Martial Arts Scholarships for College

I've been doing martial arts for several years and I'm considering continuing it in college. Do any colleges offer scholarships for martial artists, or are there external scholarships I should look into?

The funding opportunities for martial artists to pursue higher education are indeed available, but can vary widely. Availability depends on the individual college or university, as well as external organizations.

In terms of college-provided scholarships, some universities offer scholarships or stipends for outstanding martial arts involvement, typically linked to participation in a collegiate martial arts team or club. For instance, Lindenwood University in Missouri is known for its martial arts scholarship program, offered to those who join their martial arts team. However, these opportunities are relatively rare and usually require excellent proficiency and commitment.

For external scholarships, there are numerous organizations that award scholarships to martial artists. For instance, the Mike LoPresti, Sr. Karate Scholarship is designated for black belt students of Shotokan Karate. The Amateur Athletic Union, among others, provides several scholarships to students who participate in their affiliated events and competitions.

That being said, it's advisable to check with local martial arts academies as well as regional and national martial arts associations, as many of them offer scholarships. Regardless, keep in mind that many of these opportunities are competitive and application requirements vary.

Consider combining your martial arts experience with your other academic, leadership, or community service activities when applying for general scholarships. As an involved martial artist, you have a unique background and experiences which can make your application stand out. For instance, discussing how martial arts has taught you discipline, respect, and leadership could serve as a compelling essay topic.

Overall, while college funding specifically for martial artists isn't extremely common, there are resources available if you're willing to research and apply. Best of luck in your scholarship search!