A 501(c)(3) non-profit · San Jose, California
The Jita Kyoei Foundation funds judo training and competition for talented young athletes in San Jose — so the path to the podium isn't paid for in skipped meals, secondhand gi, and tournaments missed for lack of a plane ticket.
Our mission
We exist because talent is evenly distributed but opportunity isn't. The foundation funds two distinct programs — both grounded in jita kyoei, both restricted to young athletes in the South Bay.
Program 01 · Scholarships
Full-tuition judo scholarships for promising young athletes, ages 7–17, whose families can't carry the cost of serious training. We pay the dojo directly — the family never sees an invoice.
Program 02 · Competition
A funded competitive program for the South Bay's most serious young judoka — a roster of 10–14 athletes pursuing podium placement at state, national, and international level.
Impact to date
We're small on purpose. Every dollar is restricted to athlete-facing costs — no events, no swag, no salaried fundraisers. Audited annually.
The competitive team · 2025–26
The roster is selected each September. Most train five days a week, travel monthly, and balance it all with high school. Sponsor a named athlete through our directed-giving program — your gift covers one athlete's full year of competition.
14 · GREEN BELT
CA State Junior champion. Targeting USA Judo Junior Nationals in July.
16 · BROWN BELT
Pan-American Cadet qualifier. Bronze at the President's Cup 2025.
12 · ORANGE BELT
First-year competitor. Two regional gold medals already this season.
17 · BLACK BELT, SHODAN
Team captain. Committed to NCAA judo at San Jose State, fall 2026.
15 · BROWN BELT
Three-time NorCal champion. Newaza specialist; signature ude-garami.
And six more athletes — full roster on request.
How your gift works
We keep our overhead under 6%. Every gift is restricted to direct athlete costs — coaching, tuition, gi, travel, registration fees. Donors receive a one-page annual report each January and the names of the athletes their gift supported.
Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The foundation files Form 990 annually; recent filings are linked in the footer.
Sister organization
The foundation was started in 2021 by the senior instructors and parents at Kensei Judo, a traditional dojo in San Jose. The foundation is a separately-governed 501(c)(3) — we hold our own board, our own books, and accept athletes from any qualified dojo in the South Bay. The values, though, are shared.
Visit Kensei Judo →Every athlete on our roster started somewhere a parent couldn't quite afford. Your gift — large or small, monthly or once — keeps them on the mat.
Make a gift
100% of your gift goes to athletes. Choose a one-time or monthly amount — you'll receive a tax receipt by email immediately.
Amount
Frequency
Secure checkout. Tax-deductible. Receipt issued instantly by email.