Creating a Drug-Free Future: Inside the Impactful Partnership Between DEAEF and XS Martial Arts Dojo
Students in class with Grandmaster Jason B. Horne at XS Martial Arts Dojo in New Orleans.
For the past two years, Grandmaster Jason B. Horne, CEO of XS Martial Arts Dojo in New Orleans, has partnered with the DEAEF to introduce martial arts to elementary students across Louisiana. This year, 63 fifth-grade students at Pierre A. Capdau Charter School in New Orleans are participating in a 10-session course tailored to impart life skills and drug prevention messages through martial arts. Grandmaster Horne personally visits the school to instruct these eager students, guiding them not only in martial arts but also in life skills such as focus, listening, social interaction, conflict resolution, bully awareness and prevention, self-respect, confidence, discipline, and drug prevention awareness.
“Our work enhances the culture of the schools we work in,” said Horne. “It may sound surprising, but the kids actually want the structure and systems that we bring. They consistently tell us that it is helpful to know what to expect.”
As soon as students step into the dojo, they are enveloped in a culture of discipline and respect. From the moment they take their positions, to lining up and waiting to bow at the start of class, every aspect is meticulously structured. Clear expectations are communicated, ensuring that students know exactly what to anticipate. This structured approach not only fosters a sense of confidence but also empowers students to thrive, as they understand what is expected of them without any uncertainty.
The program runs during the school day within physical education class time, where students engage in non-combative martial arts such as karate and kickboxing under the guidance of Grandmaster Horne. Emphasizing a unique approach, Grandmaster Horne describes the class as 80% mental and 20% physical, emphasizing the development of leadership qualities that empower students to make healthy decisions for themselves and others. At the culmination of the program, students earn a DEAEF branded white belt and DEAEF t-shirt.
“Our work enhances the culture of the schools we work in. It may sound surprising, but the kids actually want the structure and systems that we bring. They consistently tell us that it is helpful to know what to expect.”
Grandmaster Horne underscores the enduring value of martial arts, highlighting its consistency and timeless principles. With over 34 years of martial arts practice and a business established in 2002, his expertise is rooted in extensive experience. As a retired veteran with 21 years of service in the United States Air Force, including time on a counter-drug task force, Grandmaster Horne brings a unique perspective to his martial arts instruction, blending discipline, dedication, and a commitment to service.
Through the martial arts program, students learn skills that prepare them for the future. Grandmaster Horne’s dedication to keeping kids off the streets, giving them something constructive to do with their time, and building their character lays a foundation for success beyond the dojo. By instilling discipline, confidence, and values such as respect and integrity, these young individuals are equipped to navigate life's challenges with resilience and determination. As they proudly don their DEAEF branded white belts and t-shirts, they carry not only a symbol of their accomplishment but also a reminder of the lessons learned and the potential within themselves to make positive choices and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Updated May 30, 2024
YMAP