Join us for 2026 All About Making A Difference Conference & Award Ceremony

Register now

January 30, 2026 • Active Shooter Training Course
January 31, 2026 • Tanglewood Resort, 290 Tanglewood Circle, Pottsboro, TX • Hosted by Rick Arnold & Making A Difference (MAD)

LEAD . Compete . SERVE .
Where Martial Arts leadership Meets purpose.

MAD (Making A Difference) empowers martial arts school owners and competitors to grow, lead, and make an impact. Every membership, certification, tournament, and event helps support veterans and school owners in need.

I’m a School Owner

Leadership, Certification & Network

I’m a Competitor

Tournaments, Recognition & Growth

Support the Mission

Donate or Sponsor

what is making A Difference (MAD): more than martial arts. it's a movement.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE (MAD) is a nonprofit alliance of martial artists, schools, and supporters united to make a difference through action.
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We host leadership certifications, tournaments, and events — all to fund relief for veterans and struggling school owners.

PATHWAYS TO IMPACT:

School Owners:
Grow your impact through leadership training, certification, and national recognition.

Join the Network

Competitors:
Test your skill at MAKING A DIFFERECNE (MAD) events — forms, sparring, breaking, and team challenges.

View Events

Supporters:
Fund our mission to empower veterans and help martial arts schools recover.

Donate Now

WHY IT MATTERS: Every Kick Counts.

Your participation funds scholarships, recovery grants, and mentorship for:
• Veterans rebuilding life after service.
• Martial arts instructors and school owners facing hardship.
• Youth who need confidence, discipline, and hope.

Watch how your support helps the Making A Difference Mission grow in 2026!

$ in aid given

# veterans supported

# schools rebuilt

"I can’t say enough about this family. Took my son to Warrior Weekend to teach him some life lessons. Little did I know, I would bring home more lessons than my son. They teach martial arts, but the respect they teach your child is way more valuable."

"Some of the greatest people, and one of the best encouraging experiences I've had in 51 years of life, I still have a long way to go, but I'm just getting started! I feel healthier than I have been even as a young man, the discipline for me is outstanding and just what the doctor ordered! Much love and respect, proud to be part of the family!"

"Both the child and adult programs are amazing. We love the way the teachers work with our child and different learning styles. The kid classes are so fun and motivating. The way they teach kids leadership and respect grows even at home and school as well. The adult class is really focused on building fitness and self-confidence."

Join the MAD Movement Today

Whether you lead a school, compete, or simply care — there’s a place for you at MAKING A DIFFERENCE (MAD).
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Join the movement, change lives, and strengthen the martial arts community from the inside out.

Donate today