ABOUT US
Who We Are
The Asian Defense Alliance was started by Founder, Mateo Liguori, Co-Founder, Ashley Wong, and a group of high school students inspired by personal experiences and martial arts backgrounds to help the targeted Asian community. They are joined by allies of all ages who help support ADA's mission.
Mateo and Ashley began training at a mixed martial arts studio in New York City at the age of four. Their parents enrolled them to help build a strong foundation of discipline, strength, and positive self-esteem, but Mateo and Ashley soon realized the significance it had on their lives when they were bullied for being Chinese in each of their elementary schools.
Mateo and Ashley have trained side by side for over a decade, mentoring younger students, earning their 1st and 2nd degree black belts (respectively), and winning tournaments. They are currently on the Leadership and Competition Teams at Valor Mixed Martial Arts, NYC. Sophomores in high school, they are looking to use their experience and martial arts backgrounds to help the Asian community in this critical time of need.
