"This showed me a maturity well beyond his years - a willingness to take responsibility for him and others."
My son, Adam, started his karate training at five years of age. From his childhood years to present I have noticed the confidence he has developed in himself.
His karate training has also helped him in his everyday life. Here is an example that sent shivers through my spine. Adam's day care group was treated to a day at the State Fair, and during the course of the day he and a friend were separated from the group - just the thought of this scenario causes major panic in parents. Adam remained calm and was able to think and act confident because of his martial arts training. He even felt he had to protect his friend as well as himself. This showed me a maturity well beyond his years - a willingness to take responsibility for him and others.
On a daily basis I talk to him on how his day went at school and in listening to him I can see how good he feels about himself; an example would be on oral reports, not only does he look forward to them, he volunteers to be the first one to give his report.
Adam has become much more respectful of his family and friends. I also feel that USA Karate training has really helped him in school. His teachers tell me he actively participates in class and takes on leadership roles naturally.
I feel that USA Karate has contributed to Adam's mental and physical growth and has had a lifelong impact. I can see the results of his karate training every day.