
Celebrating 11 years, the Karate Kids program continues to provide an exceptional program to the schools while making a positive impact on the participating students.
An email survey was sent out to the parents of participating Karate Kids students throughout 7 different District School Boards. We asked the parents to answer a few simple questions regarding the Karate Kids program. We were overwhelmed with hundreds of wonderful responses! Read below to find out what parents had to say.
The positive reinforcement and praise made our son feel like he "is good at something". School is a bit of a struggle for our son and he feels defeated during many lessons at school but definitely not at Karate Kids! He has such a wonderful sense of accomplishment and positive role models in all of the instructors there!
Casey Welch
"Absolutely! Adam has had ongoing issues with bullying. I felt that even though he never used his newly acquired skills, he felt confident that he could defend himself. As a result the increased confidence caused the bullying to decrease. I loved the fact that it wasn't just about Karate. He came home with respect/courtesy homework, and he was keen to show that he could do it."
Mrs. Basingers
"AWESOME PROGRAM!!! Fabulous Instructors!! Sadly we are moving to New Brunswick.
Perhaps Karate Kids Canada could expand outside Ontario??!"
Mrs. Basingers
“Nathaniel attends Dr. Charles Best in Burlington. He is so proud of what he is learning that he is doing a mini demonstration at a talent night for kids in Grades 1 to 5 at our church next week! Your instructors are doing a fantastic job of instilling confidence in at least one 6 year old! ”
Sheryn Ricker
"We did notice an increase of respect/ courtesy. The Leadership Program really improved this."
Shauna Rowe
"Noticed an improvement in Cait's fitness and confidence in leadership."
Wendy Perry
"Yes, my child has become more confidence, values learning new things, is more physically fit and has gained even more appreciation of respect/courtesy."
maxwell-richards
"Yes most definitely. My son loves the program I was concerned that he may not be able to pick it up because he has special needs, but boy was I wrong he is always showing us what he learns and he is pretty good."
Silvana Cortese
"Her confidence level has improved. Her focus as well, this is evident when we see her playing soccer."
Fauzia Jafri
"Absolutely! Her confidence, her respect and courtesy towards us, her teachers, and for the art of Karate. As a young girl we feel it is SO important that she gets to embody herself with so much strength & confidence. Both vocally and through her body. Thank you for giving her that opportunity every week."
Bonnie Gaztambide
"Yes we would love to see you at the school next year and every year after. We will be registering our daughter again next year if you provide this program again. Our son is 2 and half and will commence school in a year and we would love to enroll him as well if this program continues. Thank you for allowing us to give our feedback and providing such a wonderful activity at a convenient time at a great cost!!!"
Tammy Roberts
“My daughter loved the program. She is very confident about going in new program. She just loved every Wednesday as it was Karate day for her. She could not wait for Wednesday. Yes I would support this program 100%. I would like to enroll her outside the school too.”
Jagdeep Dhaliwal
“Yes, there were a couple of belt ceremonies and a month of free classes offered. The facility is clean, organized, spacious and the staff friendly. It (belt ceremony) was enjoyable and well organized.”
Tracy Skelton
"I appreciate your program's contribution to the achievement of our goals on quality daily fitness.”
“I commend you for your important work and for making a difference in the lives of your students.”
Jim Watson
MPP, Minister of Health Promotion
“Karate is a sport that demands agility, endurance and a strong commitment to excellence. It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings and sincere congratulations to you on your superb performance…”
Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
* excerpt taken from a letter to Rob Tallack after winning 2 gold medals at the World Karate Championships
“Thank you for offering this innovative Martial Arts program, and for your dedication and commitment to our students…an opportunity for students to concentrate on developing their focus, concentration, discipline and physical fitness.”
Elaine Crawford
Ontario Public School Board – Trustee
“Karate Kids helps to emphasize a non-violent approach to problem solving. Karate Kids has been running in this school for years and has had a wonderful response from the students.... The instructors are of the highest quality and are committed to excellence.”
Ed Brand
Principal, Polson Park Public School, Kingston, ON
“Students are taught to focus and show respect…their self discipline is increased by these lessons…their improved listening skills and ability to concentrate has been an asset in the classroom. I fully support this program and readily recommend it for your school.”
Peter Owens
Principal, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School, Kingston, ON

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank-you both for the work you did at Ridgeview Public School introducing the ‘Karate Kids’ program to our students and school community. As a first year program, we knew its benefits were significant...”
Read Full letter Jay Fedosoff
“We are very pleased to welcome Karate Kids into our school every Friday during lunch for the past two years. Our students are eager to participate in their structured program focusing on...”
Read Full letter Bea Jankowski
“We are very pleased to write this letter of recommendation for the Karate Kids Program. This is the second year Karate Kids have been coming to Central Park P.S...”
Read Full letter James Flynn
“This is our first year we had a lunch time Karate Kids Club. Parents registered a significant number of children. The students are excited to be participating in the program...”
Read Full letter Johanna Miller
“Our Grade 2 and 3 students participated in the Karate Kids on a weekly basis during their lunch recess, for a period of about 20 weeks. The kids had a ball, and learned a lot regarding self-discipline, commitment and karate...”
Read Full letter Michael Neilands
“St. Emily P.S. has been proud to offer the Karate Kids Program to our students over the last 2 years...”
Read Full letter Mr. M. Bergeron
“The students who have participated in the program have benefited greatly from their participation. Social and academic results have been enhanced with the influence of Karate Kids. We greatly appreciate your support and generosity for scholarship awards...”
Read Full letter Bill Cober
