Neighborhood Jiu Jitsu School Launches Art Contest to Save Academy

The Stronghold is a Point Loma, family-owned Jiu Jitsu school, founded by Raquel Regno Cusi and her family. The academy has been serving the San Diego community for almost 14 years. COVID has and continues to affect small, family-owned establishments and caused many to shut down permanently. Many are doing what they can to stay afloat. Cusi notes that “We were grateful enough to receive some government assistance, but since March 2020 we were forced to shut down for more than 8 months. That severely impacted our ability to teach classes and serve our students. Zoom classes worked for a few months, but Jiu Jitsu is a contact sport and many of our students did not have a household partner or mats to train on at home.”

The Stronghold has had the privilege of teaching thousands of students, ranging from ages 2 to 85. From Jiu Jitsu, Self-Defense, Fitness and Community Events, the academy has been fortunate to also collaborate with many other local schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to positively impact the community. Shutting down due to surmounting expenses would be heartbreaking to many families across the community.

During the shutdown, Cusi continued to think of ways to fundraise for the academy. Most recently, The Stronghold launched a Kids T-Shirt Coloring Contest. Through this interactive and fun activity, families (even if they are not currently active members) can participate. The contest is a great way to keep the kids creative and motivated. The coloring graphic was illustrated by Karen Alleluia, a long-time student of The Stronghold. 

Entering the contest is simple! Entrants purchase a coloring kit, which includes a baseball tee or t-shirt and a pack of fabric markers. Artists/Kids then decorate the shirt and with a parent’s help, submit a photo to a panel of judges.

There are (3) divisions to enter: Tots (Ages 1-5), Kids (6-12) and Teens (13-18). The Stronghold will be giving away amazing prize baskets including gift cards from local San Diego businesses for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners respectively for each division. 

Photo submissions must be entered by August 28 for the first round, and winners will be announced on September 1. 

The second round will commence shortly after with a deadline of December 28, 2021. Proceeds from the contest will benefit The Stronghold build a solid foundation for the Stronghold Kids Jiu Jitsu Scholarship program, which provides training, lessons and uniforms to children in need in the community. The Stronghold appreciates the support and looks forward to seeing kids' masterpieces!

Coloring kits can be purchased at the academy, located at 2176 Chatsworth Blvd (near Point Loma High School), or ordered online to be shipped. They also make a great Back-to-School gift. For more info, interested neighbors can text CONTEST to 858.722.0942 or purchase online at thestrongholdsd.com/coloring-contest. The academy would love for participants to tag coloring progress by using #StrongholdKidsColor!