WE'RE GLAD YOU'RE HERE!

Standing Proud Corp is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit ( EIN: 87-1840415) 

Hi, my name is Ricardo "Jovan" Godinez and I am the executive director of Standing Proud Corp. Our foundation is dedicated to the general education on health, self-defense and fitness that will impact the human mind and body for a lifetime through Martial Arts. We prioritize placement for our Foster Youth, Women Victims of Violence and Military Veterans. Please help us with your contribution to helping the most vulnerable members of our communities.  

Our students who have endured Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are mentally more substantial individuals. Martial arts and mental illness are an excellent therapeutic combination. I have personally found that Martial Arts can help with mental illness symptoms by redirecting aggression, helping set boundaries and sticking to them. Our program is also designed to achieve physical fitness. Martial Arts training improves muscle tone, flexibility and coordination. Jiu-Jitsu can help achieve weight loss and enhance an individual's strength and power. So regardless of their age, size, gender or physical limitation, anyone can learn Jiu-Jitsu.  

Our Youth program was designed to give our youth confidence while building mental toughness by facing their fears. Teaching them the value of hard work and discipline can be taken and applied to all areas of their lives. Children and youth enter foster care because they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their parents or guardians. Jiu-Jitsu will give our foster youth an outlet and help them to focus on something positive. We teach deserving children beginner's Martial Arts (Jiu-Jitsu), which promotes self-discipline and pride in accomplishing their hopes and dreams. Martial Arts have proven to promote health, wellness and fitness for all children under 18. Keeping kids fit drastically reduces childhood obesity and promotes our primary goals of overall youth development. Our youth students will be taught self-defense courses focusing on close-contact “grappling.” They will be taught holds, techniques, chokes, and joint-manipulations, using leverage, angles, pressure, and timing principles.  

Our Women Empowerment program is designed to help women who have been victims of violence. The program will help build self-esteem and confidence for women living with trauma after sexual abuse, emotional abuse and domestic violence. We incorporate Jiu-Jitsu training in our women's program. They will be taught holds and techniques, chokes, and joint-manipulations during their training. Understanding how to use leverage, angles, pressure, and timing to control your opponent. Jiu-Jitsu training includes knowledge of the human anatomy and will teach women an effective non-violent submission against an attacker. Jiu-Jitsu was designed for the smaller/weaker opponent to successfully defend against a larger opponent. It will show women how to remain calm and controlled when they encounter a defensive situation. One of the main reasons women stay in abusive situations is having Fear. The threat of bodily and emotional harm is potent, and abusers use this to control and keep women trapped. Jiu-Jitsu will train our Women to no longer live in fear.   

Our Veterans Program is dedicated to our Veteran's transition to civilian life by giving them a sense of camaraderie and purpose to keep fighting through Martial Arts. The training we provide gives our Veterans a place to connect with other Veterans to help them overcome everyday challenges and motivate them to achieve common goals. Sharping the mind and body along with honoring their sense of identity. Combat Jiu-Jitsu training will keep our Veterans in top physical shape after the military. The program provides the structure by having a set schedule and a routine that they have been accustomed to. Veterans will find that they have teammates who will have their back through hardships, giving them a meaningful life connection beyond the military.  

The success of providing well-structured programs with highly experienced, trustworthy individuals requires a considerable investment of time, resources and diligence. Your generosity will go towards paying our coaching staff and team members. Your help will allow us to purchase coaching equipment such as high-quality punch mitts, shields, and body protectors that provide our staff and students with extra safety measures. We need your help to purchase Gi Uniforms (Jacket, Pants and a belt), Rash Guards, and Spats suited for the rigorous daily training. Students will need a Mouthpiece, Headgear, and Gym Bag. With your contribution, Standing Proud Corp will be able to provide immediate placement for our Foster Youth, Women Victims of Violence and Military Veterans. Please help us give the most vulnerable members of our communities a firm foundation to stand up for themselves in any situation. Our purpose is to show them a path to a better life through education on health, self-defense and fitness through Martial Arts. Let us all stand together, not just surviving but living with purpose.   

Standing Proud Corp is dedicated to one of my first Jiu-Jitsu Coaches and founder of Standing Proud Org "Mike" Miguel Luis Alvarez, Jan. 21, 1968 - Sep. 15, 2010, and my student/brother Troy Rowan, Dec. 22, 1989 - Mar.14, 2020. What makes Standing Proud Corp so unique is that our training facility is located in a quaint mountain town located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Big Bear City, in Southern California. Training in the National Forest  will contribute to our students physical well being and help them feel better emotionally. The Altitude in Big Bear ranges from 6,750 to 9,000 feet  and there are over 300 days of sunshine each year.  Standing Proud Corp strongly believes that Martial Arts can build a bridge to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. 

Standing Proud Corp is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit ( EIN: 87-1840415)