Champions Kickboxing, Sewell

To transform their students into one of Champions Kickboxing's titular champions, the studio's instructors teach more than just technique; they incorporate discipline, fitness, and fun into classes for students aged 3 and up. They start working with tykes at preschool age, helping them develop their listening and social-interaction skills, along with confidence to prepare them for school. The pre-martial-arts education welcomes students up to age 6, after which point, kids can enroll in the belt program and begin working toward a black belt in kenpo karate. Adults also train toward black belts in karate classes or study the advanced combat art of muay thai, which incorporates striking with the hands, feet, elbows, and knees and is also known as the "science of eight limbs."

To promote a higher level of fitness among their students, the teachers also conduct strength-and-conditioning classes, including Zumba and kickboxing. The addition of streamers, balloons, and confetti transforms the studio into a birthday haven for kids, complete with races, games of dodge ball, and a personalized birthday cake that the special boy or girl can karate-chop into pieces to serve to their friends.