The Palisades fire was a body blow to this karate teacher. His new dojo helps kids heal

After losing his dojo and home to the Palisades fire, karate instructor Gerry Blanck has resumed teaching students — many of whom lost homes.

The martial arts studio has become a refuge for grief-stricken residents, helping students and parents to heal.

The Palisades fire destroyed an estimated 2,635 businesses; Blanck is now mulling over how to rebuild his dojo in Pacific Palisades.

“Face! Center! Low! Hit him hard!”

The shouts — a husky voice with a Southern surf bro twang — echoed in the dojo as a 4-year-old blond boy with a headband reading “Lil’ Dragon” punched up at a scowling mannequin.

“Kiiiiick! Don’t jump. Just kick. … Yeahhh!”

More shouts. A huge smile from the tiny boy, a karate student who says he’s almost 4 and a half , thank you very much. An even bigger smile from t