Slain MMA fighter’s pet project gets big boost
Aaron Rajman’s coach raises funds online for kids’ safety program.
BOCA RATON — A coach who worked with slain mixed-martial arts fighter Aaron Rajman is raising money for a “StreetSmart” program Rajman had planned to help lead.
The 25-year-old fighter, an Orthodox Jew, was fatally shot July 3 at his family home west of Boca Raton. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has not announced an arrest and has publicly provided nearly no details about the incident or suggested a motive.
In September, at the start of the Jewish new year, Rajman planned to be one of four instructors for the “StreetSmart” program, David Karpel, lead instructor for the program, wrote Tuesday night in a posting on Rajman’s Facebook page that announced the effort.
“The StreetSmart program incorporates real world scenarios that kids and teens could face daily and gives them real world responses using common sense, situational awareness, and krav maga skills,” Karpel wrote. Krav maga is a self-defense system developed for the Israeli Defense Forces.
According to Rajman’s Facebook page, he spent his final days — his last posting was June 30 — training officers who work in Palm Beach County schools how to disarm assailants using krav maga.
Karpel said he’s set up a online page to raise $36,000 to subsidize training costs and fees for more than 500 students as well as to buy equipment and ensure that “not one student is turned away” for inability to pay.
“Our course curriculum has been created by the experiences and expertise of law enforcement and security professionals,” Karpel wrote. “Sessions will be crafted to mold lessons learned and the training personality of Aaron, imbuing a strong sense of confidence, fighting spirit, and Jewish pride.”
Services for Rajman were held July 6. It took friends 17 hours on an online contribution page to reach their $20,000 goal for the funeral.
“The tragic passing of Aaron Rajman, HYD, has left the South Florida community reeling,” Karpel wrote. “HYD” is “Hashem yikom damo,” which translates roughly to “May God avenge his death.”
Karpel called Rajman “a true mensch who carried out many good deeds in a quiet and discreet manner. With this tragedy, we learn more and more about his actions and kindnesses.” The word “mensch” translates to “man” but usually is used to specifically connote a man of character.
Rajman was one of only a few Orthodox Jews in MMA. According to the fight website Sherdog, Rajman was a 145-pound featherweight who trained at American Top Team in Coconut Creek and had an amateur record of 8-1 and a professional record of 2-2. Another site, The Underground, said he had an amateur record of 8-1.
“As a close friend, training partner, and fellow instructor, I can think of no higher honor than to ensure Aaron Rajman’s presence is felt and acknowledged at every training session for every student,” Karpel wrote. “In the words of Aaron, Chazak! (Be Strong!)”