For over 36 years, Valentin Karate has been a proud part of the Connecticut community. Founded in 1989 by Efrain Valentin, a 7th degree black belt, military veteran, and lifelong Connecticut resident, our school has grown from one location in Meriden to five locations serving nearly 550 students ages 4 to 80. Over 10,000 students have trained with us, learning not only martial arts, but also discipline, confidence, and strong character.

Our mission has always been about more than karate—we strive to help shape better individuals both on and off the mat. Through free school assemblies, bully prevention programs, and ongoing community service efforts such as toy and food drives, we are committed to giving back to the communities that have supported us.

Today, we are facing an urgent challenge. Our main training facility requires a full roof replacement and proper insulation. The roof has reached a point where it leaks significantly during rain and snow, impacting a large portion of our space. This building is used year-round for classes, belt tests, black belt promotions, regional events, community fundraisers, and more.

We have worked hard to keep tuition affordable for all families and have made the decision not to pass this cost onto our students. Instead, we are seeking to raise $150,000 by the end of the summer 2026 to complete this necessary project and ensure a safe, reliable space for our students and community.

We are humbly asking for your donations in supporting this effort. Any contribution, big or small, will directly help us preserve a space that has positively impacted thousands of individuals and families over the years.  

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our story and our mission. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the individuals and businesses in our community whose support and donations truly make a difference.

Here are the donation levels along with the Thank you Gifts

🥋Foundation Builder ($25 Donation) – Valentin Karate Surprise Swag Bag

🥋Shingle Starter ($50 Donation) - Extended T-shirt Pass (for the months of April and September)

🥋  Blueprint Builder ($75 Donation) – Valentin Karate Surprise Swag Bag and T-Shirt Pass

🥋  Toolbelt Teammate ($100 Donation) –  Valentin Karate Surprise Swag Bag, T-Shirt Pass, and a commemorative Roof Tile 

🥋 Roofline Reinforcer ($250 Donation) – A "Roof Tile", Next Level Swag Bag, and the T-Shirt Pass

🥋 Dojang Defender ($500 Donation) – A "Roof Tile" plus a 15 min Private Lesson with an Instructor (List will be provided for you with a sign up sheet)

🥋 Truss Trustee ($750 Donation) – A "Roof Tile" plus a 30 min Private Lesson with an Instructor (List will be provided for you with a sign up sheet), 

🥋 Rafter Raiser ($1000 Donation) – A "Roof Tile" plus a 30 min Private Lesson with an Instructor, 1 month Sponsor for a child in Foster Kicks (a non-profit that helps kids in the foster system be able to attend karate classes in their area  so they have a stable level of instruction)

🥋 Cornerstone Contributor ($1500 Donation) – A "Roof Tile" plus a 30 min Private Lesson with an Instructor, 3 month Sponsor for a child in Foster Kicks

🥋 Roof Champion ($2500 Donation) – A 30 min Private Lesson with an Instructor, 6 month Sponsor for a child in Foster Kicks,  plus one basic home plumbing service provided personally by Master Efrain Valentin through Silver City Plumbing (such as toilet replacement, faucet replacement, outdoor faucet, or similar services)

🥋 Master Builder ($5000 Donation) – 30 min meeting with either Master Efrain Valentin or Mrs. Master Rachel Valentin.  This can be used for a private lesson, a business meeting, or any other information session plus 12  month Sponsor for a child in Foster Kicks.

IF YOU DONATE AT THE 250 LEVEL OR HIGHER BY 11:59PM ON APRIL 30TH, YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE TO WIN YOUR CHOICE OF: 1 MONTH FREE OF KARATE, A FREE BIRTHDAY PARTY, OR A WEEK OF SUMMER CAMP!!!