How Kick Start Martial Arts Turns Today’s Learners into Tomorrow’s Leaders!
These days, there are many misconceptions about martial arts. Whether it’s seen as simply another way to learn self-defense, just another form of exercise or something mainly used on the big screen, there is so much more to martial arts than physical techniques. That’s why Kick Start Martial Arts, East Atlanta’s premium martial arts studio, is committed to dispelling these misconceptions and bringing all of the great benefits of martial arts to life for our next generation.
“I’m running a youth leadership program, just disguised as martial arts,” says Kick Start Martial Arts founder and chief instructor Renard Beaty.
For over a decade, Beaty has helped his students gain critical life skills that shape their future—not just self-defense methods and improved strength but self-discipline, confidence, leadership and teamwork skills. Kick Start Martial Arts students not only gain self-esteem and assertiveness but boost their ability to work well with others and show respect to their peers. These essential skills can be carried through all situations and phases of life to help inform their future decisions and create a brighter future, especially when learned at an early age, as illustrated through Kick Start Martial Arts’ numerous testimonials.
Beaty first fell in love with martial arts after discovering it in high school. He appreciated how it wasn’t “just about fighting” but about gaining self-control and mental awareness. Now a 5th degree black belt, Beaty’s early experience in martial arts schools helped inform the way he would later run Kick Start Martial Arts.
Beaty first started teaching martial arts back in 2008 when his local YMCA asked if he would like to become an instructor. Utilizing his master’s in human resources development and training and extensive background in creating training courses, he started his “Lil’ Ninjas” class for students aged 5-7.
“I wasn’t too serious about creating a business initially until I realized I had something going on, and I left the YMCA and went on my own, starting my brick and mortar nine years ago,” Beaty says.
At Kick Start Martial Arts, Beaty teaches Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean martial arts style.
“It wasn’t just the style [that made me interested in Tang Soo Do], it was the attitude of the master,” Beaty says. “It was very serious. Kids weren’t running around or dressed sloppy; it was structured so I liked that they were serious about what they were doing. And it just happened to be Tang Soo Do. And what’s cool about Tang Soo Do is that most Americans have seen it a lot more than they know.”
Though there may be less name recognition than other martial arts styles, Tang Soo Do has been featured all over American media and in some of the most iconic movies for the past century. It’s been practiced by Chuck Norris and shown in the original Karate Kid movie and even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise!
At Kick Start Martial Arts, children ages five and up learn critical life skills across four key areas of development: physical, emotional, social and intellectual.
With the physical training, students learn the same concepts and skills, but they are taught through different methods depending on their age and skill level. Learners gain skills in eye-hand coordination, bodily awareness, focus and control, all while promoting overall health through stretching and cardio.
“When we focus on emotional development, that’s basically learning to be a professional,” Beaty says. “No matter what you’re feeling—frustration, anxiety, fear, excitement—learn to maintain yourself in a way that you can complete the mission."
When it comes to social development, Beaty says, “We are a highly social school. We bow; we respect each other. I call my kids by their surnames, sir, miss and ma’am—no matter what their age. We don’t tease each other, and we don’t kid around with each other. If someone makes a mistake, we don’t want them to feel weird, so we try to create an environment of positivity, support and respect.”
“The last thing is critical thinking skills. For you, that means problem solving, but for my Lil’ Ninjas (ages 5-7), it means ‘watch us and do what we do’. But either way, learn how to observe, pay attention, analyze information and how they can use this information to better help themselves.”
Kick Start Martial Arts also sets itself apart by emphasizing the importance of and teaching children de-escalation skills other than physical self-defense.
“I want to help my students defend themselves against an attack, but it starts with walking away, de-escalation and talking your way out of it,” Beaty says. “We’re not trying to create bullies; we’re trying to create peacemakers. And only if your back is against the wall and you feel you are in imminent danger or harm, that’s when you use your alternative Tang Soo Do.”
“I don’t want to lead with threats and fear. I would say as long as your child follows those other precepts—walk away, be nice, be humble, talk your way out of it—that’s probably all they’re going to need. But if they do need it, it will be there. I’m a no-nonsense trainer. I don’t care if you’re eight years old or above, you will learn it the correct way so in case you need it one day, you’re conditioned to do it the correct way.”
Beaty is committed to creating the best possible experience for every child and parent who walk through his door. It’s why he gets to know every student and their parent, what they hope to gain from martial arts and what their intention is to ensure that Kick Start Martial Arts is the right fit for everyone. And it’s why he offers a free consultation and assessment to anyone who believes it’s the right fit for their child.
“I want to make sure parents understand what we do,” he says. “This is not something you just do after school. The process to come on board is—as my grandmaster puts it—it’s like private school. I want to know who you are; I want to know you’re a good child. I want to know why you want this from me, and if everything matches up then the last phase is an assessment lesson so the parent can see how we teach and the atmosphere. My goal is not to sign the child up. My goal is to give the parent as much information as I can so they can make a factual decision of why this school is right for them.”
Now is the perfect time to gain these lifelong skills to bring your child a brighter future for years to come! Kick Start Martial Arts offers Lil’ Ninjas classes for children ages 5-7, a youth program for ages 8-13, adult courses for those 14 and up, plus an annual summer camp. No matter your age or current skill level, there is so much enrichment for you and your child to gain through martial arts!
To learn more about signing up for a free consultation and assessment, visit KickStartATL.com or call 404-664-3485!
Kick Start Martial Arts
KickStartATL.com | 404-664-3485 | kickstartatl@gmail.com
1039 Grant Street, SE. A22
Atlanta, GA 30315
