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Brunswick Shotokan Karate and Karate Kids-USA is a proud supporter of Chuck Norris KickStart Kids program.
KICKSTART KIDS program began in 1992 by Chuck Norris and his wife Gena. They began the program in Texas with only 3 middle schools. Today, the program operates in 43 schools in Texas, serves a total of 6,200 youths and has graduated approximately 17,000 students. The purpose of the foundation’s mentoring program is to help provide an alternative to drugs and gang activities related to peer pressure. Specific goals of the program are to encourage students to resolve conflicts productively, avoid participating in gangs, choose a drug-free lifestyle, and remain in high school until they graduate.
Martial art training serves as a vehicle to instill the values and skills necessary to combat the peer pressures associated with at risk behaviors. The core philosophy of Martial Arts stresses the vital importance of a healthy mind and body necessary to lead a productive life.
The program is evaluated yearly and studies have shown that KICKSTART KIDS has impacted the lives of children in a positive way. Not only has the program helped children resist risky behaviors, it has also contributed to the development of conflict resolution skills, a reduction in youth violence, has attached youth to a caring adult, created more independence and competency, and nurtured higher aspirations. The program targets and instills protective factors in the students, which are known to enhance resiliency by incorporating the following key strategies:
- Teach Discipline
- Instill a sense of belonging
- Provide an opportunity for meaningful participation in communities and schools
- Set reachable goals
- Create reflective individuals
- Increase family participation
- Transfer skills
- Collaborate with faculty and administrators
If you are interested in donating to this cause please visit their website www.kick-start.org for more details. Please do not send donations to the Brunswick Shotokan Karate and Karate Kid USA
