The Michael Garbo Jiu-Jitsu Scholarship
“LET’S KEEP MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE THROUGH JIU-JITSU”
The Michael Garbo Foundation along with Daimyo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu held its first fundraiser on October 8, 2022. It was filled with love, friends, and support for Michael’s Foundation. We thank everybody who came out and participated, and those who donated online who could not attend. Through the Michael Garbo Foundation, we will be able to provide Jiu-Jitsu Scholarships to kids and teens that would benefit from being in a positive environment like the DAIMYO ACADEMY.
The Michael Garbo Jiu-Jitsu Scholarship
The Michael Garbo Jiu-Jitsu Scholarship has been established for families and children who could benefit from the opportunity to participate in the art of Jiu-Jitsu that Michael practiced with passion and treasured dearly.
THE BENEFITS OF JIU-JITSU:
Practicing Jiu-jitsu provides children with an environment surrounded by people who are invested in their physical, mental, and self-growth and maturation. One of the most beautiful things about Jiu-jitsu is that it brings incredible people from all walks of life into a family-based environment. This brings all the humanistic assets these people hold into a setting where young people can be mentored and coached and gain access to information, understanding, and opportunities that could positively impact their lives and future.
The individual characteristics that Jiu-jitsu develops are Self-Confidence, Respect, Humility, Healthy Habits, a Healthy and Strong Mindset, Mental Toughness, Community Building, Teamwork, Team Building, and Self-Determination.
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS:
The Michael Jiu-Jitsu Garbo Scholarship will provide the following:
Six months for all expense training at Daimyo Academy
Three bi-monthly private lessons with one of the head coach to help advance the Jiu-jitsu journey
Mentorship from the Daimyo head coaches and coaching staff
One Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Gi
APPLICATION PROCESS, RULES, AND ELIGIBILITY:
The recipient must be between 4.5 – 18 years old
A summary of the recipient’s needs and family and how this opportunity could impact their lives must be included.
Applications can be submitted by the family or by a third party.
Applications must be submitted through email. No exceptions!
Michael Garbo Jiu-Jitsu Scholarship provides one-on-one mentorship and Jiu-jitsu training for a young person who needs a positive guiding force.
Once the recipient is selected, the family will be contacted and given instructions on how to start their training.
Before being granted the full scholarship, the recipient will be asked to train at the Daimyo Academy for no less than three classes in the same week. During this week, the recipient will be evaluated by instructors, and a decision will be made to determine if participation should be continued.
During the scholarship, the recipient must maintain attendance of no less than three classes per week.
The recipient must provide their own form of transportation to and from the academy.
If the recipient cannot meet attendance expectations, the scholarship will be forfeited, and a new recipient will be named.
We are excited to work with the recipients, and we hope that Jiu-jitsu can brighten their life’s path.
Michael Garbo/Daimyo Jiujitsu Scholarship
On October 21, 2023, Vida, Alexis, Manuel, and Brenda had the honor of presenting the first Michael Garbo/Daimyo Jiu-Jitsu scholarship in memory of Michael. This scholarship was awarded to Emma Navarro, recognizing her remarkable martial arts journey and outstanding achievements.
Emma received the scholarship for several reasons. Over the course of her six months of training, she demonstrated remarkable growth. Her martial arts journey began with her being a shy and hesitant participant. With her coaches’ guidance and her family’s unwavering support, Emma transformed her approach to training. She actively participated in her classes and grew more confident, even answering questions in class.
Emma's most significant improvement was evident a few months into her training. She displayed remarkable courage by participating in one of the in-house tournaments, where she won her first division. Her success didn't stop there; she went on to win another in-house tournament and, most recently, achieved an impressive feat by securing her first gold medal at the Tucson International tournament, where she competed against kids bigger than herself.
In addition to her impressive achievements, Emma also displayed leadership qualities. She became a mentor within her class, earning the trust and confidence of Manny and Brenda, who entrusted her with guiding new students and helping them reach their full potential. This aspect of her character mirrors Michael Garbo's dedication to mentoring and leadership.
Vida, Alexis, Manuel, and Brenda expressed their immense pride in presenting the first scholarship to Emma Navarro, recognizing her hard work, dedication, and achievements. Emma serves as an inspiration to all and exemplifies the values that Michael cherished throughout his life.
On October 21, 2023, Vida and Alexis Garbo attended the annual Michael Garbo Seminar, organized by Daimyo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to support the Michael Garbo Foundation. This seminar is held in honor and remembrance of Michael Garbo, who was a member of the Daimyo Jiu-Jitsu gym.
The seminar featured world-class instructors from Paragon, including Fidel Vega, Armando Quiroz, Luis Lopez, Michael Romero, Cri-Santos Rivera, Brenda Soto, and Manuel Flores, who generously devoted their time to teaching and sharing their expertise.
Vida and Alexis expressed their gratitude to Manuel and Brenda for their involvement with the foundation and their dedication to honoring children in the Jiu-Jitsu community. They also extended their appreciation to all the participants who joined to support the Michael Garbo Foundation, thereby keeping Michael's memory alive by engaging in the activities he loved.
Before the seminar commenced, Manuel and Brenda took a moment to celebrate Coach Fidel Vega's significant achievement in attaining the rank of brown belt. They highlighted how blessed they felt to have Coach Vega as a part of their academy, leading and mentoring the kids and teens in the program. Coach Vega's dedication and deserving nature made him an ideal candidate for this prestigious rank.
Following the seminar's conclusion, the Garbos expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their support and participation in honoring Michael. They eagerly anticipate the next year to continue the tradition of awarding scholarships to recognize children in the Jiu-Jitsu world.