Core Services

Self-Defense

The Excelsior Program stresses the martial arts of passiveness. We want our participants to understand they are capable of defending themselves when they must, but resolution is the true path we encourage our students to follow. Teaching kids how to escape the physical strength of their opponent is directly applicable to the emotions and pressures we face everyday in life.

Mindfulness

Through vital practices such as meditation and self-reflection, The EP will teach students analytical and critical thinking skills applicable to all aspects of their lives through martial arts. Group discussions along with self-reflection and meditation will allow students access to comfortable and effective avenues to vent their frustrations while providing the necessary tools to process the associated emotions.

Conflict Resolution

Because our work is informed by the values of passive martial arts, our participants learn self-discipline, physical and mental health as well as empathy towards one’s opponent. These principles allow for immediate adaptation to adversity and require critical thinking under pressure. We utilize group discussion and restorative justice techniques to establish self-awareness and increase communication and conflict resolution skills.

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About

The Excelsior Program uses the principles and practices of meditation and martial arts to impact the lives of underserved youth.

Our program aims to decrease truancy while building communication and conflict resolution skills via the principles of meditation and deep breathing. Because our work is informed by the values of passive martial arts, our participants learn self-discipline, physical and mental health as well as empathy towards one’s opponent.

These principles allow for immediate adaptation to adversity and require critical thinking under pressure. We utilize group discussion and restorative justice techniques to establish self-awareness and increase communication and conflict resolution skills.

Building resiliency techniques and empowering Saint Louis’ youth to a higher consciousness and improved physical fitness is the mission of The Excelsior Program.

Staff

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Inspiration Quotes

Discipline and consistency. I owe these two factors all have attained in my life. Things have never happened overnight. Results have appeared as a consequence of decades long toil. It is necessary to persist.

Carlos Gracie Carlos Gracie Jr.

There is no losing in jiu jitsu. You either win or you learn.

Rickson Gracie Rickson Gracie

A man of peace, confident in himself, dominates his adversary with his moral strength. Not with his physical power.

Helio Gracie Helio Gracie

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