The ringing of the school bell. The odiferous scent of mats. The noise of the kids in the hall. For going on 24 years, these have been the backdrop to my life’s work as an instructor with Chuck Norris’ Kickstart Kids program. More than just teaching karate, I’ve been a part of a movement to fundamentally change and, in some cases, literally save children’s lives.

This journey has taken me through the halls of Austin Middle School (12 years total) and Travis Middle School (almost 12 years total), where I’ve watched shy sixth-graders become confident young leaders and troubled students find discipline that steers them toward a brighter future.

More Than Kicks and Blocks: The Core Impact

Kickstart Kids is unique because it integrates a martial arts curriculum with a powerful character-building program. We teach virtues like discipline, respect, responsibility, and goal-setting. These are the tools that truly transform lives.

Discipline: The Anchor in a Storm

For many students, the structure of the dojo is the most consistent thing in their lives. The requirement to bow, to focus, to persevere through a difficult kata, it’s a form of discipline that translates directly into the classroom and at home.

There were many students through the years who found discipline. I always teach discipline as intentional action. Too many kids fly by the seat of their pants. Time after time I have witnessed kids start out bouncing all over the room, but find a way to direct their energy into a focused and intentional action that shows a before unseen and unused discipline.

Respect: Seeing Their Own Worth

Respect is a two-way street. By demanding respect for their instructors and peers, students learn to expect and earn respect for themselves. For a child dealing with low self-esteem or bullying, this realization of self-worth can be life-altering.

I had a student who started out so defiant that she refused to even sit down, until I told her to remain standing, then she sat down. Several months of that behavior and me refusing to give up on her, she ended up as one of the students who was an example of respect.

From “Trouble” to Triumph: Saved by the Program

My years at Austin and Travis have shown me that a consistent, positive role model can redirect a life in a single semester.

I think of the many students who were on the wrong path, a path I never traveled by the grace of God, but I grew up poor and the temptation to take the easy path of bad decisions was always there. I see them time after time change their entire life path by repeated practice of good decision making. I have a former student who publicly reminds people, “This program changed my life, and this man saved my life.” And the student that I picked up a bad vibe from, and gave a heartfelt plea to the entire class to believe that life does get better. The words were spoken to the entire class but were intended for one student. It turned out she had intended to take her own life that day, but something I said changed her mind.

24th Year: A Continuing Legacy

Going on 24 years, moving back and forth between Austin and Travis Middle Schools, I can look back and see the incredible ripple effect. I’ve seen my students become successful adults,some are now parents themselves, and some have even brought their children to the program!

This is why I come back to the mats every day. It’s not just about teaching martial arts; it’s about giving a child the character, confidence, and discipline to fight for a better life.

Thank you, Kickstart Kids, for allowing me to be a part of this profound work for over two decades.