendary.  He literally “wrote the book” on martial arts.  His book, American Freestyle Karate, is required reading for A.K.E.A. students at Purple Belt.  (Click on the seminar names to be redirected to the flyers for information on location, registration, etc.)

We at the A.K.E.A. support the reversal of the sales tax on martial arts schools, and we encourage you to get involved.  Not only will these seminars offer valuable training, this is a great investment.  Also, please pass this information on to other martial artists in Washington.  If you are unable to attend, contact the Washington Martial Arts Association to find out how else you can help.