How Martial Arts Changed my Life as a Child
When I first stepped into a martial arts class, I was the kid who’d been picked on too many times…
My mum decided it was time I learned how to defend myself. And while that was the reason I started, it turned out to be only a small part of what I gained.
Little did I know that this experience would completely change the course of my life.
It was fun, engaging, and inspiring!
At first, it was about learning how to block, punch, and kick. But very quickly, it became something much deeper. It gave me confidence I had never felt before. It helped me discover how much fun moving my body could be, and it unlocked a passion for self-improvement that’s still with me today.
I was fortunate to train under a dedicated and inspiring martial arts teacher early on. He didn’t run a kids’ program, but he poured his heart into creating a positive learning environment. His effort set the foundation for everything that came after.
When I eventually had to move away, though, I struggled to find that same sense of belonging. I bounced between styles and dojos, searching for the right fit. It wasn’t until I found a Black Belt Martial Arts (BBMA) dojo as an older teen that I truly saw what was possible.
BBMA’s organised and systematic approach to teaching martial arts opened my eyes to how much more kids - and adults - could get out of training.
It was a world apart from the PCYC and school-hall classes I’d known. Here, the program wasn’t just adapted for children - it was built for them, refined over years with every stage of growth in mind. From playful early steps to the disciplined transition into adult training, it was a clear pathway designed to help students thrive.
At BBMA, I had role models who inspired me, teammates who lifted me up, and teachers who believed in me. And while I first came to martial arts to learn self-defence, I stayed because of the joy, discipline, and sense of belonging it brought into my life.
That’s what I want every child to experience in our dojo - BBMA Hornsby - today.
When parents bring their kids to us, many of them are looking for the same things my mum was -confidence, resilience, and the ability to stand tall. But what they discover goes far beyond that.
Our programs provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where children don’t just grow as martial artists - they grow as people.
Karate is more than just kicks and punches. It’s about building character, learning respect, and finding joy in growth.
For me, it started with being the kid who didn’t want to be bullied anymore. It grew into a lifelong journey of passion and purpose.
And for your child, it could be the start of something just as life-changing.
Joshua Marks
Co-Owner & Head Teacher
Black Belt Martial Arts Hornsby