Help Do‑Jung‑Ishu Secure a Permanent Training Home!

Do‑Jung‑Ishu — Art of Fighting is a community‑driven MMA and self‑defense school with a proud history in Columbus. For decades, our instructors and students have worked together to provide practical full‑contact training rooted in Jeet Kune Do principles; focusing not only on physical skills, but confidence, discipline, community, and adaptability. Recently, policy changes to our host-facility have left us with no option but to train outside while we work toward a stable solution.

Our big goal is $9,000 to help us secure a modest indoor training space, replace worn equipment, and establish stable rent so we can continue strengthening our community in a sustainable way. Even if we don't reach that, we can still replace gear and afford temporary locations.

Our Story: 40 Years of Resilience

Founded in 1982 by Fred Karimian at The Ohio State University, Do‑Jung‑Ishu has since survived for generations in many spaces: community centers, arts spaces, studios, basements, and most recently, the Whetstone Recreation Center. We are grateful for the opportunities Whetstone provided and for the time we were able to train there.

As a grassroots & community-focused martial arts school, Do‑Jung‑Ishu has always relied on volunteer instructors, donated time, and community support. Over the past several years, increasing space and registration limitations at Whetstone have made it difficult to operate consistently and to grow responsibly. Recent policy changes have reduced access further, leaving us without indoor training space.

The Mission: Strength Through Inclusion

Rather than stopping, we are currently training outdoors, rain or shine, hot or cold, to keep our community alive. I’m Levi, a 3-year student & assistant instructor who was welcomed here when I couldn’t afford traditional gym fees. That spirit of inclusion is what we want to preserve and extend to others.

Self-defense is a right, not a privilege.

Do‑Jung‑Ishu exists to make self‑defense training accessible. We aim to keep costs as low as possible so that people, especially those facing financial hardship, can learn to protect themselves, stay active, and become part of a supportive community.

Forward Momentum: Our Commitment

Your donation will directly support:

This funding allows us to responsibly reintroduce low, affordable student fees while keeping the school open to those who need it most.

Do‑Jung‑Ishu is sustained by dedication, not profit. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps preserve a long‑standing martial arts tradition in Columbus and ensures that practical self‑defense education remains accessible to the community.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign is equally meaningful!

Thank you for your time, your support, and for helping us take the next step forward!

Current Training Location:

3923 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

(Outdoors between the playground and horseshoe field — all are welcome!)