BlackMat MMA was founded in 2003 in a small garage in the city of Whittier, Ca. Since then we are now in a 1750 sq. ft. Gym located at 12200 East Washington Blvd, Suite J, Whittier, CA, 90606. We provide children and young adults both girls and boys a safe haven. A place where they could feel safe is treated with respect, honesty and dignity. A place where they can grow as a martial artist, but most importantly as human beings. At Black Mat they learn the discipline to make changes in their young lives that will help them achieve their goals starting with graduation from high school and the importance of higher education.
As children are graduating this year; I would like you to reflect back when you graduated. What color was your Cap and Gown? Remember throwing your Hat up into the air? What an exciting moment for all of us. A positive memory that we can cherish throughout our adulthood. Receiving our Diploma and being very proud of our accomplishments. If you didn’t graduate because you just need a little bit more help and guidance, then you understand what some of these kids maybe going through. Our Goal is to help every child that steps into the Foundation experience that same moment. A lot of the children do not Graduate and continue to keep on a path that is destructive. This year we are proud to say that we have students that not only are graduating but are going to college. To continue to help these kids we need computers, printers, office supplies, etc. We need tutors also to help them complete and understand their homework. We are asking for any donation to the Foundation to help us reach this goal. You would be helping so many kids that do not have access to a computer or too poor to complete their homework. Some just need to be taught in a different way, sometimes by a peer instead of a teacher. www.blackmat.org
Mission Statement:
The Mission of Black Mat Mixed Martial Arts is to rebuild family values by creating a family environment for under privileged and at risk youths and young adults through mixed Martial Arts training as a means to teach respect, self discipline, confidence, positive family and team relationships. We strive to build emotionally healthy kids, and caring responsible adults.
Each child or youth trains twice a week. Upon arrival each student is welcomed with a hug by trainers and fellow students. They are taught the skills of Boxing, Kick-Boxing, Wrestling, Submission Wrestling & Self Defense. Through this training they are taught humility, patience, self control, and awareness before self defense. The kids are also taught love, acceptance, compassion and respect for one another. After training, the kids have an opportunity to discuss any issues that may be of concern in their lives. New kids may be paired with a mentor, usually another student who has been attending BMMMA for a year or longer.
The students participate in competitions throughout Southern California. They also participate in community service by sharing their testimonies to other at risk kids in the Vida program run by the Sheriff’s Department.
Staff is available to any student for mentoring, support and tutoring any time of the day or night, 7 days a week. Over the last 6 years Black Mat has served over 500 kids who have stayed in school, out of trouble and have graduated. Many are currently serving in armed forces.
We are asking you to help us out this year by giving a tax-deductible donation to BlackMat MMA. With the generous support of people like you, we will be able to help many of these families and individuals not only to meet essential daily needs, but to work toward a brighter future with programs in job training, education, and counseling.
For more information on how your donation is helping to make a difference in the lives of so many in our community, we invite you to visit our Web site at www.blackmatmma.org. You can also find information there on our upcoming events for this year and volunteer opportunities. We work very hard to keep BlackMat going each year and we are hoping to count on you for any sized donation. We thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to whatever support you can provide.
501 © 3 organization
Sincerely Yours
Coach Koon
President/Founder
12200 E Washington Blvd, Suite J
Whittier, CA, 90606
Cell (323) 864-4385
www.blackmatmma.org