Punch-a-Thon in Prospect Park Sunday!

Where can you learn self-defense, get to the park and raise money for a good cause all at the same time?

At the Center for Anti-Violence Education’s , which takes place in Prospect Park from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3. (Yes today, sorry for the short notice, we just got word).

Punch-a-thonees will learn martial arts punching and self-defense techniques from trained instructors, with a goal of 1,000 punches to represent “confidence and empowerment for all survivors of violence,” according to the event’s website.   

Like a walkathon, participants raise money for the event through sponsors (but you can also just show up today—those over the age of 18 will pay a $20 registration fee that also supports the center.

As of Friday, participants had raised $14,525 in pledges. If you can’t attend the event, you can still make a donation to the punch-a-thon.

The Park Slope center hopes to raise $50,000 to fund its self-defense and healing programs for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault, as well as its violence prevention and leadership programs for youth. The programs help participants build skills and confidence, learn how to protect themselves using their voice and physical self-defense strategies, and explore issues such as relationship violence, bullying and sexual harassment

Founded by Annie Ellman and Nadia Telsey in 1974, the organization’s martial arts, self-defense and empowerment programs are open to the public and offers sliding fees, free childcare and free classes for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Today’s event, which takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will be held near the Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance to Prospect Park.