2024 

Because of continued attacks on seniors, particularly Asian American and Pacific Islanders, SFB help numerous workshops throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County, teaching seniors easy, yet effective, self-defense techniques.

January 27, 2024 (Wat Thai Temple, North Hollywood, CA) 

• SFB attended the 3rd anniversary of the deadly assault on Mr. Vicha Ratanapakdee. He was killed as a result of being forcefully pushed to the ground in a daylight attack in San Francisco. He sustained life-threatening head injuries and died at a hospital two days after the attack. His death took place in the context of a broader wave of racially motivated attacks and violence on Asian Americans in the Bay Area and other parts of the nation. SFB honored his memories at a solemn ceremony held at Wat Thai Temple, the largest Thai Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles. SFB will continue to fight for justice for Vicha and all victims of hate.

February 10, 2024 (Lunar New Year Tet Parade, Westminster, CA)

• For the first time in our history, SFB participated in the Lunar New Year Tet Parade in Westminster and passed out hundreds of li xi (lucky money in red envelopes) to attendees. The Tet Parade is a grandiose event that has celebrated the Lunar New Year in Little Saigon for over two decades. Every year Vietnamese communities across the globe tune in to watch the event broadcasted by local TV stations and social media platforms. The Tet Parade features floats, marching bands, lion dances, color guards, veterans and youth organizations, martial arts, multi-cultural attires, elected officials, scout organizations, community organizations, and an array of local and international businesses. SFB was introduced and recognized on stage in Vietnamese for all the work we have done for the community.

March 23, 2024 class (Garden Grove, CA)

• In collaboration with the City of Gargen Grove, SFB taught a self-defense class at Garden Grove Park to over 40 participants. SFB selected Garden Grove as it was the site of the murder of Mr. Chuong Pham, an 87-year-old Vietnamese man who was walking in his Garden Grove neighborhood, followed home and tragically murdered. SFB will continue to fight and help prevent this from happening to anyone else.

April 6, 2024 class (West Covina, CA)

• SFB partnered with Brandon Tsay – the hero who disarmed the Monterey Park shooter – and My My Legacy Fund and taught self-defense class to over 200 participants at the Cortez Park Community & Senior Center. Participants were also taught mental wellness, provided with complimentary lunches and raffle prizes.

April 28, 2024 class (Torrance, CA)

• SFB returned to El Camino college in Torrance, the site of the brutal murder of Junko Hanafusa. Junko was a Japanese woman in her 60’s and was tragically murder with a sledgehammer while walking her dog in broad daylight at El Camino college. SFB taught self-defense class at El Camino college to over 100 participants. After the class, SFB held a solemn vigil at the site where the murder occurred. May 13, 2024 (Artesia, CA) • SFB was honored to accept the Proclamation for AAPI Heritage Month from the City of Artesia. The ceremony took place at the Artesia City Hall. SFB thanks the City of Artesia, and Council Member and former Mayor Melissa Ramoso, for this recognition.

May 19, 2024 class (Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA)

• SFB partnered with Asian Mental Health Project and taught self-defense class to over 250 participants at the California Market Place in LA’s Koreatown. Participants were also taught mental wellness, provided with complimentary lunches and raffle prizes.

June 15, 2024 class (Fullerton, CA)

• SFB continued our self-defense class teaching situation awareness, body language, voice and basic physical techniques to safely get away from an attacker. The Fullerton class was held at the Hunt Library in Fullerton and sponsored by Hyundai.

June 29, 2024 (Irvine, CA)

• SFB held our inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Gala where we celebrated our volunteers and their unwavering commitment to help the community protect and defend themselves. SFB started with just a handful of volunteers and is now blessed to have over 400 volunteers to help us continue our mission. We ae proud to remain a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and we could not possibly do it without our dedicated volunteers.

August 18, 2024 class (Monterey Park, CA)

• SFB returned to Monterey Park and partnered with the City of Monterey Park, the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association, and the Asian Youth Center in putting together a class at the Langley Senior Center. SFB trained over 80 seniors on noninvasive and invasive techniques with a heavy emphasis on noninvasive. Amongst the attendees was Martin Estrada, the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, who spoke out against attacks on seniors, particularly Asian American and Pacific Islanders.

September 15, 2024 class (Cerritos, CA)

• SFB partnered with Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and hosted a self-defense class at the Don Knabe Community Region Park. The class focused on self-defense tactics to empower and protect individuals – especially seniors – against threats.