PILOT GROUP

Our pilot group will target at-risk youth (ages 14+) slipping through the cracks of the traditional system, unlikely to succeed in transitioning to adulthood based on conventionally accepted standards.

These program candidates are likely dealing with a range of behaviours that need to be addressed beyond just verbal communication, through tools (such as Jiu-Jitsu and classical ballet) that can help to detox the system and re-channel such energy constructively. Without such a method, and without a program that addresses the root of the problem, namely identity formation, the number of young people likely to become lost will continue to escalate.

TFG Project will focus on a two years live-study-work transitional program with visible changes expected to occur in our students after just the first year, including positive changes in emotional state, ability to express more constructively, development of entrepreneurial skills, and overall connection with one’s creative abilities, i.e. identity formation.t

the environment: LIVE-LEARN-CONNECT-CREATE

Environment is a key ingredient to the success of our program and must support the goal of the project!

To achieve the the successful transition to adulthood, the following conditions are required:

  • Living environment that stimulates the learning of a trade and promotes the development of entrepreneurial skills
  • Education which stimulates identity formation and ensures sustainability and integrity of the trade
  • Hands-on learning of the trade from those who have mastered the trade
 

“Live-Learn-Work” structure of a guild is a prototipe for setting TFG households. TFG Apprentices/students will share the household with enterpreneures who mastered their trade and already running the household as a self-sufficient business. Such environment encourages students to learn the trade.

Play Video

In this 6 min video “Ballet & Identity”, TFG Co-founder, Elena Alexandra explains why training in foundamentals of classical ballet are so important. 

Our students will start the day with the “Ballet & Identity” class.  This class will take place in a studio, where under the supervision of a classical ballet instructor they will participate in exercises that stimulate focus and alertness, the qualities necessary for their work throughout the day.

 

A proven system of order, which is inherent within the structure of classical dance molds a strong, healthy identity and paves the road to success in every aspect of an individual’s life.

"I think that I was waiting for something structured and disciplined like that, and that’s why I feel like the arts are so important for children... I think that whether or not they go on to become a professional or use that experience in their future jobs, it’s going to enrich their lives in some way…. it did that immediately for me".
Misty Copeland, Principal Dancer
American Ballet Theatre

education: jiu-jitsu

April 28, 2018. Class at Gerson Sanginitto Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Culver City, Tarjei in white uniform.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world. Much of its popularity stems from the fact that the benefits you can gain from BJJ are both physical and mental.

 

After “Ballet & Identity” class and the afternoon break, students will take Jiu-Jitsu class with 30-year jiu-jitsu black belt and master instructor Gerson Sanginitto, owner of Gerson Sanginitto Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Culver City, CA.

 

After just a few weeks of training students will notice more muscle and less fat on their body. They will also notice  growing confidence. This sport transforms both the mind and the body, helping a person to become stronger, faster, and more flexible.

Here is the blog post Why Jiu-Jitsu?, an interview with Gerson Sanginitto’s Assistant, Tarjei Hass. 

"I’ve come from a traumatic background.I’ve seen a lot of physical abuse in my home. I can get aggressive sometimes, you know, and upset and frustrated. Putting myself in this environment totally transformed my aggression into a controlled, focused attitude. And that’s why I train so much.  It’s almost like an exercise, but it’s also a discipline. So I go there to discipline all those chaotic feelings that I get".
Tarjei Hass, Jiu-Jitsu Assistant
Gerson Sanginitto Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

education: arts & culture