On October 27, 2024, I will be running The Marine Corps Marathon aka “The People’s Marathon.” To add more meaning to my miles, I would like to support and raise awareness for The Guardian Project, specifically The Guardian Project Perú

I would love to set a minimum fundraising goal of $2,100

Why?

The Guardian Project provides scholarships for underprivileged youths to train BJJ for free at 10 of their affiliates worldwide. It was founded in 2015 in Oakland, CA and is a nonprofit 501c3 organization: https://www.guardiangym.org

I know first-hand having to navigate the difficulties of being an economically disadvantaged kid. The haves & have nots. Life can throw many curveballs, tomorrow is promised to no one. Life is not for complaining about pain and sorrow. It’s about prioritizing a thousand other reasons to be grateful and happy.

Since 2020, I have experienced immense personal losses and tragedies. If it wasn’t for jiu jitsu and the BJJ community, I wouldn’t be here putting one foot in front of the other on a daily basis, nevertheless running 26.2 miles. Being able to train & run is a privilege.

Every kid deserves the opportunity to train, learn, grow and obtain tools for a better life. There are many paths a young person can take — let’s help them choose positive ones.

Financial limitations should never be a reason a child cannot participate and be part of a team.

Why Guardian Perù?

Guardian Perú located in Mancora, a small coastal city in Northwestern Peru. 30% of Mancora's 15,000 residents are under 15 years old, and that 30% now have the opportunity to train Jiu-Jitsu at Guardian Perú for free.

Peru’s coastal regions have suffered tremendously in the past few years due to the pandemic & other economic factors, and the opportunity to train Jiu Jitsu can be life-changing for local kids. In a town that struggles from poverty and a lack of youth programs, Guardian Perú is making a profoundly positive impact.

Guardian Perú Jiu Jitsu was founded by owner and head instructor Professor Salvatore Sanguinetti. Sal provides full Jiu Jitsu scholarships to local youth, where they not only have access to free martial arts training, but also a positive community of mentors and peers, along with a safe place to spend time outside of their home or school and even learn English.

Guardian Perú Jiu Jitsu under Professor Sal currently trains 88 kids, with a wait list of more than 40.

Your DONATION will help

Guardian Perú grow with more space to train even more kids.

Guardian Perú gives youths a safe space not only for self expression and empowerment, but also learning to take control of their lives positively, despite the obstacles.

Your generous contributions no matter the size of the donation will have a DIRECT impact.

A small amount of money we can spend today to directly help a kid to put them in a positive place, so we don’t have to spend millions down the road due to failed social programs. We may not be able to change the world but we can start with changing a kid’s world. We will make a direct impact together.

Here is a direct example of what $50 for a youth can do at

Guardian Perú Jiu Jitsu :

Thank you in advance for helping kids thrive on and off the mats. To a better future for our youth & communities.

With Gratitude,

Trieu Tran

Purple Belt