History

Martial Arts Education Fund, Inc. (EIN 48–1127764), a not-for-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization established on November 24th, 1993, operates exclusively for public health, safety, educational, sport, and charitable purposes.  This includes the encouragement, development, and sponsorship of amateur martial arts athletes to partake in national and international competitions.  The Corporate Office is located in Olathe, Kansas.

 

It’s MISSION of “Supporting Better Education Through Martial Arts” is supported by raising funds through public donations, fundraisers, and special promotional events.

 

Bob Boggs was the founder and original President of the Martial Arts Education Fund, Inc.  It was originally named USA Karate of Kansas, Inc. - operating as a regional support organization for the nationally acclaimed USA Karate Federation, Inc (USAKF).  The USAKF, under the leadership of the late George E. Anderson, was the National Governing Body for the sport of karate recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).  President Anderson, believing that Bob Boggs was the USA’s Top Ambassador for the martial arts, appointed him as the Director of TEAM USA that competed at the 1994 Goodwill Games held in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Director of TEAM USA that competed in Lamia, Greece, in 1995.  At the closing ceremonies of the ’94 Goodwill Games (Ted Turner promotion), Bob Boggs directed a half-time martial arts performance that took place during a soccer match between the Russian All-Star Team and the World All-Star Team at Kirov Stadium that was viewed live across the world by an estimated 30 million people.  Today, it is still believed to be the “largest live TV viewing audience” of any martial arts demonstration.

 

Because Bob Boggs’ interface with athletes all over the world and assisting in raising funds for American athletes from the entire country, not just regionally, the name change was amended. Through the Martial Arts Education Fund (supported by Sports Programs and Summer Camps around the World), a child is given the priceless gift: RESPECT.  The Martial Arts Education Fund emphasizes that children enrolled in a martial arts program learn how to discipline themselves and see how critical a tool discipline is for achieving their desired goals.  The Martial Arts Education Fund is always encouraging our youth to reach their potential.  In 1983, Bob Boggs was selected Regional Director of the Chemical People Project, which was spearheaded by Mrs. Nancy Reagan, wife of then President, Ronald Reagan. Ten years later, in 1993, Kansas Governor Joan Finney recognized the USA Campaign Against Drugs, directed by Bob Boggs, for his efforts in conjunction with Hope for Youth Month (June).

 

In 2008, in celebration of Olathe’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary, Bob Boggs was listed in Olathe’s Top 150 Most Influential and Noteworthy people in the city’s history.

 

Retired Johnson County Kansas District Court Judge, The Honorable Thomas H. Bornholdt, stated the following in a letter to The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, former Governor of the State of Kansas:

 

“People like Bob Boggs have much more impact upon the lives of ordinary citizens than do the major sports.  I truly believe that every person fortunate enough to be influenced by Bob is one less person with whom I will have contact.”

 

Olathe’s most beloved Educator & Law Enforcement Officer, the late Herb Shuey, wrote:

 

“I need not go into all the awards and kudos heaped on Mr. Boggs, his reputation as a skilled teacher and a community leader need no amplification.  The Boggs family is not just members of the community; they are among the very few citizens who lead by example.  It would be difficult to count the number of people who have been helped by Mr. Boggs, his wife and son. The Kenukan School is more than a school of self-defense.  It is an academy of philosophy; the curriculum includes ethics, loyalty, respect and self-responsibility.”

 

Tom Athans, resident in Oakland County, Michigan, and formerly married to U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, wrote a newspaper article entitled, “President’s Summit Renews Call For More Youth Mentor Volunteers”.  In his article he said the following:

 

“Fortunately for me, there were adults who came into my life at crucial moments and really made a difference.  They were just people who really cared about the welfare of a young person and the direction of his life.  One of these people was named Bob Boggs. Bob was a martial arts instructor who taught Karate in Kansas City and had a soft spot in his heart for kids who were having it tough.  I learned some valuable lessons from Bob and had no idea at the time how much those lessons would play a role in shaping the person I would become.  I learned the value of hard work, and the benefits that come from the satisfaction of a job well done.  I learned the value of discipline, and the rewards that come with forgoing immediate gratification for future achievements.  Most importantly, I learned the value of education.  Bob knew I struggled in school and his words of encouragement have stayed with me all my life.  He said, ‘Always remember that  knowledge is the key to wisdom, and wisdom is the necessary ingredient for a successful life.’  I have never forgotten Bob’s advice, and will never forget the positive impact Bob had on my life.” 

 

In 2022, Bob Boggs' son, Travis Boggs, became the President of the Martial Arts Education Fund.  Travis, along with his father, were both named to Olathe’s Top 150 athletes in 2008 during the city of Olathe’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.

 

Millions of people around the world viewed Travis Boggs on MSNBC’s Ashley Banfied “Live” for his instructing and patriotic efforts.  The cabin crew members who took down Richard Reid, the “Shoe Bomber”, on American Airlines, had trained in the America In Defense Program taught by Travis Boggs and developed by Chuck Norris and Bob Wall.

 

In November of 2014, Travis Boggs was selected as one of two coaches for the United Society of Ju-Jitsu Organization's (USJJO) Team USA that competed in the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) World Ju-Jitsu Championship that were held in Paris, France.  Travis continued to coach Ju-Jitsu Teams that fought in Wroclaw, Poland (2016) and Malmö, Sweden (2018).  The USJJO is the National Governing Body of Ju-Jitsu in the USA and Official National Member to the JJIF.  The JJIF, including the United States of America, has 81 member countries which are organized and governed by the International World Games Association (IWGA) under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).  The JJIF in 2015 was accepted into the Asian Games, the biggest multi-sport games after the Olympics.