Kiap Foundation

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Des Moines, IA
Kiap Foundation

Our Mission: To make possible the benefits of martial arts for youth regardless of financial barriers.

Note: The KIAP Foundation is a 501(c)3 certified non-profit so all donations are tax deductible.

08/05/2026

Huge shoutout to KIAP student Maria for earning her red belt at Farrell's Martial Arts promotions last week! Maria trains in the dojo multiple times a week and shows unstoppable focus on her black belt path. Keep shining, Maria — we’re cheering you on every step of the way!

07/30/2026

Introducing the important people that have contributed to this foundation! :

Natali, a founding and current board member of the Kiap Foundation, began her journey at age 10 as a fellow martial artist herself, and in her later years raised her own young martial artists as well.

Believing with her whole heart that all kids can benefit from martial arts. Strengthening the mind, the body and the spirit, gifts that are crucial in today's age.

She is humbled to say that her work, as well as many others in this foundation, has given the opportunity for under-resourced youth accessibility to martial arts in her community.

07/20/2026

On Sunday two of our KIAP students, Maria and Serenity, participated in the Taekwondo competition at the 40th Anniversary of the IOWA Games at Drake University. Maria joined her teammates from Farrell's Martial Arts for her third tournament and finished 1st place in Sparring and 2nd place in Poomsae (forms). Serenity from Bishop's Elite Martial Arts Academy participated in her very first tournament and finished 2nd in Poomsae! Congratulations to both of these amazing young ladies! A big thanks to their coaches, parents, and the donors to KIAP for making this happen.

ALL KIDS CAN BENEFIT FROM MARTIAL ARTS!

Please consider a donation to the KIAP Foundation: https://www.kiapfoundation.org/
Your donation supports safer schools, healthier families, and more confident, compassionate young people.

06/26/2026

Farrell's Martial Arts has been a welcome addition to the Des Moines community since its inception in 1989 (nearly 4 decades ago).

Firm yet caring hands have guided the Farrell's school to lead by example and produce students capable of handling life's challenges.

The current leaders of Farrell's Martial Arts are Grand Master Brandon Miller, and Master Josh Curry - both former students - who remain dedicated to the tenets of Tae Kwon Do and leadership by example.

Their efforts ensure that Farrell's school continues building character for each and every student, through rigorous physical training that fosters the spirit of effort. Honoring the principles of etiquette, and defends the path of truth and fairness.

"Our goal has always been to build kind, courageous, confident citizens of all ages through martial arts and fitness training, with character lessons for life." Grand Master Miller & Master Curry

06/23/2026

Over the weekend our KIAP Foundation student, Serenity, earned her green belt at Bishop's Elite Martial Arts Academy! Congratulations Serenity and way to show perseverance! 🙌🥋

05/27/2026

As time evolves in this ever changing society, so has our logo. With change comes a new era of growth, but there always has to be roots from where that growth starts.

In respect and remembrance of the original logo that began with this foundation, each informational post pays homage to every color in the original logo.

To never forget where the roots started from.

05/08/2026

Double congratulations to our KIAP Foundation students Maria and Sampson for earning their brown belt/black stripe and brown belt/white stripe belts at promotions last Friday night Farrell's Martial Arts! Way to persevere and stay focused on your black belt journey!! Well done!!

Donate to the KIAP Foundation: https://www.kiapfoundation.org/home/

04/27/2026

Bishop's Elite Martial Arts Academy continues to be one of the top ranking competition schools in the state of Iowa. They contribute to the community by doing acts of service including, quarterly park clean-up and cooking meals at the Ronald McDonald house.

With a school that is 3 years old now, owner Master Ryan Bishop, looks forward to watching his school grow in the intention to watch positive personal growth and development in all his students.

Master Bishop turned to Taekwondo at the age of seven. Being surrounded by negative influences throughout his early childhood going into his teen years, he needed guidance in his life that would put his mental, physical and spiritual well-being on the forefront. Martial Arts provided that guidance for Master Bishop.

“Taekwondo, for me, is not just an activity, but a way of life. I live, breathe, and take it everywhere I go. No matter where I go, my goal is to leave the people, places, and things better than where I left it.” - Master Ryan Bishop

03/29/2026

The idea for this foundation birthed a few months before COVID.

The office manager, Mary Daily Lang of Farrells Martial Arts, noticed some students that were developing positive growth from martial arts were dropping out of training. This was not because of loss of interest, but because of family financial trauma (family medical hardships, job losses, divorces, etc.)

So she formed an exploratory committee consisting of senior martial arts students and/or parents of the students, to address this concern.

This committee consisted of 7 people:

Mary Daily Lang, Nora Crosthwaite, Greg Madden, Mike Szymczuk, Jerry Rutledge, Lakenya Stinson, and Natali Justiniano Pahl.

These were people who were all Martial artists themselves and with most of them being Parents of Martials artists too.

With reviewing how other organizations (Martial arts associations) around the country addressed student financial needs, the committee decided to form a non-profit foundation.

A Foundation that would assist financially needy children (preschool - 8th grade) to attend martial arts classes.

The KIAP Foundation became incorporated in 2021 and received 501 (c) (3) in 2022.

Address

PO Box 7553
Des Moines, IA
50323

Website

http://www.kiapfoundation.org/

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