New Bedford Martial Arts Scholarship Program

One of the root causes of youth obesity and crime is the lack of fitness and other programs offered to keep our youth active and busy. One of the biggest barriers to available fitness programs can be the cost. The New Bedford Fitness and Martial Arts Center and NewBedfordGuide.com will be working together with local sponsors to offer a one-year tuition opportunity to low-income students under 19 years old.

As scholarships become available, the New Bedford Fitness and Martial Arts Center (665 Orchard Street) will be offering a year of martial arts three times a week for Greater New Bedford area youths at no cost to the student. The program will be offered to low-income kids and young adults, and will be supported by local businesses and individuals. To get your child or teen on the list e-mail: kagekontrolmma@gmail.com. The three time a week martial arts and grappling/wrestling programs cost $60 a month or $720 a year, but will be sold to sponsors at a discounted rate.

Anyone can support the program by sponsoring a kid at a reduced rate of $500 a year. Your business, organization or name will get listed on the sponsor wall on the gym. If you sponsor two kids for $$1,000 you will get a month of FREE advertising on NewBedfordGuide.com worth $200. Businesses, organizations and individual sponsors of the program will gain positive media attention, get listed on the gym’s sponsor wall and support a great cause.

Students will have the option to attend classes Monday through Saturday. Currently, the classes are Kids Grappling and Self Defense offered Monday through Friday from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m , or Bully Prevention on Tuesday (4:30 – 5:30 p.m.) Wednesday (5-6 p.m.) and Saturday (9:30 -10:30 a.m.). The scholarship allows students to attend three classes of their choice each week.

This program can only happen with the support of local sponsors. If you have any interest supporting this program call 774-202-2297 or email kagekontrolmma@gmail.com. Use the same contact information if you want to get your kid on the scholarship list. More details on the New Bedford Fitness and Martial Arts can be found here and at www.kagekontrol.com.

Instructor Daymon Smith is a 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Tim Burrill.

Instructor Radhames Familia is a purple belt under Tim Burrill.

Instructor Jeff Karam is a purple belt under Tim Burrill.

Joseph Botelho has his black belt under Tony Cogliandro and Dan D’Onfro.

Instructor Joe Silvia has over 15 years of Mixed Martial Arts experience.

The Facility has its own Octagon for realistic training and sparring.

Training in the BJJ class.

Students sparring.

Training in the BJJ class.

The bully prevention program teaches kids martial arts, and builds confidence and discipline.

The bully prevention program teaches kids martial arts, and builds confidence and discipline.

Training in the BJJ class.

The facility has five heavy bags.

The facility has five heavy bags.

The facility has two bathrooms and a locker room.

The Facility has its own Octagon for realistic training and sparring.

The Facility has its own Octagon for realistic training and sparring.

The training area is covered with mats.

The facility has five heavy bags.