A Message From The Founder, Grandmaster Steve DeMasco, Ph.D.

Thank you for taking the time to read through our goals.  Let me tell you why I’m dong this.  

I understand these kids, because I WAS one of these kids. I know personally how important and priceless a caring adult mentor and a strong martial arts foundation can be in the life of a child.  

I grew up in the projects of Spanish Harlem, NYC, and later in the projects of Brockton, Mass.  My dad was abusive.  It was just me and my mom who was a double amputee.  

I was severely bullied.  I felt sad and angry every day of my life as a young boy.    I had little or no self-esteem.   In NYC where I lived they didn’t teach us how to read and write. I stayed back in the 3rd grade, so on top of it all, I felt insecure and stupid.  

Then, in 6th grade I got Mr. Brennan.  He was what I now call an “MIT” person.  It was in his DNA to Motivate, Inspire, and Teach.  I worked hard, but he wouldn’t let me give up.   He believed in me and so did my mom.  In June, when I got my schedule for 7th grade, he placed me in all honors classes.  For the first time in my life, I felt smart.  That changed my entire world, and started me down the path to become the person I am today. 

There were other mentors, other great teachers in the years that followed..  But it only took that one person and one more that set the path for me forever.  

A wise man once said, “Every day a child is born that can change the world.  What we don’t know is who that child is.  That is why we must take care of each and every one of them.”  

This who I am and what I do and will always do.  I am the fortunate one that made it.

Thank you so much. 

Respectfully,

Steve DeMasco, PhD

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE THAT BELIEVE IN THEIR ABILITIES!