IKIGAI SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Empowering Purpose • Honoring Tradition • Transforming Lives
OUR MISSION
The Society for Martial Arts Instruction (SFMAI NYC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering people of all ages through martial arts and somatic movement practices. Rooted in the Bushido principles of Justice, Loyalty, Honor, Respect, Honesty, Courage, and Consistency, we ensure that high‑quality training and resources are accessible to all.
WHAT IS IKIGAI?
Ikigai (生き甲斐) means “a reason for being.” It represents the intersection of:
What you love
What you’re good at
What the world needs
What you can sustain
The Ikigai Scholarship Fund empowers these four dimensions by supporting students and teachers as they discover and live their purpose. It provides resources and financial support to those committed to developing themselves as peaceful warriors in life and in the dojo. It supports individuals and communities in creating Self Offense practices that enhance the quality and safety of their lives and the lives of others
MARTIAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
This fund ensures that the skills martial arts develops — “confidence, resilience, artistry, vitality and self defense” — are never out of reach due to financial constraint.
SELF OFFENSE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Funding for individuals and groups to access life‑saving Self Offense training, and support for free community Self Offense events so that the Self Offense work “can be shared more widely.”
TEACHING & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FUND
Support for curriculum development and instructor training to uphold the quality and integrity of traditional martial arts and somatic movement practices.
LEVELS OF GIVING
Individual Gift Levels
Joy & Talent
INDIVIDUAL GIFT
SUPPORTS
EARLY TRAINING
EXPLORATION
& SKILL MANAGEMENT
Service & Sustainability
INDIVIDUAL GIFT
FUNDS
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
SELF OFFENSE EVENTS
LONG TERM STUDENT SUPPORT
Ikigai Circle Patron
INDIVIDUAL GIFT
PROVIDES
FULL SCHOLARSHIPS
MULTI YEAR TRAINING
HOLISTIC SUPPORT
Monthly Gift Levels
Joy & Talent
MONTHLY GIFT
SUPPORTS
EARLY TRAINING
EXPLORATION
& SKILL MANAGEMENT
Service & Sustainability
MONTHLY GIFT
FUNDS
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
SELF OFFENSE EVENTS
LONG TERM STUDENT SUPPORT
Ikigai Circle Patron
MONTHLY GIFT
PROVIDES
FULL SCHOLARSHIPS
MULTI YEAR TRAINING
HOLISTIC SUPPORT
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
Expand access to martial arts and self‑offense education
Strengthen community safety and resilience
Support the next generation of instructors
Preserve the lineage of traditional martial arts
Help individuals discover their ikigai — their reason for being
