We started off teaching local youth and kids in a skate-ramp in the Dominican Republic and we’ve built internationallly from there.   

From day one we recognized that martial arts classes were financially out of reach for the very communities we were trying to serve.  To answer that challenge, we implemented and continue to operate our Dominican academies on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, supplemented by kind donations of our supporters. 

Alumni of our programs have gone on to found their own academies, teach at other academies or even compete at the highest levels of mixed martial arts, including in the UFC. 

Today, we have six academies (and counting) in the Dominican Republic, all dedicated to a common belief: that the benefits of our sport should be available to all, not just those who can afford it. 

De la Costa Academy Ottawa continues to work hand-in-hand with, and to provide financial support to, our Dominican programs.   

If you’re interested in sponsoring a young athlete or otherwise support our Dominican programs, please reach out.  Or just come by for a drop-in and train — we don’t charge drop-in fees but are happy to accept cash donations instead.   

Want to learn more?  You can find out more about our Dominican programs here.