Retired MMAโค Fighterโข Trades Ring for Mentorship, โคEmpowering Oklahoma City Youth
OKLAHOMA CITY – Former mixedโค martial artsโ fighter jonathan Gary is now dedicating his life toโ empowering Oklahoma City youth โthrough โthe Come Up Foundation, offering free MMA training and mentorship programs at John Marshallโฃ High School and beyond. โThe foundation focuses on building confidence, discipline, and positive life skills in โstudents, providingโฃ an option path forโ those facing challenges.
Gary, who retired from professional fighting, recognizedโ a need for constructive outlets for young people in the community. The Come Up Foundation, established to fill that โขvoid, celebratesโ every achievement – from academicโ success to acts of kindness – fostering a contagious cycle of encouragement. “It takesโ these kids to an emotional state and just makes them try harder,” โฃsaid Rivera, a โขcoach โฃwith the foundation. “It’s contagious.”
The foundation’s impact extends beyond the physical training. Coaches emphasize recognizing positive behavior with simple acknowledgements like handshakes, applause, or a “good job,” creating a supportive habitat where studentsโ thrive. Gary himself finds greater fulfillment in mentoringโค youth than in his own athletic victories. “Any fightโ I won,” he said, “it’s no match to the gratification I get helping these kids.”
The Come Up Foundation isโ hosting a fundraising kickboxing event, โ”Gloveโข Up for the Come Up,” at 7-10 p.m. Friday atโ the Edmond Convention Center. Proceeds willโ support the foundation’s โคprograms and allow โitโฃ to reachโฃ more young people in the Oklahoma City area. More information can be โคfound at ComeUpFoundation.com.