About the Nonprofit
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As a young man, Steven Jackson loved martial arts. His singular focus was to be the best martial arts student he could be.
One year, Steven had accumulated enough points (wins) to qualify for a national tournament. Unfortunately, his parents didn’t have enough money to cover the many costs of the tournament, including airfare and entry fees. Despite all of his hard work, determination and perseverance, he had to sit out the competition. Though severely disappointed, Steven imagined a day when he would open his own martial arts academy and start an organization dedicated to helping kids pursue their dreams.
In 2010, Steven did just that through the creation of the Lone Star Black Belt Academy Parent Association (LSBBAPA). LSBBAPA is a 501(c)(3) organization solely run by an elected four-member board of parents of active students in his dojo.
The keys to any child’s success are good upbringing, good education and being taught moral values. But on top of that, each child needs to have confidence that they can do anything, regardless of the social or economic challenges they might face. Attending a martial arts school like Lone Star Black Belt Academy helps students gain confidence, strength, determination and perseverance. All of these traits will be huge benefits for them later in life.
Attending martial arts tournaments gives the students a chance to perform against students from unfamiliar schools. It pulls the students out to their shells and gives them the confidence to stand alone in front of strangers and socialize with other students. This confidence empowers them to raise their hands in class, stand in front of their classmates and perform at higher levels in their everyday days.
Throughout the year, LSBBAPA conducts small fundraisers that over time build up students’ accounts with the funds they need to pay for travel, tournament fees, private lessons and more. The students of Lone Star ask for your support by donating whatever you can to LSBBAPA. Each local tournament costs around $75 to attend per student. With more than 200 students, LSBBAPA would need around $15,000 to help them all attend one tournament. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Please help us reach our goal!
