Maplewood Karate Celebrates One Year with Family Picnic

Founder of Maplewood Karate Louis Toledo has much to celebrate. The local business showed its appreciation to their students with a family picnic full of music, food and the oft found sense of community in Maplewood. "How appropriate is it to hold a family picnic,  as most of our students are brothers and sisters, children and parents?" asked Toledo rhetorically. "And half of the students are female!"

When asked what he most likes to see develop in his students, Toledo replied that character building is paramount. The school emphasizes volunteerism, as one cannot receive a blue stripe on their belt to move onto the next belt unless some form of community service is performed. "Fostering humility is what makes these kids go on to be active members of the community."

Instructor Joe Barnett claims that getting the students to focus is what drives his passion to teach: "Strong focus translates to real events in their daily lives, and fosters a sense of self-control."

Instructor John Wolski claimed that getting the students to show "heart and effort" is what he most enjoys seeing in his students. "Each child is an individual, and reacts differently to instruction. I can sense if a child is really giving it his/her all, and try to get the most out of each of them."

Parents happily praised Toledo and his program. "Great discipline for the kids" and "pride in their own acheivements" were phrases tossed around by a group of moms and dads relaxing.

Peter, age 9, agreed with his dad that giving back to the community was an important aspect of the program. Emily, 11, enjoyed her first lesson today as she already learned some self-defense strategies, both mental and physical. Devin, 11, when asked what he liked most about the program claimed, "I like everything!"

Author's note: I'm signing up my son.

For more information, visit MaplewoodKarate.org.