East LA Jiu-Jitsu, a nonprofit organization based in East Los Angeles, is dedicated to providing accessible jiu-jitsu classes to children in the community. With a focus on underserved communities and at-risk youth, the organization aims to offer these classes either at a low cost or for free. The goal is not only to teach martial arts skills but also to instill valuable character traits in the young participants.
One of the students, Daniel Cano, shared his learning experience, saying, Something I learned is to not let my ego interfere with the challenges that I have to face. Even outside of here. Just because I am trained in this doesn’t mean I can conquer the whole world… I might be able to talk to someone nice just to deescalate any situation. The students not only gain physical skills but also develop important life lessons.
For many of these children, the jiu-jitsu classes provide a supportive and inclusive environment. Student Stacy Larco expressed her gratitude, saying, They treat me like an equal. It is cause in school, no one treats me like an equal. Where here I feel like nice at home like with my friends who do treat me like an equal. The sense of belonging and acceptance that these classes provide is invaluable to the students.
The founder of East LA Jiu-Jitsu, Ron Mukai, is a proud product of East Los Angeles. After training in jiu-jitsu for 14 years, winning silver medals, and competing at the Sport Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, Mukai wanted to give back to his community. He acknowledges the significance of family support in comparison to more affluent areas, stating, I see more family support than in other areas more affluent populations. These parents are here day in day out.
To expand the accessibility and impact of their program, the nonprofit has partnered with a local middle school to offer jiu-jitsu classes to students as part of the school’s curriculum. Additionally, Mukai teaches classes in Fullerton. Despite teaching classes to adults as well, his main focus is always on empowering the next generation.
My goal is to take these kids to the moon. We can represent them on the highest nationally, internationally. East L.A. will be a force to be reckoned with, Mukai emphasized. The organization is determined to nurture these children’s potential and help them excel in the world of jiu-jitsu.
Through their commitment to providing accessible jiu-jitsu classes and promoting character development, East LA Jiu-Jitsu is making a positive impact on the lives of the community’s young ones. By offering low-cost or free classes, partnering with schools, and engaging families, they are ensuring that children from underserved areas have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and gain self-confidence. The nonprofit’s dedication to the next generation highlights the transformative power of martial arts in building brighter futures.
