1. How can I help?

There are several ways to help MAAD. Funding is our major priority.

Fund-raisers are constantly going on across the nation for our program in order to help us continue our expansion.

If you would like to see our program in your community, the funds should come from your school district, community businesses and/or leaders or fundraising efforts. Often, your school district will have grant writers who will know what funding is available for your particular state, city or district. There also may be individuals who may want to "adopt" a school and fund it entirely themselves (approximately $180,000 for three years for one school).

2. How can my child join the Joaquim Almeria TEAM?

If a student is enrolled in one of our schools or will be going to one of the schools where our program operates they may join.

3. Can I get this program in my school?

We teach only at affiliated schools. We will teach in the public schools - SOON -. We are full time and work in the affiliated martial arts schools. Currently we serve inner-city groups, but the program could work just as well in other areas. Refer to question # 1. If your school system is interested in our program, we welcome their call to answer questions. However, this web site includes the pertinent information about our MAAD Program.

4. What happens after a student finishes school?

Once a member of the Joaquim Almeria TEAM moves on to high school, he/she is eligible to continue their training with their Black Belt instructor in an after school program. Our goal is to train our students through Black Belt and give them the opportunity to someday teach for the Foundation.

5. Size of classes

We like to keep our classes around 25 students per class maximum and we prefer to teach in a regular basis. Discipline is extremely important so the structured class is imperative. Having a contained classroom close to a locker room so the students can change into their uniforms is also very important.

6. If I become a MAAD Instructor, must I teach Mr. Almeria' style of martial arts?

Mr. Almeria believes that all martial arts styles are effective if they include a structured curriculum on how to achieve a black belt and they teach the values and attitudes of the martial arts. They major requirements are: 1. The Black Belt that is teaching is a true example of a martial artist and 2. Because of the environment we teach in, we must have the ability to dictate how the martial art is taught.

7. How do you train new instructors?

Working as a paid intern is preferred. A period of 4-6 months is usually required for new instructors to learn the procedures of MAAD before starting in his/her own school.

8. What I can and cannot do when fundraising for MAAD.

We appreciate all fund raising efforts for MAAD, but we do ask these guidelines be followed:

§         Idea or Effort must first be approved by MAAD.

§         Any advertising or promotional material must be approved by the Foundation BEFORE it is printed.

9. Is MAAD planning to go international?

For the present time, Mr. Almeria wants to expand this program within the United States of America. Our work has only just begun. Our expansion throughout our country is his first priority.

10. Is there any kind of track record for your program?

Since our inception, we have been tracking our students and doing various surveys including parents, teachers, administrators and students. Several instruments have been used. As an on going project, we have hired an outside consultant to continue with the evaluation of our program. Course grades, conduct and attendance are some of the primary data that is tracked. A summery of the findings is updated on a yearly basis.

11. Is there any cost to the student?

Basically, NO. It is Mr. Almeria' desire to make this program available to youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the martial arts. We often charge a minimal fee for the uniform of $10, (after learning kids do better if they own an interest in their belongings), but this is refunded in many cases. If a child cannot afford a uniform, the instructor can make arrangements for the students to have one.

If you have any questions contact MAAD.