This week, it might just be karate.

Hey Nonprofit Leader, What’s Keeping You Awake at Night?

Yes, you read that right. This week, I’m trading budget forecasts and board development plans for black belts and bravery—because sometimes the lessons we need as nonprofit leaders don’t come from a strategic plan, but from a dojo full of para-athletes who refuse to quit.

Let me introduce you to Seiden Juku, a karate dojo unlike any other. No “Strike first, strike hard, no mercy” here. This is not Cobra Kai—this is a space where there are no limits, even though every athlete has a disability or is neurodivergent.

Meet the Sensei

Sensei Tamara Canedo, a third-degree Black Belt in Shito Ryu Karate-do (and general force of nature), didn’t set out to coach para-athletes. But when a boy named Angel—who had both physical and developmental disabilities—joined his sister’s class, everything changed. He trained just as hard as everyone else. And Tamara? She leaned in. Hard.

She partnered with United Cerebral Palsy Inland Empire (UCPIE), expanded her outreach, and created classes that blend fun and games with the discipline of karate. Today, Seiden Juku proudly has three para-athletes with Black Belts, and four more Brown Belts set to test soon.

The Para Division: Where Heart Meets Grit

This Easter weekend, Seiden Juku’s team will compete at the USA Karate Open, a prestigious international tournament where athletes from all over the world gather to test their skill. What most people don’t realize? There’s a para-athlete division—where individuals with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities compete with just as much discipline (and arguably more heart) than any so-called "typical" athlete.

I’m lucky enough to coach some of these warriors. And let me tell you: They don’t train “in spite” of their challenges. They train because they know they can do hard things—and they do them with a courage and resilience that should inspire every single one of us.

Lessons from the Dojo (That Apply to Every Nonprofit Leader)

They say “in learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” I’ve learned more about grit, grace, and growth mindset from these athletes than I ever could from a conference room. Each class ends with this mantra:

“I am smarter than I think. Stronger than I seem. Braver than I feel. I can do hard things.”

Nonprofit leader—sound familiar? You, too, are doing hard things. Building budgets with too little. Leading teams through burnout. Creating change when the odds feel stacked. The world might not see your board meeting as a battlefield, but sometimes, it feels like one. The lesson? Don’t quit.

Want to Support These Champions?

These young martial artists are heading to an international competition—and they could use a little backup. If you’re feeling inspired (or just need a dose of good karma), here’s where you can lend a hand:

• Kyle – gofund.me/d9e85f4f

• Tabitha – gofund.me/5b8a6e84

• Jamie – gofund.me/41fdfc4c

• Sierra – gofund.me/8047b494

• Mario – gofund.me/21c37faf

• Brian – gofund.me/a37d0a0c

I’ll be report back in two weeks with the updates on their competition results—but for now, I invite you to take a breath, be inspired, and remember: You can do hard things too.