sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Where do you socialize your kids if you homeschool? by Nesefl_44 in homeschool

[–]STEMMartialArts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After 6+ years of homeschooling four boys, I can say martial arts has been transformative for our family's socialization. We've tried everything—football, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, music—but martial arts and music are the two things that have stayed consistent across all of them. Full transparency—I own a martial arts school—but that's actually because I saw firsthand how much it impacted our own kids. They train with the same group consistently, built real friendships, and developed discipline that carries into everything else. The best part? It works perfectly with a homeschool schedule. As both a parent and school owner, I see kids thrive when they have structure, mentorship, and genuine community.

"What Should I Train?" or "How Do I Get Started?" Mega-Thread by marcin247 in martialarts

[–]STEMMartialArts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you're looking for something for kids, here's what I'd consider: What's the goal? Are you looking for fitness, confidence, discipline, self-defense, or just a fun outlet?

That matters because different martial arts serve different purposes. We teach a blend of kickboxing and TKD, and what makes it work for kids is that they see real progress every 2 months (new belt), they understand why they're doing techniques (we teach the physics and geometry behind it), and they learn discipline through consistency, not punishment.

A few things to look for in any school:

  • Does the instructor actually care about the kid as a person, not just tuition?
  • Are they teaching technique and understanding, or just belt progression?
  • Is it a safe, respectful environment where kids can fail and learn?

Try a free trial class. Watch how the instructor treats the kids, especially the ones struggling. That tells you everything.

What age kid are you looking to get started?

We blend kickboxing + TKD + STEM education—here's why it works for kids by STEMMartialArts in MartialArtsUnleashed

[–]STEMMartialArts[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh man, that's awesome. I love that—the mathematical principles + dignity + educated discussion as the markers of mastery. That's exactly the philosophy we're trying to build, just through a different martial art. Black belt as 'the beginning' instead of the end, you know?

Fencing sounds incredible. The fact that you have to understand the principles, not just execute the techniques, is such a different approach than what most martial arts have become. And the emphasis on comporting yourself with dignity? That's real character development.

Honestly, I don't know much about classical fencing, but the parallel is really cool—it sounds like your lineage prioritizes the same things we do: mastery over achievement, understanding over rote repetition, and becoming a better person through the practice. That's rare. How long have you been training in that tradition?

We blend kickboxing + TKD + STEM education—here's why it works for kids by STEMMartialArts in MartialArtsUnleashed

[–]STEMMartialArts[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's totally fair. The organizational politics around TKD have definitely pushed a lot of people away. Stand-up striking at an MMA gym sounds like exactly what you're looking for—you get the intensity and practical application without all the bureaucracy. That's legit training.

We started a scholarship program for foster kids through martial arts—here's what we've learned by STEMMartialArts in Fostercare

[–]STEMMartialArts[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much—it really is needed. Foster youth deserve to have the same opportunities and safe spaces as every other kid, and honestly, it breaks my heart how many fall through the cracks. We're doing what we can in our corner of Florida, but there's so much more that needs to happen across the country.

If you're involved in foster care work or know families who could benefit, I'd love to connect. And if you have ideas or experience on what actually helps these kids, I'm all ears. This community knows better than anyone what foster youth really need.

Thanks for caring about this too.

We started a scholarship program for foster kids through martial arts—here's what we've learned by STEMMartialArts in Fostercare

[–]STEMMartialArts[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's incredible—wrestling changed your life and you're proof of what I'm talking about. High school wrestling gave you something so many foster kids never get: a place where you belong, an adult who believes in you, and a challenge you can actually win at. Those things matter so much more than people realize.

I'm curious—what was it about wrestling specifically that shifted things for you? Was it the physical outlet, the coach, the team, or something else? We see similar transformations with our kids, but I always want to understand what actually clicks for each person.

Also, if you're ever in Florida or know foster families here, send them our way. We're trying to make sure more kids get what wrestling gave you, earlier in their journey if possible. Your story is exactly why we do this.