Our impact
Forged on the mat. Proven off it.
For five years we have run a martial arts-based leadership program for high school and college students, with scholarships so that cost is never a barrier to participation. In early 2027, our program opens nationally.
The outcomes
What five years produced
For five years we’ve run this program in Southern California, with more than 1,000 students since 2021.
reported leaving the program with good or great career knowledge and skills.
demonstrated gains in at least one applied leadership capacity.
demonstrated gains in at least one adaptive mindset capacity.
Outcomes measured by Hello Insight, an independent youth development evaluation platform.
Where they are now
Students in their own words
“This program gave me the confidence and the skills to speak up and share my ideas effectively. That changed how I lead, and it’s a big part of why I’ve been able to solve hard problems with our rocket team.”
JesusBJJ · Computer Engineering, UC IrvinePropulsion Lead, UCI Rocket Project · Former Intern, NSWC
“I met the head of my studio at a Budo speaker event, and that connection led to my internship and then my full-time job. The program didn’t just teach me leadership; it opened the door to my career.”
ChiAikido · Game & Interactive Media Design, UC Irvine (’24)Producer, Take-Two Interactive
“The martial arts and leadership training gave me learning strategies I use off the mat, and I’m grateful for the lasting professional and personal connections I’ve made along the way.”
KathleenKali · BJJ · Biomedical Engineering, UC Irvine · Regents ScholarR&D Engineering Intern, UniWearables (Berlin)
“This program has been a defining experience in both my college years and in my life as a whole.”
VincentBJJ · Aikido · Business Information Management, UC Irvine (’26)Solutions Intern, Cloudflare
“I’ve learned valuable leadership skills that I will apply at graduate school, in my career, and beyond. I will always cherish the connections and friendships I’ve made here.”
VyBJJ · Aikido · Grad Student, Midwestern University College of Dental MedicineWhat the program is
Character is built under real pressure
Budo Scholar is a year-round leadership program with a simple premise: character is built under real pressure, not talked about in a classroom. Students train in martial arts and work through a 50-module curriculum that turns what happens on the mat into skills they use everywhere else. They are judged solely on effort and integrity. Our curriculum was developed through our accredited UC Irvine program, where students earn academic credit toward their degree.
Self-mastery
Taking control of your attention and your fear.
Resilience
Learning to recover when failure finds you, on the mat and off.
Adapting to new environments
Getting your bearings in something new, and moving into a position of strength.
The character to lead
Leading with integrity, and thinking for yourself when it matters most.
What comes next
Budo Scholar: a program that can reach any neighborhood in America
We provide full scholarships to students who could not otherwise afford to train. For those students, Budo pays monthly dues at an established martial arts academy in their own neighborhood, and there are more than 70,000 across the United States. Our leadership curriculum, mentorship and community are online, so a student can take part from anywhere. A student trains at a dojo that already exists in their community, in whatever art that dojo teaches. We build no facilities.
Our first cohort is about 50 UC Irvine students, starting in September 2026.
Inside the program
See what a student sees
One module a week: this week’s idea, an off the mat practice, one thing to try on the mat, and a reflection. Mentorship and a national student community run alongside it.
An invitation
These lessons shouldn’t be reserved for the students who can afford them
Anyone who trains long enough learns the same thing. You will fall down, and you must get up. You will face someone stronger, and you must find a way.
Those are the attributes this generation needs to navigate college, careers, and life. Budo Accelerator exists so a young person facing social, academic, or economic barriers can learn them too, and can carry what happens on the mat into everything that comes after.
We would welcome a conversation with anyone thinking seriously about how young people build character, mental health, and socio-economic mobility. We are happy to share our full business and financial plan on request.
Budo Accelerator is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Irvine, California. The first cohort starts at UC Irvine in September 2026, and the program opens nationally in early 2027.