Kicking Together

It’s Tuesday at the dojo, and the beginner class is just wrapping up. As students gather their gear and say their goodbyes, little Lily walks up to me with a big smile and proudly announces, “Sensei, I’m six now.”

I pause for a second, a little surprised—not because I didn’t know her age, but because Lily has been a part of our dojo family for three years already. She started in our pre-karate program a week after turning three. She’s always had a big personality and an even bigger heart. Her sister, Evie, joined along with her at age five. From the beginning, both girls have trained consistently and grown tremendously on the mat.

Last year, as Lily was preparing to move up to the beginner program, her mom pulled me aside and said something simple, but meaningful: “When Lily moves up, I’m going to join too.” And she did.

Since then, watching Lily and her mom train side by side has been one of the most heartwarming sights in the dojo. There’s a quiet magic in the way they look at each other during class—Lily beaming with admiration, and Mom with a mix of pride and gentle encouragement. Lily has always been focused, but now with Mom beside her, there’s an extra spark. She trains harder, listens more intently, and leads warm-ups with a fierce determination that’s impossible to miss. When she commands the class with her tiny voice—loud, clear, and full of confidence—it’s a moment that captures what martial arts is all about.

But don’t get the idea that Mom is just there to be Lily’s cheerleader. This is her class too. She gives it her all—sweat dripping, breath heavy, yet always finishing with that satisfied smile of someone who’s just pushed their limits. She’s not just supporting her kids—she’s taking care of herself, too.

Karate may not be for every parent, but for many moms and dads who’ve joined their kids on the mat, the experience is transformative. It’s more than fitness or self-defense—it’s shared growth, mutual respect, and memories made together.

Of course, we know not every activity lends itself to parent participation. Most moms aren’t strapping on football pads and playing linebacker at Saturday games. But there are ways to connect with your child’s interests in meaningful and lasting ways—whether that’s training together in martial arts, going for a jog, learning a new skill, or even just bowling on a weekend.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate moms like Lily and Evie’s mom—the ones who show up, suit up, and lead by example. In doing so, they give their kids something priceless: not just support, but shared experiences, lasting memories, and the inspiration to always give their best.