Petitions. Meetings. Leadership. Sounds like a the docket for a chief member of the House of Lords. Well, that might just be where Aspen Glenn is headed. She’s six years old, an orange belt in karate, and a force of will everywhere she goes. In this episode, we talk with Aspen, her mom Montana, and dad Jacob about reading, school, music and martial arts. BONUS: Find out two fascinating facts about Aspen (trees, that is). Stay tuned through the end of this awesome dialogue with a future black belt!

Bill and Connie Fisher, along with with their two kids, signed up for karate not quite knowing how it would impact their lives. They’ve since earned 2nd degree black belts and continue to train, leading by example and never looking back. Oh and did we mention Connie was born in Taiwan and grew up in the U.S. working in her parents’ restaurants, and Bill is a second-generation firefighter stationed in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a couple decades of rescue experience under his belt? Hear their stories and get a candid view of black belt family life in this episode of the Ripple Effect Martial Arts podcast!

How do we help kids stay strong in mind and body in these challenging times? In this episode we’re talking with Heidi Baskfield and Dr. Bruno Anthony of Colorado’s Partners for Children’s Mental Health, who advise on what you need to know about pressures kids face and how parents, teachers and martial arts instructors can help. Serious, fascinating insight from two fighters on the front for healthier kids!

Mr. Braden, Ms. Becky, and Head Instructor Master Rachael Macy, the black belt instructors of the new Ripple Effect Martial Arts in Fleming Island, Florida, lend their perspective on teaching adults, inspiring confidence in kids, and breaking through to goals through training in the martial arts.