Elya S. says, "It all started when one of my sons started his karate journey with Sensei Chip at the age of almost 5. He has been asking to try karate, so we hopped from studio to studio in Austin, trying to find a good one. What we found was that they were all play-based, sticker-rewarded, short classes, once a week, for a very hefty fee. Most off-putting was the lack of discipline, it just didn't feel like martial arts class. So, my mother-in-law, who was born and raised in Japan, somehow found Austin Karate for Kids online and insisted that if Kiyoshi trains in karate, he trains at a traditional Shotokan studio. She is a wise woman and we are so grateful that she insisted.
About the class: this is the only dojo that trains kids in traditional Shotokan karate style. Class begins with a salute and meditation, then a discussion/words of wisdom from the Sensei, and then kids work HARD, for two hours. Hard, as in their gi gets drenched with sweat, especially after sparring days. It's a decent size class, so some advanced belts rotate teaching younger belts (which is an amazing experience for both). Kids in class are good people. They are humble, respectful, and so hard-working. They are taught discipline and perseverance. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing your child is in this kind of environment. We just got back from a tournament with other martial arts schools. Humbleness aside, Austin Karate Kids stood out. Yes, their katas were precise and beautiful, their sparring was skillful, but most important, their behavior was humble and respectful. Teachers of other schools noticed that too and complemented Sensei Chip.
And about Sensei Chip: he was born and raised in Romania, one of the best places to learn and master Shotokan karate. He has a very strong presence in class. He expects a lot from the students and pushes them to be their personal best. And boy, do they look up to him and admire him. He teaches them so much more than kicks and punches. He teaches them to navigate through life, never ever give up, and be kind.
Fast forward 6 years… both of our sons AND my husband are training at Austin Karate for Kids. It is such a big part of their life. We signed up at first to learn self-defense and get some exercise, but they are getting so much more from it. It is so true, karate is a way of life.
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