About Us

Who We Are

Ground Up Youth Initiative empowers local youth through athletic opportunity, martial arts discipline, and positive adult mentorship. We work across Central Pennsylvania to ensure financial and logistical barriers never stand in the way of a child's growth.

Our Mission

Ground Up Youth Initiative removes the financial, logistical, and medical barriers that keep underserved Central Pennsylvania youth from training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, pairing mat time with consistent adult mentorship.

A Central Pennsylvania where a kid’s zip code doesn’t determine whether they get to find out what they’re capable of.

Our Vision

Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Discipline & Rank

Earned growth through a structured ranking system.

Leverage over Force

Technique and composure over size and aggression.

Adult Mentorship

Coaches who notice when kids show up and care when they don't.

Leadership

Daniel Amparo

Founder & Executive Director

President

Fady Hanna

Andres Gonzalez

Vice President

Katie Lle

Treasurer

Operations Manager

Gladys Amparo

Bobby Johnson

Director of Community Affairs