Kicking Adversity: How Martial Arts Empower South Florida’s Foster Youth
Discover how Livan Concepcion and the American Ju-Jitsu Center in South Florida are transforming the lives of foster children by providing them with discipline, structure, and a sense of belonging.
At the heart of Homestead, Livan Concepcion, the chief instructor and director of the American Ju-Jitsu Center, is making a profound impact on the lives of foster children. Through his martial arts program, Concepcion provides a lifeline of structure, discipline, and community to those who need it most.
The Motivation Behind the Mission
The journey to support foster children began with one young boy’s story. After experiencing mistreatment at another dojo, this boy, despite his struggles, sought out martial arts once again, and found a new home at the American Ju-Jitsu Center. “He was challenging,” Concepcion recalls, “but he had a passion for martial arts that couldn’t be extinguished.”
Growing up in a non-traditional household, Concepcion understood the challenges of an unstable environment. “I was a latchkey kid,” he explains, a personal history which drives his commitment to providing the mentorship and guidance that were pivotal in his own life.
Martial Arts for Personal Development
The American Ju-Jitsu Center offers more than just physical training. For foster children, it becomes a source of consistency and discipline in their often turbulent lives. “It’s a place where the rules are the same for everyone,” Concepcion says. This instils a sense of fairness and structure is critical for children who may face constant changes in their living situations.
One of the biggest hurdles in integrating foster children into the program is funding, particularly for those over the age of 13. “These are the ages when they need the structure the most,” Concepcion notes, yet funding often falls short. Despite these financial challenges, the academy strives to ensure that every child feels included, requiring each to have their own gear and uniform to participate fully.
A Community That Cares
The support from foster parents and case managers has been overwhelming. Some foster parents even require that their foster children attend the American Ju-Jitsu Center as a condition for living in their homes. This level of community backing highlights the positive impact of the program on both the children and the broader community.
Livan Concepcion’s work with foster children at the American Ju-Jitsu Center is a testament to the power of discipline, community, and unwavering support. By providing a structured environment and a sense of belonging, Concepcion is helping these children not only develop physical skills but also grow into confident, resilient individuals. As the program looks to the future, it is clear that the impact of this initiative will be felt for years to come.
For those interested in supporting this initiative or learning more about the American Ju-Jitsu Center’s programs, visit their website or reach out to the academy directly.
