Dan Henderson built a Hall of Fame career on discipline, grit, and heart. Now he's using the same things to give kids in Temecula who can't afford a gym a real shot.
The Hendo Foundation's youth program starts from one idea: martial arts changes kids. It makes them stronger, but it also teaches discipline and respect, and it gives them a team. A lot of at-risk kids don't find that anywhere else.
The foundation finds kids in the Temecula Valley whose families can't cover the cost and pays for their wrestling and MMA training. Families never have to choose between groceries and a gym membership.
Training happens at 27901 Jefferson Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590, with classes for ages 6 to 18 throughout the week. The coaches teach technique, and they also teach kids how to handle a bad day, respect the person across from them, and keep showing up.
You can see it in the kids. They come in quiet and unsure, and after a while they stand up straighter. They learn to set goals, push through hard rounds, and look out for their teammates, and they take that with them when they leave the gym.
If you'd like to support the youth program with a donation or a sponsorship, email [email protected].
Written by
Brandon Gonzales