Our Mission: We teach character through karate.

We use karate to teach character building values to students in public schools. Studies show our program gives young people the tools and support needed to resist negative peer pressure, avoid self-destructive behaviors, and make responsible decisions. KICKSTART KIDS improves children’s lives, in the classroom and in life, by engaging students’ heart, head, and hands. Our goal is to positively influence the whole child for the life of the child and help create safer, healthier, and more productive communities.

About Us

For over 25 years, KICKSTART KIDS has developed and delivered our in-­school physical education program based on martial arts. We teach responsibility and character development, while building self-esteem by engaging kids in a school-­based activity.

Since our inception, the KICKSTART KIDS program has been endorsed by teachers, parents, school officials and community leaders as having a positive impact on the lives of more than 85,000 alumni. The continued success of KICKSTART KIDS is largely due to the committed dedication of over 70 instructors and staff.

Our History

Martial arts champion, actor, and philanthropist Chuck Norris founded KICKSTART KIDS in 1990 with the help of President George H. W. Bush. The program was launched in four middle schools in Houston in January 1992.

Today, we are in 56 schools in Texas. Each year our program grows. Approximately 8,500 students will participate in the KICKSTART KIDS program in 2016-2017.