Budo Accelerator

At Budo Accelerator, we transform lives through the power of martial arts. We close the critical gap in life and leadership skills, mental health support, and career readiness for first-generation, low-income, and underserved youth.

We are the only nonprofit in the nation that integrates martial arts with UC Irvine-accredited leadership education, intergenerational mentorship, and mental wellness to build confidence, emotional resilience, and real-world readiness. Our mission is to create accessible, transformative learning experiences that prepare underserved students for long-term success.

We work with partners like UCI, Simon Scholars, Project Hope Alliance, and Tiger Woods TGR Learning Lab to extend our reach and fully support the students we serve.

Our model is proven. We have served over 1,000 youth since our founding in 2019. More than 90% report gains in confidence, self-regulation, and stress management, and our first-gen college students continue to graduate at a rate more than double the national average.

“I am incredibly grateful to Budo Accelerator for opening doors for our youth at Project Hope Alliance. Budo Accelerator is making a profound difference in their lives and it’s an honor to see the positive change it brings.”                                              – Vanessa Praguedes, Project Hope Alliance, Case Manager

“This initiative has consistently demonstrated its positive impact on our first-generation students by combining martial arts with leadership development, life skills, and mentoring. Budo Accelerator’s partnership with UC Irvine has been successful in equipping students with the tools they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”                                                                                                                    – Michael Denin, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, Dean, Division of Undergraduate Education

“Through martial arts, I’ve gained valuable confidence and self-control, which have helped me in and out of the dojo. The lessons on resilience and respect have taught me how to face challenges with a strong mindset and determination. Beyond the techniques, I’ve learned the importance of a community, and how we can all grow strong together.”                                                                                                                    – Isabelle G., Student

Every dollar you give helps transform a life and create opportunity for the next generation of leaders. Together, we can help Orange County youth rise strong, confident, and ready for the future.