About Us
Learn more about the Groundwork Foundation and how we create real, lasting impact by empowering underserved youth and communities through mentorship, discipline, and opportunity.
Our Story
Groundwork Foundation was built from a shared belief that real change happens through direct action, consistent presence, and genuine human connection. Founded by lifelong martial artists and community advocates Mike Calimbas and Alexa Yanes, the organization grew from years spent training, competing, and working alongside communities around the world. What began as a commitment to give back through sport has evolved into a mission focused on creating lasting opportunity for underserved youth—meeting people where they are and laying the groundwork for stronger futures.
Click their individual bios to learn more about our founders.
About Our Founders
Our Vision & Mission
Mission
To create real pathways for underserved children and communities by providing access to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, strong mentorship, and opportunities that reshape confidence, discipline, and future outcomes.
Vision
A world where a child’s future is not limited by their environment—but expanded through structure, support, and opportunity.
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Changing lives by introducing jiujitsu and making sure children have the resources to be able to train consistently.
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Building brighter futures through providing mentorship and continued support.
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Seeding Grassroots growth by keying in on underserved communities in far-reaching areas.
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Lasting impact our charity strives to provide continued support to every individual we counter on our missions.
Our Values
These are our non-negotiable core values that help guide every decision:
• Direct Impact – We work hands-on, delivering support directly to the mats.
• Community First – Local coaches and leaders guide every initiative.
• Integrity & Transparency – Donor trust is non-negotiable.
• Sustainability – We invest in long-term growth, not short-term results.
• Respect & Humility – Every culture and community deserves respect.
Why We Exist
Talent is everywhere — opportunity is not. Many youth around the world lack access to structured sports, mentorship, and safe environments. Jiu-jitsu provides a proven framework for personal growth, and our role is to remove barriers so it can reach those who need it most.
We support athletes and underserved youth through hands-on mission trips, instructional seminars, and community events. From local programs to international outreach, we show up where we’re needed most. We also maintain a consistent presence at major tournaments like ADCC to stay connected to the global grappling community and expand our impact worldwide.
How We Work
At Groundwork Foundation, our work begins with one simple belief: access changes everything. We partner directly with local academies, community leaders, schools, and youth organizations to identify underserved children and communities that lack safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunity. From there, we implement our proven three-step model—Mat Time → Mentorship → Opportunity—to create real, lasting change.
e provide consistent training access through academy partnerships and community programs, often funding tuition, uniforms, and equipment so financial hardship never becomes a barrier. Alongside mat time, we build structured mentorship systems, pairing students with positive role models and incorporating life-skills education, leadership development, and academic accountability. As students grow, we expand opportunity through scholarships, competition access, travel support, and vocational pathways tied to jiu-jitsu.
Our programs are delivered through:
- Local academy partnerships
- Community outreach and after-school programs
- Mentorship networks
- Athlete and student scholarships
We remain actively present, not just in training spaces but also at regional and international tournaments, community events, and mission sites worldwide, allowing us to stay connected to the athletes and communities we serve. All support raised goes directly toward scholarships, coaching, travel, mats, gear, and transparent reporting, ensuring every dollar creates measurable impact.
This model has already allowed us to support 200+ youth across the U.S., Mexico, and the Philippines, fund annual tuition in Southern Leyte, donate 400+ gis, collaborate with the Philippines Youth National Team, and launch new international program sites with local government and academy partners.
At every level, our work is hands-on, relational, and built for sustainability—so that what begins on the mat continues to change lives far beyond it.
Our Partners
Help us reach our goals
Support our cause and contribute towards our mission to create positive social impact.