GUIDING CHILDREN AS THEY GROW UP IN A VERY TROUBLED WORLD.

What is Karate and what can we do for you?

Our children come under mental and emotional attack almost daily. This can rob them of their confidence, security, emotional and mental health and their happiness. That is why superheroes are so popular. They give children a role model that they emulate which gives them a sense of inner strength. At National Katate Institute we develop your children to be real life superheroes by teaching them how to defend their mind from negative thought processes. "I can't do that!" TRUE. But rather I can't do that TODAY! makes a world of difference. We teach that consistent applied effort reaps rewards in the long run. You can't be with your child 24/7. There will be others who will make in fun of their clothes, their ears, the way they walk, the way they run. Verbal threats are common everyday events and they are hard to stop and detect. They often go unnoticed by teachers because they leave no visible marks and they are quick and cut like a sword. We teach your children emotional self defense to prevent these verbal bullies from stealing your child's happiness or intimidating them to join them down the wrong road they are traveling. Many children from the best of families have fallen into addictions or engaged in delinquent behavior to stop the intimidation and be accepted and liked. Your chldren's peers will become more and more important to their self identity. They need to be armed with tools to prevent them from following people down a the path that always ends in despair. MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING GIVES THEM THE INNER STRENGTH TO RESIST THE EMOTIONAL WAR GOING ON IN TODAYS WORLD. Then there is always the possibility of the physical assault, molestation or child abduction that is every parents worst nightmare. We teach your children according to their age and maturity level how to get away and get home safe.

Do you want your child to go to college?

In the 17 yrs. we have been teaching marital arts we have been focuing not only on self defense but self preservation. We don't want our students to grow up and have to worry about having to foreclose on their home or scrape up enough money to pay the phone bill. EVERY ONE OF OUR BLACK BELT STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO EVERY COLLEGE THEY HAVE APPLIED TO.

Testimonial Colorado State Trooper-Joshua Lewis

My resume has always mentioned (since I earned it) that I am an Internationally Certified Black Belt. It has come up in nearly every interview I have had, most of which involve some kind of security. When I went through the year long process (yes, one full calendar year) of applying for the Colorado State Patrol to become a State Trooper, there were several steps. Starting with a 20+ page application (and continuing with a written test, interview, polygraph, second interview, psychological testing, drug testing and physical testing), I was asked if I had any special talents or skills that would help me qualify or help me stand out. First amongst all things I listed, I put down Black Belt. When I was hired for the first of two classes that took place in 2007, a total of (approximately) 70 people were hired out of 7500 potential applicants. Keep that in mind: less than 1% of those that applied were accepted. Fewer made it through the academy and field training program. Of those 30-odd people I spent 22 weeks with in the academy, I met several that had similar qualifications to my own: advanced degree from a good university, bi-lingual, Eagle Scout, honor student, etc. I did not meet another black belt. I still have not, after nearly four years on the job. But it came up numerous times during interviews and training. At 5:30 AM, when running drills and participating in mandatory physical training, I inevitably remembered my training back at the National Karate Institute and what it took to endure and overcome trials and obstacles, both physical and mental. During that same training and even recently by my co-workers, I have been told I have "ice in [my] veins" because I do not get phased or upset easily, even on the side of a freeway with semi's and other vehicle's going by at 75 MPH just mere feet away from me, while someone shouts or even resists arrest because I have the audacity to inform them that they have broken the law. I know for fact that my training and experience through traditional martial arts has helped me to remain calm and collected at times when most would crumble and fall, in both my professional and personal life. Stress inevitably happens in life; that is a guarantee with death and taxes. Karate can help anyone, EVERY one, overcome WHATEVER stress they will encounter, and end up the victor at the end. Less than 2% of Boy Scouts that start scouts will make it to Eagle. I made it. I am proud of it. But I also know that less than .1% (yes, POINT-ONE percent) of people that start martial arts will make it to Black Belt. Schools, recruiters and employers know all this, too. To those that have made it, make sure those that will help decide your future know it, too. To those that are still aspiring to it: KEEP GOING. You will have challenges. You will have struggles. You will want to quit. And then, when you have that belt tied onto your waist, you will wonder why any of those things held you back. The lessons learned, the sense of accomplishment, of joy, of honor you will feel, no matter what, will be with you for the rest of your life. Martial Arts is not simply an activity, a sport. It is a way of life. And the lessons and experiences you get from it will last a lifetime. -Joshua Lewis/National Karate Institute Black Belt

Testimonial from a mom

"Both Joseph and Madeline love Karate! You are a wonderful teacher and it's so nice to sit and watch you connect with my children. Currently, they are both saying they'd like to open their own Karate School after attaining the title Hanshi. I noticed that Joseph is reluctant to speak in class, answer questions and shout out the numbers after you. He is displaying this same unsure behavior in school. I'd love for him to "find his voice" and be confident in his abilities. At home, he has no difficulty shouting while practicing, but feels weird (his own word) doing it at Karate. We did discuss this and hopefully he'll feel more comfortable with that as time goes on. I'll take any suggestions you have as I really want him to show his true potential without worrying what anyone else may be thinking. I have seen some positive changes in him. He is beginning to carry himself differently by holding his head up and walking with purpose. He also told me bullies don't scare him as much anymore because of you. He really identifies with you and your stories about being bullied as a child. He looks at you as a survivor and that gives him hope. For all this, we thank you so much. I looked at several other Martial Arts schools before committing to NKI and I'm so glad I did. You far surpassed my expectations and, for that, I am very grateful. Madeline is loving Karate also. She works very hard and is most often the one that reminds us to stretch every day. She and Joseph take turns leading the stretches. She is more confident than Joseph and she always has been. I see her working hard and the stretches are already paying off (for me too!) I am very interested in signing them both up for Hanshi Martin's seminar. I read the testimonials, but didn't see one from a child. What happens in the seminars? Could I sit and watch? Would they be the only beginners there? I really want to give them this fantastic opportunity, but want to be sure they will feel comfortable. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you again for all your hard work and dedication to children. You help them find their voice and realize they aren't powerless. For this, I cannot thank you enough. Regards," -Victoria Seavey- Parent of an 8yr. old and 10 yr. old student.