Empowerment through martial arts is sometimes out-of-reach for those who need it most.

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Children in blue martial arts uniforms with green belts and medals celebrate after a tournament.

Empowering Kids to Reach Their Fullest Potential

22% of children in Abilene live in poverty.

These children are more likely to experience physical, behavioral, and developmental problems, are at greater risk for violence and abuse, are less likely to finish high school, and are more likely to become pregnant as teenagers. These consequence stretch into adulthood, as children raised in poverty are more likely to experience destitution and suffer ongoing physical, emotional, and occupational problems as adults.

We want to change those odds.

What Kicks For Kids Does

  • Illustration of a yellow gift box with white polka dots, red ribbon, and large bow inside a turquoise circle

    Covers Tuition Cost

    Kicks for Kids has generous sponsors who provide tuition for children to train at Team Chip Martial Arts.

  • Illustration of black boxing gloves with yellow trim against a turquoise circular background

    Provides Gear & Equipment

    Kicks for Kids furnishes gear & equipment essential for class and martial arts training, including uniforms, gear, and all promotion fees.

  • Gold award badge with a central star and red ribbons on a teal circular background

    Incentivizes Success

    Kids in the program can earn fun items like t-shirts and private lessons, through good grades and positive behavior at school and home!

Young martial artists in blue protective gear sparring between freestanding punching bags in a gym with graffiti artwork
Brazilian jiu-jitsu students practicing a ground grappling technique on a martial arts mat
Children in blue martial arts uniforms and protective headgear sparring during a kickboxing class
Children practicing martial arts in white and blue uniforms with red belts in a training studio
Children practicing martial arts in white uniforms during a class, with an instructor in blue in the foreground.
Children in white martial arts uniforms stretching on the floor during a class in a colorful training studio
Two children practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu grappling on a padded martial arts mat.
Martial arts students practicing in a dojo beneath American and Puerto Rican flags.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Kicks for Kids sponsors applicants between the ages of 7-18.

  • Students can choose either Tae Kwon Do or Jiu Jitsu. Here’s a short description of each:

    • Tae Kwon Do is the core of the Team Chip TRADITIONAL program. These classes are primarily stand-up martial arts curriculum. The traditional martial arts curriculum is oriented primarily around Tae Kwon Do with elements of Krav Maga, Kickboxing, & Karate.

    • Jiu Jitsu is primarily a ground sport. The Jiu Jitsu program is a structured, self-defense based program. Team Chip is the only certified Carlos Machado Affiliate in Abilene.

  • To qualify, applicants must be referred by a school, agency, or Team Chip member; they must be between the ages of 7 and 17; their total household income must be equal to or less than federal poverty guidelines; and they must complete an application and in-home interview. Other factors considered for admission include academic performance, school behavior, home behavior, family environment, neighborhood environment, community involvement, ongoing poverty risk, and child factors.

  • Each child enrolled in Kicks for Kids needs a sponsor. Sponsors cover the cost of tuition, while fund raising covers costs like uniforms, gear, and testings. Sponsors pay a discounted rate of $110 a month per child and are tax-deductible.

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What Parents Are Saying

  • Illustrated avatar of a dark-skinned person with short dark hair wearing a white shirt on a yellow background

    "When we signed [our child] up, we were struggling with a new ADHD and autism diagnosis. I cannot explain how proud we are every time he makes small steps of improvement in each class."

  • Flat vector avatar of a blonde woman with long hair wearing a white shirt on a teal background

    "I am a single mom with two kids. I knew it wasn't in the budget to do activities like this. Thanks to Kicks for Kids, my boys are getting a once in a lifetime opportunity!"

  • Stylized head-and-shoulders portrait of a person with black hair on a red background

    "My daughter is LOVING the kids jiu jitsu classes. She is a NEW KID since starting."