Last Saturday afternoon, 17 PowerUP scholars gathered at Plaza Las Americas in Lilburn, Georgia, to demonstrate their Taekwondo skills. This was organized by Warriors Forever Martial Arts, a studio that encourages discipline, respect, and perseverance lead by Taekwondo Master Guillermo Cesario.

This demonstration comes one year after Warriors Forever Martial Arts and PowerUP began our partnership together. Since our partnership began last year I have learned so much from Master Cesario, and his family run studio. They are incredibly generous and hard working people and as a blind Taekwondo master himself, Guillermo inspires each and every one of his students to work hard and never give up because, in his words “nothing is impossible!”

As the music started playing, the scholars lined up in formation and began their demonstration. They were visibly excited to show their families and passersby their skills. Not only were they displaying their precise kicks and punches, the young scholars showed their mastery of the different techniques taught including breaking boards, nunchucks, and sparring.

While the demonstration was impressive, what was most inspiring was the scholars’ dedication to their craft. Many of them had only been practicing Taekwondo for a few months and have already built up enough confidence to get up on stage in front of strangers and show what they can do. Watching the scholars perform was a reminder of the transformative power of practicing martial arts. Through their involvement with the PowerUP Scholarship Fund, these scholars have been given the opportunity to pursue their passions and unlock their potential. They had found a supportive community that encouraged them to work hard and develop our three core skills of self-control, resilience, and respect.

Thanks again to our partners at Warriors Forever Martial Arts and Master Guillermo Cesario for your leadership of our students and dedication to helping kids thrive!

Donate now to help us continue to change lives with Warriors Forever Martial Arts for years to come!