Why
karate? Chuck Norris
has personally recognized the outstanding benefits the
disciplines and philosophies associated with the martial arts
can have for children, particularly those who feel there is
no future for them. Commitment to karate and the chance to
earn a place on the Chuck Norris T.E.A.M. (T for truth, E for
esteem, A for attitude, M for motivation) offers these kids
an alternative to drugs and gangs and the tools necessary to
combat the overwhelming drug and gang related peer pressures.
Now they belong to their own positive gang.
The purpose of the
Foundation's prevention program is to help fight the war on
drugs and youth violence in America through a combination of
educational and motivational programs aimed at our youth.
Houston, Texas was
chosen for the pilot program and the Board of Education
approved the KICKSTART program in November of 1991.
Beginning in January of 1992, inner-city middle school
students from the four participating schools (Hamilton, Hogg,
Burbank and Central Middle Schools) began training in the
martial arts as part of their daily curriculum in
school. Since then, KICKSTART has expanded to
(27) twenty-seven Houston area schools, (11) eleven Dallas
area schools. The program is now serving over 6,000
youngsters on a year-round basis.
There is one Black Belt
Karate Instructor assigned to each school and he/she is
considered a member of the faculty working closely with the
other physical education instructors, the counselors,
teachers, and principals on a daily basis. Each school works
with 125-150 students on an annual basis. Summer school
programs are also offered to any interested students who are
part of the program. Every instructor also remains after
regular school hours to work with current students as well as
students who are now in high school but wish to continue
their training.
One of Chuck Norris'
primary goals with this program is to get families back
together, and it is working! At most school district
functions, it is lucky if there is 10% parental attendance.
At every school function involving our program, over
85% of the parents attend.
KICKSTART's work
has just begun and Chuck's dream is to work with youngsters
not just all over Texas, but all over the U.S.
