True Karate Family at Contact Kicks

Shihan Steve
Aug 11
2 min read

Plenty of martial arts schools throw around the phrase "like a family" on their websites. It sounds nice, but half the time it’s just standard marketing speak printed on a brochure.

At Contact Kicks, it isn't a slogan. It’s just how we live.

Shihan Steve, Alexa, Robert and Senpai Mici

A Family Tradition

Senpai Mici and I have been married for 20 years. Both of our kids are right here in the dojo with us—Robert has been training for 7 years now, and Alexa for 4. When we talk about a karate family, we mean our actual family is sweating, stepping up, and putting in the work on the exact same floor every single week.

Community in the Dojo

It doesn't end with us, either. Look around the room during any class and you’ll see fathers training alongside their sons, mothers hitting pads with their daughters, and in some cases, entire families of five sharing the mat.

Creating a Safe Space

The world out there feels pretty chaotic and uncertain right now. Parents are looking for places where their kids are safe, grounded, and surrounded by real substance. That’s what we build here. It’s a space where kids are protected, supported, and challenged, and where parents are more than happy to tie on a belt and step in right beside them.

Experience You Can Trust

I’m in my mid-50s now. I’ve been in martial arts for four decades and teaching kids and adults for 35 years. Senpai Mici brings 20 years of experience to the floor, with 15 years spent teaching. Between the two of us, we’ve seen every trend come and go. But we stick to what actually matters: respect, personal responsibility, and honest hard work.

No Shortcuts, Just Hard Work

We don't do fake rank promotions or participation trophies. Every single belt in this dojo is earned through real effort, not handed out based on attendance only. We don't lock anyone into long-term contracts, and we don't do high-pressure sales pitches.