OKEECHOBEE — LaSala’s Big “O” Dojo is offering a treat for both parents and children this holiday season, a chance to go shopping without the kids.

On Dec. 16, they are offering a “Drop & Shop” Day. Children can be dropped off at 10 a.m. and picked up at 3:30 p.m. The day includes a karate class, crafts, pizza, a movie and games. The cost is $49 per child with discounts available for sibling groups.

LaSala’s Big “O” Dojo is owned and operated by Master Chris LaSala and offers Christ-centered martial arts. LaSala has done martial arts his whole life and is a third-generation martial artist. They teach a mixture of Aikido, Jujitsu and have all the kicks of Tae Kwon Do. "We pretty much do a little bit of everything. It’s all about self-defense and self-control and self-discipline,” he explained. “People think it’s a violent sport, but the point is to avoid violence when you can and defend yourself when you can’t avoid it.”

LaSala’s father is a grandmaster and owns his own school in Saint Lucie County. In the 1980s, he started Karate for Christ, and LaSala grew up helping in this area.

Taking a page from his father’s book, LaSala has “ministry night” on Mondays. On this night, they charge a minimum of a $3 donation. Children age 3 and up are welcome. They hold a 30-minute Bible study at the beginning of class and then follow up with a one-hour martial arts class.

The Bible study is non-denominational. “We just preach out of the Bible. We just preach Jesus and salvation through him.” 

You can find them on Facebook or contact them by email: LaSalasBigODojo@gmail.com or phone: 772-204-5689. They are located in the Cedar Plaza on Southwest Third Terrace.

They meet on Monday nights from 6-7:30 and on Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. $10 and Saturdays from 10-11:30 a.m. $15. There are discounts for sibling groups.