about us
MEET THE TEAM OF PEOPLE MAKING
IT HAPPEN
We are from different backgrounds and bring unique skills that will help our students grow. Our team includes educators, mentors, and community leaders who are passionate about creating opportunities for young people. Together, we strive to inspire confidence, build resilience, and provide resources that empower our students to succeed. By combining our individual strengths, we foster a supportive and dynamic environment where each student feels valued and encouraged to reach their potential.
about us
MEET THE TEAM OF PEOPLE MAKING
IT HAPPEN
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OUR IMPACT
50+
KIDS SUPPORTED
In 2025, our goal is to sponsor at least 50 children. With your support, we can provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
5+
COMMUNITY
EVENTS
We’ve are planning to host community events, bringing together children, their families, and local leaders to celebrate the achievements of our young participants.
$25,000
INVESTED IN YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT
Our goal for 2025 is to raise $25,000 to support and launch our program. This funding will allow us to provide essential resources and opportunities that empower our students to thrive.
OUR IMPACT
100+
KIDS SUPPORTED
Since our inception, over 150 children have received funding for martial arts, arts, or sports programs. These activities not only offer physical and creative outlets but also foster discipline, teamwork, and confidence.
100+
COMMUNITY
EVENTS
We’ve organized over 100 community events, bringing together children, their families, and local leaders to celebrate the achievements of our young participants.
100+
INVESTED IN YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT
Thanks to our generous donors, we’ve been able to invest over $50,000 in the development of our youth, ensuring they have access to quality programs and equipment.
HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Dojo Project sponsors extracurricular activities for less fortunate kids, focusing on programs like martial arts, visual arts, and various sports. These activities are more than just hobbies—they’re vital tools that teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Our goal is to remove financial barriers, making these enriching experiences accessible to every child in need.
HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Dojo Project sponsors extracurricular activities for less fortunate kids, focusing on programs like martial arts, visual arts, and various sports. These activities are more than just hobbies—they’re vital tools that teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Our goal is to remove financial barriers, making these enriching experiences accessible to every child in need.
OUR TEAM
The heart of The Dojo Project is our dedicated team of board members, staff, and volunteers who share a passion for making a difference. Together, we work tirelessly to ensure that every child we sponsor has the support and resources they need to thrive.
Dr. Toby Larson
Dr. Toby Larson is a seasoned expert in sports and performance psychology, with over a decade of experience in sports consulting and executive coaching. Holding a doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology, Dr. Larson has dedicated his career to understanding the nuances of human motivation and applying psychological theory to enhance performance in high-stakes environments.
In his work, Dr. Larson has partnered with athletes, executives, and teams, helping them achieve peak performance through psychological training, strategic planning, and goal-setting. Known for his deep understanding of human behavior and the ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical strategies, Dr. Larson has become a trusted advisor in both the sports and corporate worlds.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Larson is passionate about developing innovative programs to promote healthy relationships and self-control among youth. He is actively involved in projects that educate teenagers on mindfulness, self-regulation, and relational self-efficacy to reduce incidents of relational violence.
When not immersed in his professional work, Dr. Larson enjoys outdoor adventures, skiing, mountain biking, and camping.
Raul Castillo, owner and head instructor at Raul Castillo Martial Arts, has dedicated his life to sharing the benefits of martial arts with others. With black belts in both Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, along with a professional MMA background, Raul brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his students. More than just a skilled fighter, Raul is deeply committed to helping others grow—whether it’s through group classes, private lessons, or training MMA fighters. His work extends beyond the dojo as he now leads The Dojo Project, providing low-income, at-risk youth with opportunities to engage in enriching activities. Raul’s true passion lies in using martial arts as a vehicle to empower and uplift those around him.
Raul Castillo
Bryce Jensen
Bryce Jensen is a Veteran, Pediatric Nurse, and Business Owner. With a strong background in sports, martial arts, and meditation, Bryce has developed a deep commitment to fostering resilience and growth in young people. Inspired by a vision he shared with his late mother, Bryce is driven to ensure that underprivileged children have access to activities that enhance their lives and future opportunities.
As a husband and father of three, Bryce’s commitment to improving the lives of children is both personal and professional. In his free time, he enjoys creating photography and videography, bringing his creative vision to life. Bryce is honored to serve on the board, where his dedication to creating equal opportunity helps shape meaningful change for young lives.
Matt, a lifelong resident of the Coast Peninsula, has always been deeply connected to his community. Growing up with a mother who worked in real estate for over 20 years, Matt learned the value of hard work and community involvement at an early age. His diverse experiences across the real estate and hospitality industries have shaped his dedication to serving others, particularly those in need.
With a background in Business Economics, Matt combines his knowledge of local markets with a broader understanding of how economic forces impact communities. His commitment to helping others reaches far beyond his professional life, as he continually dedicates his time and energy to supporting youth and families through various community initiatives and local organizations. Matt is committed to creating opportunities for low-income youth, leveraging his skills and expertise to make a positive impact.
In his free time, Matt enjoys surfing the coast, spending time with his wife and young daughter Madeleine, and volunteering in his community. He believes that everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and he is dedicated to helping the next generation reach their full potential.
Mathew Aragoni
OUR TEAM
The heart of The Dojo Project is our dedicated team of board members, staff, and volunteers who share a passion for making a difference. Together, we work tirelessly to ensure that every child we sponsor has the support and resources they need to thrive.
Dr. Toby Larson is a seasoned expert in sports and performance psychology, with over a decade of experience in sports consulting and executive coaching. Holding a doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology, Dr. Larson has dedicated his career to understanding the nuances of human motivation and applying psychological theory to enhance performance in high-stakes environments.
In his work, Dr. Larson has partnered with athletes, executives, and teams, helping them achieve peak performance through psychological training, strategic planning, and goal-setting. Known for his deep understanding of human behavior and the ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical strategies, Dr. Larson has become a trusted advisor in both the sports and corporate worlds.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Larson is passionate about developing innovative programs to promote healthy relationships and self-control among youth. He is actively involved in projects that educate teenagers on mindfulness, self-regulation, and relational self-efficacy to reduce incidents of relational violence.
When not immersed in his professional work, Dr. Larson enjoys outdoor adventures, skiing, mountain biking, and camping.
Raul Castillo, owner and head instructor at Raul Castillo Martial Arts, has dedicated his life to sharing the benefits of martial arts with others. With black belts in both Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, along with a professional MMA background, Raul brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his students. More than just a skilled fighter, Raul is deeply committed to helping others grow—whether it’s through group classes, private lessons, or training MMA fighters. His work extends beyond the dojo as he now leads The Dojo Project, providing low-income, at-risk youth with opportunities to engage in enriching activities. Raul’s true passion lies in using martial arts as a vehicle to empower and uplift those around him.
Bryce Jensen is a Veteran, Pediatric Nurse, and Business Owner. With a strong background in sports, martial arts, and meditation, Bryce has developed a deep commitment to fostering resilience and growth in young people. Inspired by a vision he shared with his late mother, Bryce is driven to ensure that underprivileged children have access to activities that enhance their lives and future opportunities.
As a husband and father of three, Bryce’s commitment to improving the lives of children is both personal and professional. In his free time, he enjoys creating photography and videography, bringing his creative vision to life. Bryce is honored to serve on the board, where his dedication to creating equal opportunity helps shape meaningful change for young lives.
Matt, a lifelong resident of the Coast Peninsula, has always been deeply connected to his community. Growing up with a mother who worked in real estate for over 20 years, Matt learned the value of hard work and community involvement at an early age. His diverse experiences across the real estate and hospitality industries have shaped his dedication to serving others, particularly those in need.
With a background in Business Economics, Matt combines his knowledge of local markets with a broader understanding of how economic forces impact communities. His commitment to helping others reaches far beyond his professional life, as he continually dedicates his time and energy to supporting youth and families through various community initiatives and local organizations. Matt is committed to creating opportunities for low-income youth, leveraging his skills and expertise to make a positive impact.
In his free time, Matt enjoys surfing the coast, spending time with his wife and young daughter Madeleine, and volunteering in his community. He believes that everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and he is dedicated to helping the next generation reach their full potential.
CHANGE A CHILD'S LIFE
CHANGE A CHILD'S LIFE
The Dojo Project is a DBA under the Hemisphere School California Non Profit EIN 88-3137393
CALL US NOW:
6507260328
EMAIL US:
ADDRESS:
765 Main St, Suite C, Half Moon Bay, Ca 94019
Hemisphere School California Non Profit