Embody the ways of Christ through athletics, mentorship and coaching

Two boys holding black resistance straps in a gym, with children playing in the background, flags hanging from the ceiling, and various fitness equipment visible.

Mission

Strengthening individuals

to realize their potential

and lead in their communities

Group of children and teenagers standing in a circle outdoors, raising their hands, on a paved surface with trees and a fence in the background.

Values

Our values shape the culture we live by and the leaders we are striving to become. They guide how we train, how we serve our community, and how we walk alongside one another in growth.

Humility shapes how we learn.

Honor shapes how we treat people.

Solidarity shapes how we live together.

Wholeness shapes who we become.

Together, these values describe the pathway of formation that leads to whole leaders who strengthen their communities.

Vision

to build a community within the near westside of Cleveland, coaching young leaders who are engaged in holistic transformation. We desire to see these young men and women become role models to others, exemplify Christ and make an impact in their community.

Support

click to learn how to help further the vision and mission of Embody Youth Academy

Meet the Team

A smiling young man with tattoos on his left arm, wearing a striped t-shirt, gloves, a watch, a necklace with a cross, standing indoors.
A smiling man with a beard in boxing gloves and workout clothes standing in a gym with punching bags.

Founders

Nic Paoletta (Left) & Justin Aviles (Right)

Together, Nic Paoletta and Justin Aviles, unified by their shared calling to empower youth through martial arts and athletic training have created Embody Youth Academy.

Their vision for Embody goes deeper than conventional youth programs and focuses on the spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of each individual. Nic and Justin seek to help facilitate the holistic transformation of the youth in the city; activating the church body to grow Embody Youth Academy into a full youth development center growing in their faith while building skills in many areas of life.

Through the shared experiences of Nic and Justin, they see the transformative power that martial arts, mentorship, and holistic training can bring to the lives of young men and women. The heart of Embody’s mission is the commitment to empower young men and women to become confident, disciplined, guided by the teachings of Jesus, and to be challenged to see the image of God in all people who they interact with — a purpose that extends beyond the gym and competition.

Although they lead Embody Youth Academy there are a number of coaches and volunteers that make operations possible week to week. They are growing a team to serve more youth and create a sustainable future.