01 / Ward 7 · Community-basedThe Movement
The Movement
Martial Arts
Structured martial arts and combat sports training is a vehicle for discipline, confidence, emotional regulation, and leadership.
Join the MovementReach Urban Empowerment · Washington, D.C.Building Boys.
Building Boys.
Forming Leaders.
For Better Communities.
Reach Urban Empowerment helps Black and Brown young men in Washington, D.C. build identity, discipline, emotional steadiness, and leadership through mentorship, martial arts, movement, and meaningful relationships.
Who we serve
Young men ages 11–14 in Washington, D.C.
The Movement meets in Ward 7, and our school programs welcome inquiries from schools and organizations beyond D.C. We create spaces where Black and Brown young men are known, challenged, and supported.
Why RUE existsMore than an activity.
More than an activity.
A place to belong.
Young men need consistent relationships, structure, brotherhood, and real opportunities to practice leadership. At RUE, an adult notices when someone is having a hard day. A teammate holds him to a shared standard. A challenge becomes a chance to try again.
Get to know RUE
Movement creates room for growth.Mind, body & leadership
What happens on the mat carries beyond it.
During training, a young man practices focus, respect, physical skill, and composure under pressure. With mentors, he has someone who shows up consistently and models accountability.
In restorative conversations, he can name what he’s feeling, pause, listen, and choose how to respond. Brotherhood gives him a chance to take responsibility for others, too. For RUE, health means caring for mind, body, and spirit.
See the programsTwo ways to grow
Programs built around young men.
Different settings. One commitment to relationships, movement, reflection, and leadership.
02 / School-Based · High school
BUILT to LEAD
A 12-week leadership development experience where high school young men explore identity, decisions, relationships, and responsibility through discussion and movement.
Bring BUILT to LEAD to Your SchoolOur approach
How growth happens.
Growth takes more than one activity. Each part of the experience builds on the last.
01
Recruitment
Families, schools, organizations, and community outreach connect young men to RUE.
02
Mentorship
Consistent adults offer guidance, encouragement, accountability, and examples of leadership.
03
Brotherhood
Young men build belonging, shared standards, teamwork, and healthier peer relationships.
04
Formation
Training, reflection, restorative practices, and leadership activities strengthen identity, self-regulation, discipline, confidence, health, and responsibility.
05
Leadership
Young men practice what they learn in RUE and in their families, schools, peer groups, and communities.
Ways to take part
There’s a place for you in this work.
Be part of the work
Get in touch What happens around a young man matters.
Help build the relationships, spaces, and opportunities that let young men grow into their own leadership.