2018 was an extraordinary year for Kickstart Kids. We celebrated 25 years of character through karate and experienced some amazing moments throughout the year.

We started the year with our annual demo team competitions, Martial Arts Mania and Martial Arts Extravaganza, where students from across the state competed against each other to showcase their creativity and techniques.


We had a bangin’ special guest at our Southeast Texas Martial Arts Mania, Houston rapper, Paul Wall, who showed up to support his son and enjoyed the competition.  

Students then took the next step in their martial arts journey as they ranked up and earned new belts at our Spring Belt Ceremonies. More than 9,000 students advanced in their ranks as they performed for their friends and parents to achieve their year-long goal.  

Our tournament season wrapped up as the school year came to an end. Students competed in the Spring Qualifiers, Regional Championship, and then State Championship. Students showed off their dedication as they advanced to each level of competition in team demonstrations, katas, weapons, and sparring. 


Our Annual Gala may have been the highlight of the year as this 25th Anniversary Celebration raised over record-breaking $1 million to support our students and growth. The event was chaired by Chuck and Gena Norris, Keith and Alice Mosing, and Marshall Bush and Nick Rossi. Honored at the event were Greg and Gail Garland with the Character Award and John and Elizabeth Gibson with the Founders’ Award. The audience was entertained by the Kickstart Kids Legacy Demo Team and special musical guest, Jack Ingram. 


In addition to our record-breaking gala, we hosted interactive online fundraisers that featured live videos from our classroom and a photo campaign featuring our wonderful students from Navasota Junior High. These fundraisers surpassed our previous online fundraisers thanks to the support of our generous donors and many amazing crowdfunding campaigns hosted by our instructors, alumni, and supporters. 



Kickstart Kids students and instructors had the honor of testing for their next black belt ranks in front of Grandmaster and Co-Founder, Chuck Norris. The group of 12 performed in front of Mr. Norris along with Kickstart Kids leadership and special guests to earn their new ranks.  


Kickstart Kids students and instructors participated in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar hosted by David Dunn, Chief Instructor at United Fighting Arts Federation Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (UFAF BJJ). The seminar was held at Navarro Middle School and was attended by approximately 50 students and instructors in the Kickstart Kids program. 


Kickstart Kids held an intimate gathering in North Texas with longtime friends and supporters, Kenny and Lisa Troutt. The event focused on cultivation and growth in North Texas while celebrating 25 years of character through karate.  


And to finish off the year, Kickstart Kids held their annual ‘Kickstart Your Holidays’ event hosted by Kickstart Kids board member and long-time supporters, Keith and Alice Mosing. The festivities helped bring awareness to Kickstart Kids and featured a variety of guests, including Houston Astros owner Jim and Whitney Crane and their son.