News Summary
Assassin Grappling Academy in East Las Vegas, led by retired veteran Jesse Thornton, is fostering community ties and helping youth combat bullying through martial arts. By emphasizing core values and encouraging parental involvement, the academy has transformed lives and provided a nurturing environment for children to grow, learn discipline, and build confidence. Stories of positive change showcase the academy’s commitment to empowering youth while addressing serious community issues like bullying and crime.
Las Vegas Community Supports Youth through Martial Arts at Assassin Grappling Academy
In East Las Vegas, Assassin Grappling Academy is making strides in building community ties and combating youth bullying, driven by the leadership of retired military veteran Jesse Thornton. With over 22 years of service in the U.S. Army and Navy, Thornton has shifted from military life to dedicating his efforts towards self-defense and martial arts, serving as a positive influence on local youth.
Founded four years ago, Assassin Grappling Academy has quickly become a leading martial arts school in the area. The academy emphasizes core values such as loyalty, integrity, accountability, responsibility, and respect, which are central to its mission of fostering community and combatting issues like bullying that negatively impact children. Bullying, a prominent concern in Las Vegas, was highlighted following the tragic suicide of a 12-year-old student, Flora Martinez, who had faced bullying. The weight of this event served as a pivotal moment for Thornton, who recognized the necessity of a supportive community for youth.
In response to the challenges many children faced after COVID-19, Thornton encouraged parental involvement in the academy’s programs. This led to many parents stepping in as coaches, not just to support their kids but to enrich the academy’s community atmosphere. Such parental engagement has helped solidify the academy’s reputation as a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being of its members.
Success Stories from the Academy
Parents have reported significant positive transformations in their children since joining the academy. For example, with ADHD, one student has gained confidence and formed friendships through participation in various martial arts classes, including jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and wrestling. The academy’s positive influence extends beyond individual growth, as it has actively supported local teens in enlisting in military service and recognized students achieving honor roll status in their studies.
Coaching at the academy is distinguished by the military background of several instructors, including Kenny Henn, a retired Marine sergeant who teaches self-defense and confidence-building skills. Henn’s commitment mirrors that of other staff members, who share a passion for empowering children through martial arts training. The blend of military discipline with community values cultivates an environment where children can thrive and learn essential life skills.
Cultivating Community Bonds
The Thortons, including Jesse and his wife Jaime, are committed to using jiu-jitsu as a method to improve the northeast Las Vegas community. Jaime Thornton is focused on addressing local crime issues and fostering resilience among teenagers through the academy’s programs. The Thortons also emphasize breaking cultural barriers, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, and creating valuable connections through martial arts training.
Through its four years of operation, the academy has established a strong track record of nurturing students not only in physical skills but also in building character and leadership. Participants learn discipline, respect, and the importance of working together as a team, essential components for great citizenship. In addition to self-defense skills, they emerge not only as martial artists but as confident individuals prepared to face the challenges of life.
Assassin Grappling Academy is located at 1262 Nellis Boulevard South, northeast Las Vegas. As it continues to grow, the academy remains dedicated to providing a positive and constructive atmosphere for the youth of the community while addressing significant issues such as bullying and promoting overall well-being.
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Additional Resources
- News 3 LV: Assassin Grappling Academy Works to Make Las Vegas Safer
- KTNV: East Las Vegas Grappling Academy Builds Discipline Community Through Martial Arts
- News 3 LV: Local Veteran Finds New Purpose Teaching Self-Defense to Children in Las Vegas
- UFC: Ateba Gautier’s Limitless Potential
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Martial Arts
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
