Training the leaders of tomorrow.
Our programs for high-school and college students develop essential leadership and life skills that create opportunity, economic mobility, and wellbeing. We combine marital arts with modern approaches to leadership, mentoring, and social capital development, turning a dojo into a laboratory for life.
We’re committed to serving communities in need and offer full scholarships to qualifying students. Over 90% of our students are, or will be, the first in their families to go to college.
Our Programs
Our program for high school and college students uniquely combines martial arts training with leadership development. Students learn martial arts from expert instructors, attend quarterly leadership events with inspiring speakers, and join a supportive community for personal growth and mentorship. Scholarships are available for students in need. Learn more about our programs and impact here.
No prior martial arts experience required.
Our Model
Why martial arts?
Budo, a comprehensive practice encompassing self-defense, ethics, and tradition through disciplined training, was developed generations ago to train leaders and create social mobility. We combine Budo with modern approaches to leadership and social capital development, creating a powerful formula for economic mobility and wellbeing.
92% of students leave our programs with good or great career knowledge and skills, 94% demonstrate gains in creativity and innovation, and 100% build meaningful friendships.
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Diane Vu, First-gen college student
“Budo Accelerator has changed my life. The martial arts-based leadership program is helping me to become the person I know I can be. I feel the change happening and I see it my classmates too, who I can now call my friends.”
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Michael Dennin, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education at UCI
“UCI is a top 10 public research university and a nationwide leader in programs for first-generation college students, with nearly 14,000 at the university. We’re excited to partner with Budo Accelerator for this innovative program as a new way to help first-generation students succeed here at UCI, and beyond. We have big plans for this program.”
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Nevaditta, high-school student
“My parents weren’t born in America so our family doesn’t have the kind of network some others do. As someone interested in a career in medicine and medical research, I’ve been able to connect with recent med-school grads, and a veteran research scientist who ran programs at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Without Budo Accelerator, I never would have had the opportunity to meet and get support from these people.”
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Neda Eaton, CEO Irvine Public Schools Foundation
“Irvine Public Schools Foundation is proud to partner with Budo Accelerator to offer this unique opportunity for students to learn how to become influential leaders in their schools and communities. Not only do students gain practical leadership skills, but have the incredible privilege to be mentored by industry leaders to support their career aspirations and dreams. ”
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Matthew, high-school student
“I’ve moved around 9 times in my life, so I’ve had a lot of people come and go. But at Budo Accelerator I’m part of a global community with an amazing group of mentors. My dream is to go to West Point and become a military police officer. At Budo Accelerator, I’ve been mentored by a law enforcement consultant, but also by a black educator who was part of the protest movement in Minneapolis, so I can understand both perspectives. I also got connected with a West Point grad who is now a Brigadier General. He’s helping me prepare to apply to West Point. ”
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Brianna Baker, First-gen college student
“Budo Accelerator has been a truly transformational experience. This program expertly addresses first-generation specific issues surrounding leadership and confidence through intriguing presentations, thoughtful practice exercises, and innovative connections to the art of aikido that promote discipline, resilience, and adaptability.”
Our Impact
92%
of students leave our program with good or great career knowledge and skills.
100%
of students make friends in our programs.
23% vs. 85%
of students who reported good or great knowledge of Public Speaking before vs. after our program.
94%
of students demonstrate gains in creativity and innovation
You can make a difference.
Change the life of a young person facing challenging life and economic circumstances.
We Don’t Stand Still
