Welcome to MAAD

Our mission is to change and save children’s lives. Resiliency in children is enhanced through the values and philosophies taught through the Martial Arts.

Specific goals of the program are to encourage students to resolve conflict productively, avoid participating in gangs, choose drug-free lifestyles, and remain in high school until they graduate.

Martial Arts training serves simply as the vehicle to instill the values and skills necessary to combat the drug and gang-related peer pressures. The core philosophy of Martial Arts stresses the vital importance of a healthy mind and body necessary to lead a productive life.

The MAAD Karate Program replaces many missing elements of our students' lives including offering a role model, a figure of authority, a chance to set and reach goals, physical and mental conditioning and very importantly, a feeling of hope for the future and belief in themselves.

Independent School District studies show that drug and gang related peer pressure is the worst on the sixth grade level. The goal is to instill protective factors in these children, so that they will have the resiliency to combat these pressures. From Joaquim Almeria’ vast experience working with children through the Martial Arts, he is confident this program provides the necessary tools for these children.

More about: