Hi, Everyone! My name is Arden, and I am asking for your help to fund my martial arts tuition for the 2015-16 year. My ultimate goal is to continue training with my current dojo (school) until I reach black belt. 

I started my training in 2013 by joining the Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios, which teaches the martial art known as Shaolin Kempo. From a young age, I have been interested in and intrigued by martial arts. Unfortunately, though, as a child I suffered from extreme shyness, which prevented me from fully engaging in a number of different group activities, including martial arts. And even years later, in October of 2013, as I stepped into my first martial arts class,
I still felt that old, familiar sense of intimidation, shyness, and inadequacy rise in my gut, but it was quickly extinguished by all the positive feedback I received from my new peers and instructors.



 Almost immediately after I began my martial arts journey two years ago, I felt an intense passion and eagerness to reach my full potential, not only as a martial artist, but as a whole person. It quickly became an outlet for relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. As of right now, I believe enrolling has been one of the most positive life choices I've ever made, and I honestly don't know where I'd be without my dojo or its incredibly supportive family made up of instructors and students alike. They've helped me grow immensely, not only in my physical training and health, but mentally and emotionally as well. I feel like martial arts has helped me to grow in places I didn't know I needed growing, and I'm so much more confident, happy, and focused than I ever thought I was capable of being. 




I would really love to continue my martial arts training, not only for the purpose of reaching my black belt goal, but to continue to better my physical health, focus, and mental prowess. I've already come so far and have just received my fifth belt (out of ten), won nine trophies over the past 4 tournaments, and have improved my physical strength, stamina, and flexibility immensely.


Reaching my goal and being able to continue my training means everything to me. To be able to say I followed through with and successfully completed a long-term goal, mastered new skills, and survived the most physically and mentally challenging  test of my life would be a huge milestone and would disprove all those discouraging, defeatist thoughts of failure from myself.




Despite my best efforts of cutting my budget, moving to less expensive housing, working maximum hours at my job, accepting extra work outside my main means of employment, running an Etsy shop, and selling handmade leather bracelets at a shop in Anaheim, California, I have been unable to reach my financial goal of $2400 - $2600--the amount needed to fund an entire year of training. I must pay this fee by October 24 (2015), which also happens to be my 28th birthday.

Any amount you can give - even if it's just a dollar or two - would be greatly appreciated. I've also got a few random rewards available for purchase below that range from a video of me taking a punch to the stomach to personalized artwork made by yours truly, so be sure to check it out! Examples of my art can be found here.  

Thanks for reading!