What began as a short pilot program quickly grew into something much bigger.

After a successful end-of-school-year martial arts program in spring 2025 through the DEA Phoenix Division’s Operation Engage initiative, Glendale Success Academy expanded the effort into a full school-year offering. The DEA Educational Foundation’s Martial Arts Program returned in fall 2025 to continue serving students throughout the academic year.

Glendale Success Academy (GSA), part of the Glendale Elementary School District in Arizona, serves students in grades 3 through 5 and middle school grades 6 through 8. The school focuses on helping students develop self-regulation, confidence, and trust. Martial arts training has proven to be a natural fit because it reinforces discipline, respect, and positive decision-making.

Under the direction of instructor Dylan Woolley of UNeed Martial Arts, students participate in weekly classes held at the school. With fewer than 10 students in each class, the program allows instructors to give students individualized attention and mentorship. Two separate sessions serve both elementary and middle school students.

“The school has been a champion of the DEAEF Martial Arts Program,” said Allison Tanaka, DEAEF Regional Manager. “They see how beneficial martial arts is in teaching respect and positive behavior. Martial arts gets this message to their kids in a different way.”

School leaders say the program’s impact is visible both during martial arts sessions and back in the classroom.

“Students participating in the program have developed a genuine love and excitement for martial arts,” said Deanna Driver of Glendale Success Academy. “We’ve seen stronger peer relationships form, both during sessions with Sensei Dylan and back in the classroom. Students are working together more effectively and building meaningful connections with one another.”

Driver said students are also using the skills they learn during martial arts to manage challenges during the school day.

The program is supported by a strong prevention partnership. Brandi Jordan of Rise Up Glendale, a nonprofit community prevention organization, helped spearhead the effort locally. She and Daniel Morehouse, Community Outreach Specialist for the DEA Phoenix Division, participate in launch assemblies, provide prevention education, and attend the end-of-program celebration. Jordan also hosts parent workshops to extend prevention messaging into the home, while Morehouse presents certificates to students at the culmination event.

Morehouse remains actively involved throughout the year, regularly attending classes and building relationships with students.

The collaboration reflects the broader goals of Operation Engage, which brings together law enforcement, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to create consistent support systems for young people.

The program has also provided memorable experiences for participating students. During the school year, students had the opportunity to attend a Phoenix Suns game and stand on the court with players during the national anthem, reinforcing teamwork, pride, and community connection.

The DEAEF has partnered with UNeed Martial Arts in other locations, but Glendale Success Academy’s enthusiasm demonstrates how quickly the program can take root when a school embraces it fully. What started as a short pilot program has grown into a full-year experience that continues to help students build confidence, respect, and the skills needed to make positive choices.