TRIBE Martial Arts Foundation
TRIBE Martial Arts Foundation was founded in 2019 to meet the urgent demand for accessible self-defence training and socio economic empowerment programmes for women and youth in underserved South African communities. In response to the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV), domestic abuse, and bullying, TRIBE was created as a sustainable, community-led solution that goes beyond physical defence offering a pathway to resilience, personal growth, and long-term independence.
At the core of our work is QuanWessels Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts Academy, led by respected second-degree black belts Professor Norman “Chef” Wessels and Professor Richard Quan. Their combined expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and high-level professional coaching provides the foundation for TRIBE’s structured self-defence and skills development programmes.
TRIBE addresses the root causes of GBV, youth unemployment, and inequality by equipping women, girls, and young people in high-risk communities with practical self-defence skills, confidence-building tools, and income-generating opportunities. Through our integrated approach, combining martial arts training, education support, and entrepreneurship development we empower participants to unlock academic and career pathways that foster economic empowerment and generational change.
Through our integrated approach, participants become qualified instructors, open their own academies, and generate sustainable income, contributing to community transformation and long-term independence.
VISION
Our vision is to create a world where individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to thrive. We aim to build a community where women, young girls, and boys are empowered through martial arts, education, and support, enabling them to overcome adversity, unlock their potential, and become confident, resilient leaders in their lives and communities.
MISSION
Our mission is to empower women, young girls, and boys in underserved communities affected by domestic abuse, violence, living in single-parent households, and underprivileged circumstances. We provide access to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts training, along with educational and nutritional programs, to help individuals develop resilience, confidence, and reach their full potential. We foster a supportive community that promotes personal growth, mental well-being, and education, equipping individuals with the tools they need to overcome adversity and thrive in all areas of their lives.
VALUES
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