Press Release: Community Rallying to Save Resilient Martial Arts School for At-Risk Kids
AURORA, Colo. — More than 30 children in Aurora face potential disruption to their access to Resilient Martial Arts, a cherished local dojo, as its funding from the Aurora Community Connection Family Resource Center is set to expire at the beginning of the new year. The program, led by Sensei James Walker since 1998, has been instrumental in teaching karate alongside vital life skills, providing a sense of belonging and stability to 37 at-risk and low-income children.
Walker, who has first-hand experience with the challenges faced by at-risk youth, emphasizes the program’s focus on building discipline and leadership as well as martial arts techniques. "I understand how easy it is for a kid to get caught up in the system," he says, highlighting the importance of community and mentorship.
The dojo has benefitted from a funding grant since 2021, which covered half of the tuition costs for students, with Walker personally covering the remainder. However, as funding avenues dwindle, the sustainability of the program is at stake.
Parents like Mayra Turrubiates and Candelaria Rodriguez speak to the program’s profound impact on their children. Turrubiates shares how her son Richie has found friendship and support through the dojo, while Rodriguez recounts her son Gael’s transformation after overcoming bullying at school. "His dream is to become a black belt and come back to help Sensei Walker,” she said, fighting back tears.
In a bid to secure the program’s future, Walker has initiated a GoFundMe campaign. Without renewed funding, the future of Resilient Martial Arts hangs in the balance, leaving many families anxious about the coming months. Community members are urged to support these efforts, ensuring that these children continue to benefit from a program that goes beyond martial arts, fostering confidence and resilience.
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