Preserve the Cascos Legacy

For over fifty years Sifu Bill Owens has owned and operated Casco's Martial Art Academy in Oakland, California. Over the years Bill Owens, with his wife Mary Owens, has taught self defense, cultural awareness, educational values and self confidence to students of all ages. The school has been recognized as being an integral part of the colorful history of Oakland , as it is one of the longest running martial arts schools in California.

In addition to traditional martial arts training, they also teach OFA, which is short for Ofanics. Ofanics is a unique, evolutionary martial art form created over many years. The techniques taught and used within the exercises and drills fuse the beautiful art of Chinese Kung Fu with African-American culture, whereby each self-defense or fighting stroke becomes a rhythmic musical delivery. Ofanics(OFA) is taught nowhere else in the world, as it was created and developed at Casco's Martial Art Academy.

On June 25, 2021, Congresswoman Barbara Lee of Oakland wrote a letter acknowledging the immensely positive impact that Casco's Martial Art Academy has had on the community. It details the fifty plus years that they have been dedicated to improving the lives of others through their teachings. Bill and Mary have also received commendations from members of the California State Assembly for exemplary teaching and supporting the youth in the community. Serving over 6,000 students, they have not only impacted the local community, but communities around the world.

During the COVID pandemic, the school was forced to shut down for more than two years. The loss of revenue during that period created a financial hardship which has now put the school in danger of closing permanently.

As a former student, I am personally asking you to join me in supporting the effort to preserve the Owens' legacy and Casco's Martial Art Academy. Your support will help to ensure that this profoundly important institution remains in the community, allowing them to continue sharing these gifts with the world.

Your donation will be greatly appreciated, and each donor is invited to become a part of this rapidly growing martial art experience.