Hi everyone! My name is Sensei Colby Nelson. As many of you may know, I've been involved in the martial arts for 13 years now. I began teaching on my own shortly after my first instructor, Master Lee Barden, passed away. My primary goal has always been—and will always be—to instill in others the same sense of accomplishment and self-esteem that I gained from the arts.

Since I began, I’ve primarily been teaching in parks and churches throughout the Riverside area. Unfortunately, due to the rising cost of commercial properties, I’ve remained at the parks and recreation level for the past seven years and have yet to achieve my ultimate dream: owning a storefront karate school that can serve as a pillar in its community.

I’ve made several strides to garner attention for our small school, including being featured on the television show River City Live and appearing four times in The Resident newspaper. Our school has produced many outstanding students and champions in the sport of karate. However, the lack of a true commercial location has undeniably hindered our growth—and without it, I’ll always fall short of reaching the number of families I know I can help.

Now, for the breakthrough: thanks to one of our amazing families, we’ve made connections in Oceanway to secure a lease for a property on New Berlin Road, which we’ll share with an accounting agency. This opportunity represents a huge step forward.

That said, I know from experience how important it is to have a strong launch. I’d like to humbly ask for your help to give us the initial financial push we need. If you look through my social media pages, you'll see that not once in the past seven years have I asked for financial support. We started in Lonnie Miller Park with only a single focus mitt in 89° weather—and grew from there without ever requesting charity. I’ve taught classes consistently at least twice a week for the past seven years.

I’m asking now because this opportunity has never presented itself before, and seizing it now—with your support—will make all the difference.

Helping us means we’ll finally have our very first legitimate storefront dojo and a true home for all Kolby’s Karate Club students—present and future—in Oceanway. The lease is set to be drafted later this month, and we hope to make the move from Riverside to Oceanway in June. We’re seeking help to cover the costs of the first two months’ rent, the down payment, signage, and initial marketing. Please know that all proceeds will go directly into the dojo and its startup needs. This campaign will be taken down the moment the lease is signed and the school is officially open.

Any donation you can make toward building a bright future for our first real karate school will be deeply appreciated and put to good use. I’ve always believed that someday I’d have my own school—but now I know it’s possible with the support of those who care and believe in me.

Thank you, on behalf of myself and all the students of Kolby’s Karate Club.