Donate to Equip Ethiopian Youth for Jiu-Jitsu

Help us buy Mats for African youth to Learn Jiu-Jitsu in Ethiopia

Imagine a small group of 20 kids, full of dreams and passion, training tirelessly on a concrete floor. These kids, from economically struggling families around the Summit area in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, are part of Grace MMA, an extension project of KAO BJJ—the country's only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) team. Despite the challenges, they show up every day, ready to learn and grow through the disciplines of BJJ and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

One of these kids, Leul, dreams of representing his country on the world stage. He’s already tasted the thrill of competition in our intramural event, Intramural events, Warrior Kings Open tournaments.After losing his first match, Leul trained even harder and came back to win gold against adults. His dream board, carefully sketched on his school exercise book, is a daily reminder of his dedication.

"The program made me a better person," Leul says. "Now I can actually dream of a bigger destination for myself. I can't imagine myself not training for a single day. I hope I can make it and give the same opportunity I got to other kids."

Then there’s Dagi, a smaller kid who was bullied because of his size. Since joining Grace MMA, he’s gained confidence, transforming from a shy boy into one of the most fun and interactive members of our gym.

But these stories are just a glimpse of what Grace MMA represents. Our program offers these kids a chance to escape the streets, avoid falling into bad influences, and instead, build a future filled with hope, discipline, and purpose. However, training on a concrete floor is hard and increases the risk of injuries.

This is where we need your help. We’re raising $2,500 to purchase 60 square meters of mats, which will create a safer and more effective training environment. These mats will mean more rolling time, harder training, and the opportunity to bring more kids into the program. Your support will protect these kids, allowing them to train freely, stay off the streets, and pursue their dreams with even more determination.

To honor everyone who contributes, we will write your names on a board and proudly display it on our wall. We’ll also gratefully accept any gi, NoGi, or MMA gear donations.

I am organizing this campaign on behalf of KAO BJJ, and you can find both KAO BJJ and Grace MMA on Instagram. Your support today can change the course of these kids' lives. Donate now and be a part of something truly special—help us create a future for these young champions.

Thank you for your generosity and support!