What is the KIAP Foundation?

KIAP stands for Key Ideals Advancing Progressively. We are dedicated to sponsoring underserved youth in martial arts programs around the country, enabling them to advance their key ideals and develop their characters for life.

 Why Martial Arts Training Matters

The research is clear. Martial arts training in children can teach them how to build their self-discipline, confidence, and leadership skills. Interested in learning more? Start here:

The Cost of Martial Arts Training

Martial arts training typically ranges from $600/year - $1,800/year at a minimum, not counting uniforms, belt testing, competitions, and more. This cost puts quality martial arts training out of reach for the kids who would get the most value from it.

This is the WHY behind the KIAP Foundation

Our Vision

All youth internalize and exemplify the values of martial arts training, such as courtesy, discipline, honesty, patience and self-control.

Our Mission

To enable eligible youth the opportunity to obtain a martial arts education.

What We Do

Every member of the KIAP Foundation Board is associated with martial arts training as a student or parent (sometimes both). As such, we know there are quality martial arts schools around the country.

We collect applications for underserved youth, and we use our funds to sponsor kids at an approved martial arts school in their area. Sponsorship opportunities are given for one year at a time.

Becoming A School Member

  • Lessen the economic barrier of youth to participate in martial arts training

  • Facilitate a more diverse student population in your school and others

  • Maintain or potentially increase your school enrollment

  • Be identified as a member school on the KIAP Foundation website and other social media venues

  • Enhance your school’s prestige by supporting local youth development

  • Become familiar with other martial arts schools in your art and others

Your Role As A Member School

  • Assist with identification of financially needy youth who may benefit from martial arts training (may be current students or new students)

  • Provide a discount to students who are financially needy

  • Provide a quarterly and annual report on students in your school who are supported by the KIAP Foundation. Report should contain: previous belt rank, current belt rank, commentary regarding students’ character development, attendance records, parent feedback, instructor feedback

  • Identify a primary and secondary school representative to the KIAP Foundation

  • Promote the KIAP Foundation in your school

  • Assist with KIAP Foundation fundraising

How to Become A KIAP Foundation Member School

Ready to help the KIAP Foundation?

Thank you! We appreciate all of our donors and supporters.

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Looking for more information?

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