A Heart of Gratitude for 25 Years of KMMA

As we celebrate 25 years of Krav Maga Martial Arts, I’ve been reflecting deeply on the journey… and on the gratitude that fills my heart when I think back to how it all began.

In 2000, when I first wrote the original KMMA Vision and Mission, I believed—by faith—that martial arts could be more than kicking and punching. That we could use the dojo as a place to touch lives, strengthen families, build leaders, and truly make a positive difference in our community.

Looking back now, I realize that God didn’t just give me a mission statement.
He gave me a calling.

And He surrounded me with the people who would help bring it to life.

Over these 25 years, we’ve grown, evolved, and refined our system into what is now KMMA American Martial Arts and Leadership Academy—a complete leadership development experience rooted in martial arts, character, discipline, and the Blackbelt Superpowers.

And nothing about that happened alone.

I am grateful for every mentor—military, business, leadership, and martial arts—who poured into me over the years.
Grateful for every Sensei, past and present, who helped build our program, our curriculum, and our culture.
Grateful for every team member who has carried the mission forward with excellence.
Grateful for every parent who trusted us with their most precious gift.
And grateful for every student—each one unique, each one important—who has walked through our doors to grow into a confident and competent Blackbelt Leader.

KMMA today is the proof of the mission I wrote all those years ago.

A community where:
• lives are touched in a positive way
• families are strengthened
• students develop courage, discipline, respect, focus and confidence
• leaders are raised up—one Blackbelt at a time

It hasn’t always been easy. In fact, some seasons were incredibly challenging. But every step has been worth it. Every hardship grew us. Every victory strengthened us. And every student, every class, every moment has shaped the academy we are now blessed to be.

And today, more than ever, I am grateful for the program and culture we have built together.

We are strong.
We are proven.
And we are ready for the next 25 years.

Not by reinventing who we are—but by leaning even more deeply into the mission, vision, values, and Blackbelt Leadership system that has produced so many incredible young leaders, teens, and adults.

As we grow, expand, and scale, one thing will never change:
Our commitment to empowering lives through martial arts and raising tomorrow’s leaders today.

Thank you—every family, every student, every instructor, every supporter—for being a part of this incredible journey. KMMA exists, succeeds, and continues forward because of you.

I am grateful beyond words, and I am excited for what God has in store for our next chapter—together.

With gratitude and respect,
Grand Master Stephen Del Castillo
Founder, KMMA
American Martial Arts & Leadership Academy