Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Family Martial Arts Academy in Gaithersburg, MD
Kicks Karate has been Your Family Martial Arts Academy since 1994, serving Montgomery and Frederick Counties with over 2,000 active students. Founded by Master John Bussard, an 8th Degree Black Belt, we specialize in age-specific martial arts programs that cultivate self-discipline, confidence, and physical fitness. Our certified black belt instructors employ a structured curriculum divided by age and skill level, ensuring personalized instruction in a safe, engaging environment.With flexible scheduling across multiple locations, we emphasize life skills development through our trademarked Life Skills/Safe Skills program and maintain an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio for optimal learning. Recognized as one of the country's premier martial arts schools, we combine traditional Shudokan karate techniques with modern teaching methods to serve families and adults seeking personal growth and self-defense training.
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Kids Karate Programs
Adult Kickboxing
Life Skills Training
Self-Defense Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Certified black belt instructors with advanced martial arts expertise
- Age-specific programs tailored for developmental needs (3-12+ years)
- Maintain an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio for personalized attention
- Flexible class schedules available six days weekly
- Established in 1994 with proven success in confidence-building programs
What people say
Wonderful instructors
Improved self-confidence
Patient and understanding
Great workout
Positive environment
Services
Tiny Tigers Program
Our Tiny Tigers program (ages 3-4) develops foundational skills through engaging martial arts activities. Certified instructors use 'edu-tainment' techniques to improve attention span, motor skills, and social development while reducing separation anxiety. Classes maintain an 8:1 student-teacher ratio with flexible scheduling options across six days weekly.
Little Ninjas Program
Designed for 5-7 year olds, this program enhances focus, listening skills, and physical coordination through structured martial arts training. Classes emphasize non-contact group drills and personalized instruction to develop social skills while maintaining a fun, educational environment with professional supervision.
Children's Martial Arts
For ages 8-12, this program builds mental focus, life skills, and self-confidence through traditional karate techniques. Students progress through a belt ranking system while learning de-escalation strategies and character development through our trademarked Life Skills/Safe Skills curriculum in a clean, professional facility.
Adult Kickboxing
Our adult kickboxing classes combine martial arts techniques with high-intensity workouts for improved fitness and self-defense capabilities. Participants develop physical strength, stress relief, and practical self-defense skills through structured training sessions led by certified black belt instructors in a supportive environment.
Birthday Parties
Kicks Karate hosts themed birthday parties featuring karate games, obstacle courses, and martial arts activities for children. Packages include instructor-led sessions, goody bags, and special recognition for the birthday child as an honorary black belt, providing a unique celebration experience in our professional training facilities.
People
Master John Bussard
Founder & Head Instructor
8th Degree Black Belt with 45+ years martial arts experience, trained under Grandmaster Ki Whang Kim. Holds BS in Kinesiological Sciences from University of Maryland and Harvard Business School leadership certification. Competed internationally, winning 18 Grand Championships and hundreds of trophies.
Questions
Are martial arts classes safe for children?
Yes, our certified black belt instructors maintain strict safety protocols with no greater risk than soccer or dance classes.
How do classes improve self-discipline?
Through structured belt ranking systems, personalized goal setting, and consistent behavioral expectations reinforced during training sessions.
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children starting at age 3 through adult classes, with age-specific curriculum development.
Can martial arts help shy children?
Yes, confidence-building drills and personalized recognition help develop self-esteem in socially anxious students.
Do you offer flexible scheduling?
Classes are available six days weekly with makeup options and schedule suspension for planned absences.
What self-defense techniques are taught?
We teach practical self-defense systems including situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and physical defense techniques.
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