I was shocked. A mother handed in a cancellation form because her school had forbidden its students from taking Karate. That’s right… forbidden!

And it didn’t stop there. Another mother was told by her school that ALL extracurricular athletics were discouraged for their students. Seriously?

Where am I? What year is this?

Don’t get me wrong… I’m sure these policymakers have the best interests of their children at heart. I’m not saying they’re bad people, but they sure are uninformed!

Karate teaches kindness.

When asked for the reason behind the ban on Karate, we were told that children are too impulsive to control themselves.

NO KIDDING! That’s exactly why the first lesson we teach at Karate Kids is to stand tall with no wiggles or giggles. Self-control is the first goal of Karate!

We were also told that the school believed in finding non-violent solutions to conflict.

SO DO WE! That’s why the first skill we require of students is demonstrating how to use their voice to let someone know how they feel. If that doesn’t work, we teach them to find a grown-up. We don’t want children fighting, either!

Maybe I’ve been on the mats too long. I’m so accustomed to seeing children getting stronger, braver, and kinder that I presume that everyone sees the value in martial arts. I guess not!

It seems some people imagine Karate as a violent blood sport where aggressive parents cheer for their children to punch each other in the head. But that image is so wrong!

Of course, I can’t speak for all martial arts schools, but the lobby at Karate Kids is full of loving mothers and fathers who want to see their children learn how to make eye contact, stand up tall, use their words, and practice good manners. That’s what we’re all about!

What we teach at Karate Kids!

It might be interesting to point out that there are countries in the world who forbid children from learning martial arts. Girls, in particular. Do I even have to tell you how I feel about that?

That’s why I was flabbergasted to learn that right here in Los Angeles, CA, USA, there are adults who feel that the empowering boys and girls to build stronger, healthier bodies and personalities through athletics and martial arts is something to avoid…. something to ban.

If that sounds like you… if you’re a parent who doesn’t believe that Karate is a safe, fun way to teach your child focus, respect, and patience, then I invite you to bring your child to watch any class, any time, at any of our locations.

Come and see how we encourage children as young as two years old to be brave and kind.

Come and talk to our parents and let them tell you firsthand how Karate is helping their children find success at home and at school.

When you drop by, I believe you’ll agree that we’re really all on the same team. We all just want to raise healthy, happy children.