Patricia Frank and her daughter Kaitlyn started training at Mile High Karate in Bear more than eight years ago. Kaitlyn, 11 years old at the time, was involved in Irish dancing and was looking for a new way to keep active. Since Patricia always wanted to learn karate, they figured they’d give it a go.
The two loved the program and received their first- and second-degree black belts, then brought Patricia’s son Christopher in to join the fun.
Now the whole family operates their own franchise here in Middletown, which they opened Oct. 5, 2009.
“I’ve seen what it’s done for my family and I’d like to get other people involved in it because it’s an amazing program,” said Patricia’s husband, Jeffrey Frank, program director of the new Middletown location.
Patricia said the Mile High Karate program provided her and her daughter a fun, bonding activity that allowed them to get out aggression and work together.
“By the time we left, we were always in a good mood,” she said.
Patricia said besides fitness, Mile High Karate puts an emphasis on character development and self-discipline.
“We’re not just punching and kicking,” she said. “We have job lists, book club cards, self-discipline sheets and homework cards. The kids have to fill those out to get red stripes on their belts.”
Patricia said students in the program must achieve a minimum of eight red stripes to obtain their next belt. The karate instructors work with parents and teachers to monitor progress in the students’ behaviors.
“Everything we do here goes home and into the schools,” she said. “If there’s a problem, we can all work it out together.”
Jeffrey said the program also helps enhance students’ self-esteem and incorporates issues on bullying.
“It doesn’t matter how small you are, it’s the confidence factor that bullies may see you lack, and that’s what they go after. They go after kids who are shy and lack self-confidence,” he said. “That’s why we constantly build the students’ self-confidence here.”
Mile High Karate isn’t just for children, though. Adults are encouraged to get involved with their children or on their own at a more advanced level.
“It’s a family-oriented school,” Patricia said. “Even if the mom or dad isn’t taking the classes, they’re in here watching their kids. Parents love it because kids do work around the house to earn their stripes, and they work hard for that.”
Kaitlyn, now 19, said she enjoyed learning the various techniques as a student, and she loves to work with the kids and show them moves they may not have known about.
“I love seeing everyone else learn, and being able to show adults and kids how to do things to defend themselves,” she said. “They’re enjoying it and I’m enjoying it.”
In March, Kaitlyn will begin leading “Mommy and Me” classes for toddlers and their moms. The classes focus on developing the child’s motor and balance skills.
Patricia said she looks forward to bringing in new members and helping families bond with one another and stay fit.
“They can practice together, they can work together, and it gets them in great shape,” she said.
STUDIO INFO
• Mile High Karate, 576 W. Main St., Middletown, offers child, adult and family classes, as well as after-school programs, cardio kickboxing lessons and birthday parties.
• The studio is open Monday through Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Mile High Karate is a franchise with its corporate headquarters in Lakewood, Colo.
• For more information or to sign up for a class, call 302-285-1010.
