The Guard’s History
The Guard was founded by Pauljames A. Bekanich in 2012 after experiencing success with children from the community on a smaller scale using the same mission as the Guard will hold on a larger scale. Pauljames decided to create the Guard based on his experiences and success as a high school classroom teacher in New York City, NY. During his three year tenure he founded and coac
hed a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club and saw firsthand the positive effects of the art manifesting in his students attendance rates, classroom behavior, social skills development and academic achievement. Pauljames continues to mentor his former students guiding them through the college application process and assisting with job applications. His experience and success as an award winning corporate recruiter and job transition counselor for the 2002 Olympic Games will enable the development and implementation of a robust employment program folded into the Mentoring initiative. The Guard’s Services
The Guard is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth. Mentoring
Our approach to mentoring through a mixed martial arts medium provides holistic support for young men and women by engaging them in physical, emotional, and psychological exercise and training. Our work supports participants in learning more about their mind, body and soul, their strengths and weaknesses, and their hopes and dreams. The guard will actively recruit community members to serve as volunteers and mentors via email campaigns, community outreach initiatives, and formally and informally partnering with local businesses and community organizations. As an incentive Guard Mentors will receive reduced martial arts tuition. High school and middle school students will have their tuition subsidized by donations and grants. Mentors will be thoroughly screened though fingerprinting and background checks similar to Department of Education process. Selected mentors will receive three days of initial rigorous training in the fundamentals of mentoring, employment counseling, community service, and physical and social skills development. Monthly ongoing training and check -ins will monitor progress, problem solve and serve as a tool for data collection that will track success and guide decision making. Academic Support
The Guard believes that education is the key to opportunity. In addition to computer and technology access, staff and members will be available to assist with homework at a consistent predetermined time based upon the needs of students
Employment Counseling
The guard will reach out to local businesses to develop relationships and support the hiring of quality candidates from the academy. Employment opportunities will be posted on the Guard's website and a physical job board will be posted in the academy. Students at the Guard will receive training on marketing themselves; resume writing, and interviewing prior to their search during monthly training sessions offered at the Academy. Mentors will receive training on how to support students’ employment endeavors. Community Outreach
Our community outreach efforts consist of individuals and groups actively seeking new recruits and educating community members about 'The Guard'. Ideal targets for such efforts are schools, community centers, not-for-profit organizations in the area, and even residential centers or building complexes. The purpose of our community outreach efforts are to inform and recruit participants and those who may refer participants to The Guard. Our goal is to make The Guard available to those who might not otherwise have access to such services. While we will have a headquarters, we are not solely stationary in our efforts to recruit and educate, but mobile; meeting those in need at the locations where those in need are. Through our work together, participants develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their communities, and their role in each environment they must navigate and each community they belong to. Once inducted as a member, participants must commit to contributing to our outreach efforts, supporting the continued growth of The Guard while also extending the services they benefit from to members of their community. The guard will actively develop partnerships with political, business and nonprofit entities where there are opportunities to support the community and members of the Guard. CURRICULUM
Our curriculum engages participants in 3 levels of development: Mind, Body and Community. Participants engage in a combination of the following disciplines:
MIND
Mindfulness training
Organizational support- academic and personal
Career and Education counseling
Academic Tutoring
Brain function training
Emotional literacy training
BODY
Conditioning classes
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Boxing
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Wrestling
Capoeira
Yoga
Tai Chi
COMMUNITY
After dissecting issues relevant to the community, each cohort of recruits will engage in a collaborative project in their community that will be collectively determined with other members of their cohort.
