Mrs. Carlota Ponds and her grandson Mekhi (age 4) have been involved with Ripple Effect Martial Arts’ Little Ripples program for just a year, but she says the benefits have been amazing. That’s not just for Mekhi, either. Learning legit punches and kicks and blocks has helped reinforce his natural inclination to protect his sister. Grandpa’s karate practice with Mekhi has helped the older gentleman’s strength, balance and flexibility. And the entire Ripple Effect community has boosted Mekhi’s confidence and helped him make new friends. Hear Mrs. Carlota’s praise of her future black belt grandson as well as her own incredible backstory in Episode 25 of the Ripple Effect Martial Arts podcast!

Instructor Ms Rebecca Quillen is a teacher, parent, and martial arts trainer.

A couple hundred years ago, Englishman William Blake wrote a volume of poetry titled “Songs of Innocence, Songs of Experience.” No one speaks the truth like the innocence of youth. But a life lived with experience, challenges, and trials develops a more mature understanding in the heart, body and mind. That’s an introduction to Annalise, who started training to be a black belt before she even began kindergarten. Four years on, she earned her black belt rank this past May, culminating in a three-day black belt test in Estes Park. Here Annalise talks about how martial arts has helped her speak out, challenge herself, support and lead a team of kids and adults, and persevere.

Karate creates leaders. That's the goal. And take it from a graduate in medicine of the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill, Dr. Stacie Johns, 2nd degree black belt and mother of another. Hear her perspective on the benefits of black belt training, from flexibility and strength-building (for adults) and leadership training (for kids and adults and all).

Master Galloway is a consummate martial artist, with a 6th degree black belt in American Freestyle Tae Kwon Do, a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and the title of Guru in Pekiti Tirsia Kali. He’s also a respected teacher, with hundreds of students spanning generations of black belts who still call him their inspiration. Listen to Master Galloway share his thoughts on helping families who suffered from the recent Colorado wildfires, how martial arts helps kids expel negative energy, and how his program at Success Martial Arts in Louisville, Colorado helps build strong relationships and community.

Zac Chase holds a Masters degree from the School of Education at Harvard, a Principal's license, and currently serves as librarian of the St. Vrain public school system. But his most vaunted accomplishment is in the parenting of his two kids, ages 10 and 12, who have recently earned their green belts in karate. Zac talks about his kids' motivation, the promise of a safe environment for kids to grow, learn and thrive, and how karate instructors serve as partners for parents who want their kids to become great role models.

Author Mary Nhin conceived her children’s series of “Ninja Life Hacks” books by telling stories to quell the fears of her sons when they were little. These are extremely relatable tales, helping kids to face fears, charge out into life and lead others out of dark, small places into the bright, wide world. In teaching kids how to develop leadership traits and black belt character, we use Mary’s Ninja Life Hacks books to help bring abstract concepts—bravery, respect, greed, anger—into context. Hear Mary talk about the influence of storytelling on developing strong character in kids.

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!