Dillon Danis gets bullied child into BJJ, plots non-profit organization
Dillon Danis is helping a bullied teen by paying for his martial arts training. The news came after a video surfaced online of the boy being attacked at his school in Baltimore. He was pummelled by multiple students but amazingly he managed to stay on his feet and endure the attack.
Like anyone watching the clip, the Bellator fighter was shocked and saddened by the attack. He shared it online and commented,
“These videos break my heart, nobody should have to go through this.
“If anyone knows how to contact him I wanna get him into martial arts immediately.”
Some fans posted the boy’s identity in the Twitter thread. Danis was able to track him down and told him:
“I will pay for a membership to the closest jiu-jitsu gym nearest to you if you are interested.”
The boy was taken back by Danis reaching out but ultimately took him up on the offer. He now has a membership at a Baltimore jiu-jitsu centre owned by one of Dillon Danis’ acquaintances.
Danis, a Conor McGregor teammate, posted a positive update on Twitter.
small gestures go a long way ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/rgfyXYXOlk
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) October 12, 2019
I am so proud of this young man for taking me up on my offer and getting into the dojo. Showing up is half the battle and that applies to everything in this life. We’re all in this together, let’s go champ! pic.twitter.com/mRTpMFlW1n
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) October 16, 2019
Many MMA fighters start training in childhood and have often been the victim of bullying. Georges St Pierre was frequently bullied at school. Other children would steal his money and clothes. Eventually, he took up martial arts to defend himself against a school bully and never looked back.
Helping out the youth has inspired Danis. On Twitter, he revealed his plans to start a non-profit organization.
i am thinking about starting a non profit organization for kids who are bullied to be able to train the martial art of their choice for free, what do you guys think?
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) October 15, 2019
His acts of kindness haven’t gone unnoticed. The 26-year old received an overwhelmingly positive response on Twitter, and many people posted there support for the bullied teen. Danis’ coach and Big John McCarthy praised the fighter.
As a coach I am always proud when an athlete of mine can get to the highest level of their sport… but I have the most pride when it shows in their character. Way to go Dillon! https://t.co/V0ynY7ICTD
— Jason Lodato (@Coach_Dots) October 17, 2019
Some people may dislike the persona established by @dillondanis But his true colors were shown when he stepped up to help a young man that was being mistreated and abused by his peers. Thank you Dillon for showing this young man a direction that can positively alter his future!
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) October 16, 2019
Dillon Danis’ move could inspire the next generation of MMA athletes. Who knows, maybe we’re looking at Baltimore’s version of Georges St Pierre!
Topics:
Bellator Dillon Danis
