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.

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 & Justin Aviles

Together, Nic Paoletta and Justin Aviles, unified by their shared calling to empower youth through martial arts and athletics 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.

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.

A dog and a person in a gym setting. The person is holding a stopwatch, and the dog is standing nearby.