It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news of the passing of Sensei Richard Trammell, one of PowerUP Scholarship Fund’s first instructors and an integral part of our journey since our founding in 2017. Richard was not just an instructor—he was a true partner in every aspect of our work, shaping our mission and helping to build the foundation of what PowerUP has become today.
In early November, Richard was diagnosed with cancer. True to his resilient nature, he faced this challenge with the same courage, determination, and unwavering spirit he brought to every aspect of his life. Despite his valiant fight, the cancer was too advanced, and his passing has left an immeasurable void in our hearts and our community. Richard’s legacy, however, continues to inspire us, reflecting his profound impact on everyone he touched through his mentorship, dedication, and integrity.
Richard was not just an instructor; he was the foundation upon which so much of PowerUP was built. When I joined the organization in 2021, Richard became an invaluable mentor to me personally, always ready to share his wisdom, experience, and encouragement. His ability to connect with students and live out our core values made him the standard by which we measure all mentors.
Over his time with us, Richard guided more than 300 students, extending his influence beyond the walls of Trammell Martial Arts to schools and organizations such as KIPP Schools, Agape, La Amistad, and Purpose Built Schools. His unwavering commitment to bringing martial arts mentorship directly to students in their communities defined what it means to truly serve and leaves a legacy that will forever guide our mission.
Richard’s partnership extended beyond our programmatic work. He trained with members of our Board as clients and was deeply embedded in the PowerUP family. He exemplified our core values of self-regulation, resilience, and respect in everything he did, and his unexpected passing is a devastating loss for all of us.
At PowerUP, Richard’s legacy will forever be the benchmark for what we aim to achieve. Every time we say, “We need to find mentors like Richard,” we honor his memory and the immeasurable impact he had on our students, our community, and our mission.
On behalf of the entire PowerUP family, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Richard for his partnership, his mentorship, and his friendship. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and students as we mourn his loss together. His contributions to PowerUP will never be forgotten, and his spirit will continue to guide us as we move forward.
Many members of the PowerUP family have already contributed to a GoFundMe campaign to support Richard’s family. If you are able, we would love for you to join us in honoring Richard by making a donation and sharing the link with others. Every contribution helps to support his family during this challenging time and ensures his legacy lives on.
Thank you, Richard. You will always be our yardstick, our partner, and our inspiration.
