KATA stands for: Kinetic Action Transforming Aspirations.

KATA inspires physical, emotional and mental health for all ages through life skills and martial arts training. We aim to reach the most at-risk youth, young adults and veterans, including those who are low-income, homeless, struggling academically in school and at highest risk of exposure to trauma, bullying, gang activity and community violence.

KATA participants are guided to realize their potential, encouraged to believe in themselves and inspired to maximize the power of their being. Our programs provide the tools and resources necessary for participants to develop discipline and self-regulate while developing critical self-defense skills that foster confidence and self-awareness.


Using a positive youth development framework, we focus on developing life skills - psychosocial abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life. Finding ways to reach at-risk youth who are struggling in various ways can be difficult, however we found that martial arts training coupled with a meaningful focus on life skills to be effective.

Our Programs include developing the following life skills…

  • Self-awareness

  • Creative thinking

  • Critical thinking

  • Problem solving

  • Empathy

  • Effective communication

  • Better interpersonal relationships

  • Stress management

  • Coping with emotions

  • Decision-making

These skills help facilitate better academic performance, positive social behaviors, less emotional stress and fewer conduct problems. In addition to martial arts training and life skills development our programs are augmented by mentoring and career awareness. We work with businesses and individuals from various professions and backgrounds—including martial artists—to create mentoring, career exploration and self-discovery experiences that inspire participants to set and achieve goals while building vocational competency. We unlock young people’s minds and encourage critical thinking, broadening their vision for their future and career options. 

 KATA youth participate in on-site workshops hosted by local companies, organizations and professionals. We hold structured presentations, conversations and group activities that help participants understand how their abilities, skills and interests relate to workplaces, positions and entrepreneurial endeavors. Participants are connected with volunteer mentors based on common interests and skills. Participants receive martial arts training 4 days a week, and career exploration workshops and mentoring 1 day a week. The martial arts training classes are taught by VSK Jiujitsu Black Belt instructors.