Long Beach martial arts school owner determined to reopen after falling victim to looting

LONG BEACH, Calif. - The owner of a beloved martial arts school in downtown Long Beach is determined to reopen. Not only has she faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but her dojo was burned down by looters two weeks ago. 

Zahalea Anderson, owner of the Urban School of Self Defense said she was set to reopen after being shut down for three months due to the coronavirus crisis before looters torched the business as a protest following the death of George Floyd and against police brutality turned violent. 

Anderson’s father started the business 25 years ago in their back yard. 

She says its much more than a school, with students ages 3-83 years old. 

A stranger started a GoFundMe me to help Anderson rebuild.

It went viral and has raised more than $130,000.   

Anderson is resilient and says she is now more determined than ever to reopen.