Inspiring the next generation of future leaders.
This Ramadan, the Warrior Academy is inspiring the next generation of future leaders by redefining what it means to give back during the holy month, with a social impact initiative that is transforming the lives of thousands of vulnerable children around the world.
For every member who signs up to the UAE’s largest martial arts organisation, the Academy currently supports two vulnerable children who are living in extreme poverty in developing countries around the world.
To date, close to 4,000 children who live in orphanages, slums, rural primary schools, and homeless shelters have been helped by the Warrior Academy’s philanthropic arm. A global scholarship programme is provided that empowers children – from countries such as India, Nepal and Brazil – to develop a deeper understanding of the link between martial arts and character development, with the students learning the three C’s of the specially-coined, Warrior Method, which focuses on Confidence, Conduct and Concentration.
The programme aims to transform children’s lives, helping them to develop the tools to navigate challenging times of their childhood through the community spirit and self-discipline through the ancient martial art of Taekwondo.
The initiative has been created with the ambition of encouraging a generation to make a global impact, with the Warrior Academy’s ethos being built on a foundation of giving back to the community – values that are intrinsically linked to Ramadan.
With deep roots in the UAE, the Warrior Academy’s Founder, Sebastian Bates is the former trainer and character development advisor to multiple high-profile families, including the Royal Families in the UAE and Jordan. This experience was key to building the Warrior Academy’s focus on character development, which is reflective of the UAE’s broader vision of compassion and solidarity.
“We have been welcomed into the UAE with open arms, and we take very seriously our responsibility to operate with purpose, by delivering social impact through our efforts,” said Sebastian Bates, Founder of the Warrior Academy.
“By taking the core methodology of what we do in the UAE at the Warrior Academy and extending its reach so that we work with vulnerable young people overseas, we can help support children to develop through the power of martial arts. In doing so, this will help us to achieve our simple goal, to give each child a “Black Belt Character” that sets them up for a happy and successful life as an adult”.
“We want our students to see that small businesses have the power to shape communities and lead with empathy. By involving young people in our Ramadan initiatives, we’re teaching the next generation of leaders to value service as much as success,” Bates added.
Over 2,000 children already attend the Warrior Academy’s three branches across the UAE (in Al Quoz Dubai, Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi and Arjan in Dubai), with the company having further plans to expand its footprint to cater to even more young people this year.
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