The Guardian Project

We’re grateful at Guardian to have incredible partners like Sanabul and Shoyoroll who genuinely care about helping kids get the gear they need across our programs. #jiujitsuforall

"I don't like when somebody punishes the kids with exercises." 🗣️ Guardian Peru Miraflores Leader - Bryan Wethers

We’re building a new state-of-the-art home for Guardian Peru to expand in Máncora, Peru. Once complete, it will welcome over 300 local youth to train for free, empowering them through jiu jitsu, mentorship, and a team they can count on. Join us at guardiangym.org

Thank you to our partners Shoyoroll and Sanabul for supporting Guardian for all the right reasons. #JiuJitsuForAll

Craig Jones visits Guardian Ethiopia #jiujitsuforall

In Ethiopia, there’s nowhere to even purchase a gi. Shoyoroll’s support has opened a new door for youth at @guardianethiopia , giving them not only the opportunity to explore a whole new side of the sport but also their own uniform, symbolizing their belonging to a team.

"If we could change just one kids life with Guardian, it would all be worth it." 🗣️ Guardian Founder - Ben Kovacs

Dominick Haider, founder of Guardian LA, teaches his students that the physical traits they were once teased for can become their greatest strengths in jiu jitsu, transforming past insecurities into superpowers. #jiujitsuforall

At Guardian Culiacán, we hear stories like Camila’s, a teen whose sister was recently kidnapped by the Narcos. Thanks to dedicated leaders like Mauro Canele, they don’t have to face these issues alone. #jiujitsuforall

"The more positive experiences a kid has, the more it reinforces that the world is not out to get them and that there are people out there that do care about them." 🗣️ Dominck Haider - Leader of Guardian Los Angeles

Jonathan Tran, leader of Guardian Ho Chi Minh City, is giving back to the city that raised him, welcoming underserved youth in Vietnam to experience the life-changing power of jiu jitsu, just like he did. #jiujitsuforall

"I think that jiu jitsu came to save their lives." 🗣️ Guardian Culiacan Leader Mauro Canale

Jiu jitsu is one of the rare sports that you can practice from adolescence all the way into old age—constantly improving your skills while staying connected to the same tight-knit community. 🗣️ Guardian Founder - Ben Kovacs

Every kid introduced to jiu jitsu doesn’t just get a chance to change their own life—they get the chance to pass it forward. And when that happens, the impact stretches outward, touching countless others in ways we’ll never fully see or measure. 🗣️ Cesar Gracie

"I thought it would be better if we can bring them here. Get them away from all of their misery for a couple of hours at the gym, they can just be kids at the gym." 🗣️ Guardian Ethiopia Founder Leyk Birhanu talking about the homeless kids in the program.

When it comes to body types, jiu jitsu may be the most inclusive sport. 🗣️ Guardian Founder - Ben Kovacs

Guardian Peru - Mancora - Lobitos - Punta Hermosa - Miraflores

Our Grappler With A Sign shirts have been updated to a much higher quality. Available now on our website! guardiangym.org/merch/p/grappl…

"My name is Thinh, I'm 17 years old, my father and mother divorced because my father did not take care of the family but only drank, that night my father came home drunk and used violent behavior towards my mother. My dream is that I can take care of my mother with my own hands."

By supporting our programs across the world, donors have an easy button to help kids in underserved communities to access the sport of jiu jitsu, connect with mentors and friends, and gain a new perspective of what they can achieve in life. 🗣️ Guardian Founder - Ben Kovacs