Administrative
Ben Kovacs - Founder
Ben is the founder of Guardian, established in 2015, where he has been instrumental in shaping the organization's branding and long-term strategy. His involvement in Jiu-Jitsu began in 2006 at Yamasaki Academy, leading to a black belt in 2019, awarded by Dave Clahan and Eduardo Fraga of Ralph Gracie. This experience inspired him to create a non-profit focused on making Jiu-Jitsu training accessible to all.
Professionally, Ben has a background in tech, having worked at Twitter and meeting notable individuals like Joel Lunenfeld. He has also ventured into other entrepreneurial projects such as Kiyo and Octave, demonstrating his diverse skills and innovative approach.
Calder Powers - Executive Director
At 18, Calder didn't make the high school sports teams, was failing in school, and struggled to feel accepted by his peers. Calder sought a new path and discovered Jiu Jitsu which soon became a lifeline, offering him a sense of belonging and a redirected life path.
As he honed his skills on the mat, Calder experienced a parallel shift in his academic and personal life. This newfound confidence and focus propelled him to excel in community college, achieving a 4.0 GPA, and later to proudly graduate from UC Berkeley.
Motivated by his own transformation, Calder began volunteering at Guardian in 2017 as a youth coach, aiming to help young individuals who were navigating similar struggles. His role evolved, especially post-pandemic, when he and Ben expanded Guardian from a single gym to a global youth Jiu Jitsu scholarship program. Calder, who earned his brown belt in 2021, now serves as the Executive Director of Guardian, passionately committed to using Jiu Jitsu to empower and inspire young lives.
Joel Lunenfeld - Founder
Joel discovered his passion for boxing as a stress relief method during his tenure as CEO of a bustling advertising agency in Atlanta. With a background marked by significant achievements in the marketing industry, including a prominent role as head of brand at a major social media company, Joel's transition to combining his martial arts interest with a commitment to supporting youth in the bay area felt seamless.
His involvement with Guardian has been pivotal, both as the leading financial contributor and through leveraging his marketing and branding expertise. This dual role has accelerated Guardian's launch and positioned it for enduring success.