Their motives are as varied as their ages, the ages of their children and their degree of achievement, but the mothers who train with their children at Martial Arts World of Powhatan are all enthusiastic about the experience.

Monica Chester and her 10-year old son Grayson have trained in the program together for the last three years and recently tested, together, for the coveted black belt.

Five-year-old daughter, Rylee has been in the program for only five months and has already earned her yellow belt.

“Second level yellow belt,” she was quick to point out.

Mother has lost 40 pounds and enjoys the three or four times per week cardio training. Grayson is thrilled with his new black belt, but sees great benefit in getting “physically, morally and mentally fit”

Kim Brady joins 11-year-old daughter Megan and son William on the mats every week. After a year and a half, Kim has reached green belt status, and Megan’s two and a half years have earned her red. William has earned yellow in just six months.

But it is not the belts which Kim Brady finds the most rewarding.

“It does wonders for the kids, teaches them self-respect, discipline and respect for their elders. And this is such a close-knit group of kids who care about each other.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” Megan echoed.

Beth Epstein started in the program just last year, while her son Joshua, 8, has been kicking and chopping for over two years. Joshua is a deputy black belt, the last step before training for full black belt status.

“I’m blessed that he’s been a part of me and although this revolves around him, my goals are to get exercise, get fit and share with my son.”

Joshua is a bit more pragmatic. “Its fun, but I’d give everything to get my black belt, become an instructor and even become a master.”

Andrea Burton and her 7- year-old son, Cole, have both been at Martial Arts World since 2005. Andrea is also on staff at MAW and it is probably not surprising that she holds a first degree black belt. But then again, so does the very young Cole. Burton sees her benefits as being with her family and gaining a great deal of self confidence, plus “I’m honing my skill and it makes me badder,” she grinned. 

Cole has his sights set on being a grand master. Five-year-old Jake Burton is a year and a half into the program and will test for his black belt this year. Three-year-old Hope has just started training.

Casena Garland started with the program in 2005 and is a first degree black belt Training Instructor. Her son Jarad started a year prior and is also a first degree black belt.

“It’s a high stress reliever for me,” Ms. Garland stated. “And has also helped me to build up stamina and rebuild muscles damaged in an automobile accident.”

Jarad agrees that the program helps to relieve stress but also “helps you to become a better person,”

Kim Branch is a relative newcomer to the program. Just five months in and a white belt, she followed her seven-year-old son Henry into the program.

Henry, also a white belt, looked like he was having so much fun that Kim decided to join also. “Plus it was providing structure,” she said. She brought four-year-old daughter, Carter, along with her.

Amy Coward is another newcomer, but she has already earned her white belt. Her six-year-old son, Wesley is already up to blue belt status.

“It’s a healthy thing to do and we can do it together,” said Ms. Coward.

“I just like the whole thing,” Wesley simplified.

Alisha Fonseca joined with her seven-year-old son Rafael just two and a half months back. Both have earned yellow belts.

“Its great discipline for the children and I get to be together with my son,” Alisha Fonesca said.

“I like doing the punches,” Rafael added.

Susan Wallace is the newest recruit, being at MAW only one month. Her son, Connor, a ten-year-old red belt had been with the program for three years along with his 12-year-old sister, Caroline, also a red belt.

“My friends go here and I kind of brought Mom into it,” Connor said.

“And I didn’t realize just how much I would enjoy it,” confessed his mom.

“It really is fun. I have my friends here, I learn new things and we have great instructors,” Caroline added.

Cindy Bratton kind of came in the back door of Martial Arts World. “We won a raffle a year ago and the prize was instruction for the girls at MAW. I watched them for a month and they were having so much fun I had to get into it,” she admitted. “I do it for better health and it’s a positive place to come.”

Her bunch includes 11-year-old green belt Hannah and 10-year-old green belt Laura.

“I like doing it with my sister and mom,” Hannah Bratton said.

“Its fun,” Laura Bratton added.

Amy Long has been in the program for two years and has achieved a blue belt with brown status. She is far from alone in her endeavors. Her three sons, Hunter, 9 Josh, 7, and Austin, 5 have punched and kicked right alongside their mom.

Hunter and Josh both hold blue with brown belts and Austin is a white belt.

“We all started around the same time and it had developed into friendships, great exercise and flexibility,” Mom said.

Hunter agreed. “It’s all about friends.”