J K LEE CITY YOUTH MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM
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Mission Statement
J.K. Lee City Youth Martial Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing youth and families an opportunity to learn within a supportive environment that fosters mutual respect, confidence, discipline, and good sportsmanship, while promoting mental health, physical fitness, focus, and well-being. We believe in making the world better through martial arts!
About This Cause
J.K. Lee City Youth Martial Arts (CYMAP) provides character enrichment and life skills training through martial arts classes for Milwaukee youth and families who would not otherwise have access. We transitioned to virtual learning over the pandemic but are happy to be returning to in person groups. We partner with a growing number of Milwaukee schools and CLCs to offer ongoing afterschool and summer programming. On their journey to black belt, students of all ages and abilities learn to set and achieve goals, develop physical fitness, and become part of a positive community rooted in kindness, teamwork and the belief that with perseverance and indomitable spirit, all things are possible. We continue to grow instructors from within our student community, building a local workforce for future programs. In 2017, we opened our headquarters at the now Strong Milwaukee Center in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood where children, teens and families drop in to take martial arts classes, work with volunteers on homework or enrichment activities, and participate in fun, community-building activities during our Friday Family Nights. CYMAP provides character enrichment and life skills training through martial arts classes for Milwaukee youth and families who would not otherwise have access. Our mission is to bring the benefits of traditional martial arts to children and teens without the resources (financial, transportation, available parental time) to attend a for-profit martial arts school. We transitioned to virtual learning over the pandemic but are happy to be returning to in person groups. We continue to adapt to the needs of our program partners and families. Students, ages 3 and up, attend CYMAP classes after school at their neighborhood school or CLC, at our Strong Milwaukee Center facility, or a combination of both. On their journey to black belt, students set and achieve goals, develop physical fitness, and become part of a positive community rooted in kindness, teamwork and the belief that with perseverance and indomitable spirit, all things are possible. We reach the most students by bringing the program to them. We partner with a growing number of Milwaukee schools and CLCs to offer ongoing afterschool and summer programming. We’ve resumed outreach programming in 14 Milwaukee schools (list included). The majority of our school year programs continue year to year. We provide short term programs and special in school seminars but priority is given to those ongoing programs in which we can measure progress and build relationships. We continue to grow instructors from within our student community, building a local workforce for future programs. We are committed as an organization to paying adults a living hourly wage. We are also fortunate to have a pool of over a dozen volunteer black belt instructors who come to us from suburban martial arts schools that provide additional support, allowing us to give small group and one-on-one attention to those in need. At our classes inside the Strong Milwaukee Center in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood, children, teens and families drop in to take martial arts classes, work with volunteers on enrichment activities, and participate in fun, community-building Friday Family Nights. Due to the rising concern for safety in our neighborhood, we’re adding monthly speaker/workshop series covering topics such as women’s self defense, home defense, defensive driving, awareness, verbal conflict de-escalation, Stop the Bleed and more. We invite and encourage all our school/partner outreach program participants to come to the Strong Center for extra practice and to attend our events. The benefits of martial arts are best realized through ongoing study and practice, developing practical tools to help students set goals, understand and reach their potential. Classes are structured, including exercises, martial arts fundamentals, focus games and meditation. Programming emphasizes effort, perseverance and personal growth rather than “natural ability.” No one is side-lined. As students progress, they practice leadership by assisting with lower ranks, taking turns leading warm-ups, and working with partners. We provide opportunities for students to integrate the tenets (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control) into their daily lives. We encourage students to record and track “Good Things” (acts of self discipline and kindness) that they do for others outside of CYMAP. Your first “10 Good Things” list is required before receiving your white (first) belt. We host a podcast “Martial Arts & More” providing examples in our community of individuals living our tenets. We participate in a summer reading challenge, self care challenges, as well as healthy eating and fitness challenges throughout the year. Students of all ages and ranks, attending at the center or our outreach programs can build confidence by competing in bi-annual city-wide Tae Kwon Do tournaments open to hundreds of fellow competitors from area schools, their friends and families.