Northern Karate Schools Maple

Most athletes don't lose to their opponents, they lose to their own thoughts. In martial arts, this couldn't be more true.

Did you know that the brain goes through a major "pruning" process around age 11? According to Raising Mentally Strong Kids by Daniel G.

In both karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), it's easy to get caught up in outcomes—winning a sparring match or earning a new belt.

In both karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), it's easy to get caught up in outcomes—winning a sparring match or earning a new belt.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world, known for its focus on leverage, technique, and ground control rather than sheer strength.

One of the best parts of martial arts is that you never really "finish." There is no point where you know it all or have perfected every move. Instead, mastery is something you chase forever.

When people think about martial arts, they usually picture punches, kicks, or throwing someone. But the real impact goes far deeper.

Life isn't short on challenges. Sometimes it's a tough day at work, sometimes it's a tough round on the mats. Not every setback is a catastrophe — but how we respond to those moments makes all the difference.

As the school year begins, parents look for activities that support their child's physical health, emotional well-being, and social development. Martial arts, like karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, check all those boxes—and more.

A common question we hear is: "Do I need to be in shape before starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?" The short answer? Absolutely not. You don't need to be fit to start; you get fit by starting.