1. How can I help?

There are several ways to help KICKSTART. Funding is our major priority.

Fund-raisers are constantly going on across the nation for our program in order to help us continue our expansion. There are many karate schools who sponsor Kick-A-Thons with their students to benefit KICKSTART. Schools use this opportunity to teach their students to help others who are less fortunate than them. Click here to see more on fundraising for KICKSTART with a Kick-A-Thon.

If you would like to see our program in your community, the funds should come from your school district, community businesses and/or leaders or fundraising efforts. Often, your school district will have grant writers who will know what funding is available for your particular state, city or district. There also may be individuals who may want to "adopt" a school and fund it entirely themselves (approximately $195,000 for three years for one school).

2. How can my child join the Chuck Norris TEAM?

If a student is enrolled in one of our schools or will be going to one of the schools where our program operates they may join.

3. Can I get this program in my school?

We teach only in non commercial schools. We are not affiliated with any commercial karate school. We teach in the public schools - FULL TIME - not as an after school or once a week program. We are full time and work in the schools just as a regular PE instructor or coach. Currently we serve inner-city public schools, but the program could work just as well in private schools. Refer to question # 1. If your school system is interested in our program, we welcome their call to answer questions. However, this web site includes the pertinent information about our KICKSTART Program.

4. How exactly does it work?

Ideally, when KICKSTART comes to a particular middle school (6th, 7th and 8th) we form our classes from the already existing physical education classes. Using both girls and boys, our classes (25 students per class) are formed. Instead of a student going to PE class or gym class, they are scheduled into a karate class. It is very important that first year students are kept together and second year students together, etc.

Each instructor (one per school) teaches as many as 6 or 7 classes per day totaling about 150 students. There are also after school practices available for the demonstration team and our returning high school students. Consistency is one of the most important aspects of our program.

5. What happens after a student finishes middle school?

Once a member of the Chuck Norris TEAM moves on to high school, he/she is eligible to continue their training with their Black Belt instructor in an after school program at their middle school. Our goal is to train our students through Black Belt and give them the opportunity to someday teach for the Foundation.

6. Size of classes

We like to keep our classes around 25 students per class maximum and we prefer to teach in a regular classroom. Discipline is extremely important so the structured class is imperative. Having a contained classroom close to a locker room so the students can change into their uniforms is also very important. ( See page on requirements for host school).

7. If I become a KICKSTART Instructor, must I teach Mr. Norris' style of martial arts?

Mr. Norris believes that all martial arts styles are effective if they include a structured curriculum on how to achieve a black belt and they teach the values and attitudes of the martial arts. They major requirements are: 1. The Black Belt that is teaching is a true example of a martial artist and 2. Because of the environment we teach in, we must have the ability to dictate how the martial art is taught. To see more information about employment Black Belt Instructors.

8. How do you train new instructors?

Working as a paid instructor in training is preferred. A period of 4-6 months is usually required for new instructors to learn the procedures of KICKSTART before starting in his/her own school.

9. What I can and cannot do when fundraising for KICKSTART.

We appreciate all fund raising efforts for KICKSTART, but we do ask these guidelines be followed:

• Idea or Effort must first be approved by KICKSTART.

• Pictures of Mr. Norris are NOT allowed on any fund raising materials.

• No reference may be made that Mr. Norris may appear at the event.

• Any advertising or promotional material must be approved by the Foundation BEFORE it is printed.

10. Can Mr. Norris appear or come speak at our school or event?

Because of Mr. Norris' demanding schedule, he does not consider appearing at any event without a $75,000 or more donation to KICKSTART. This is always subject to his erratic filming schedule. Any large donation of $75,000 or more must be deposited in the Foundation's account at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled event.

11. Is KICKSTART planning to go international?

For the present time, Mr. Norris wants to expand this program within the United States of America. Our work has only just begun. Our expansion throughout our country is his first priority.

12. Is there any kind of track record for your program?

Since our inception, we have been tracking our students and doing various surveys including parents, teachers, administrators and students. Several instruments have been used. As an on going project, we have hired an outside consultant to continue with the evaluation of our program. Course grades, conduct and attendance are some of the primary data that is tracked. A summery of the findings is updated on a yearly basis.

13. Is there any cost to the student?

It is Mr. Norris' desire to make this program affordable and available to youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the martial arts. We have charged a minimal fee for the uniform of $15.  With increased equipment and travel costs, we are implementing a yearly fee that will include the cost of the uniform. 

If you have any questions contact KICKSTART.