Youth Martial Arts of Philadelphia

We are community members, students, alumnae, all volunteers who are committed to removing economic barriers to receiving the benefits of youth martial arts for area youth.

By utilizing a mentor based approach which utilizes college students from the Drexel TKD club to coach area youth, the Youth Martial Arts of Philadelphia @ Dornsife has Dual Objectives- 1- Increase personal and physical development for youth in Philadelphia by offering a safe place for physical activity and personal growth through the martial arts at no financial cost to the students. 2- Increase a sense of civic engagement and leadership skills in the Drexel TKD students by working with the area youth Not only can martial arts provide a space for physical activity but also an avenue to teach life skills, self-esteem and leadership. The greatest successes are not quantifiable! All students get equal participation time regardless of innate athleticism. As this is an art, the goal is improvement and development, not competition. For youth who struggle with weight, coordination, and general athleticism, organized sports often discourages their participation, as the goal is to put the most ‘competitive’ team on the field. YMAP has many statements from parents noting that this is the one physical activity their kids will do and that the ability to regularly participate as much as more athletic kids has allowed them to improve with practice and develop self esteem. Parents have noted that their kids interacting with their Drexel TKD college student mentors has resulted in their child viewing college in both a more positive and attainable light. Alex , a former Drexel TKD mentor had such a positive impact that he changed career paths and is now a full time educator. The youth students also mentor the newer students, this puts them in a leadership role themselves, resulting in public speaking skills & self esteem